US city with a live downtown?

2121 Views 20 Replies 21 Participants Last post by LankyLizards, Jun 2, 2007

kmamma

Discussion Starter · Mar 30, 2006

I've just read an article about walking and city life and how Minneapolis (where I am now) is not walk-friendly at all, especially in the downtown area (uptown is OK where we live thankfully) and of course in the suburbs. Our downtown is very embarrassing--there are no green spaces at all, expect a memorial park for cancer survivors with perfectly manicured no-walk lawns. We have a great riverfront on the outskirt of downtown, but there is no connection between it and downtown proper. Minneapolis was put in contrast to Copenhagen, Denmark where lots of streets have been slowly converted into pedestrian-only boulevards, and parking lots haven been torn up to create public plazas. Here everyone drives expect for those with limited resources who are simply forced to use our mass transit or walk. I love walking places and using the bus.
I loved Copenhagen when I visited there because it's full of life, summer and winter, people walk everywhere. This is truly utopia for me. Does this exist in America, and if so where? How's Chicago, San Fransisco, and somewhat smaller cities like?

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

amm0406

· #2 · Mar 31, 2006

I spent my whole life in Minneapolis until August 04 so I know exactly what you mean. What's worse is that downtown is full of cold business people who are on their lunch breaks and fiercely staring at their watches. The wind is always blowing, the traffic is horrible, the one ways suck, and it's laid out crappy.

That said, I miss the heck out of it!

We are in Philly now and I think Philly has a really "walk friendly" downtown. Although they don't call it downtown...they call it Center City... which took me a year just to figure out that that meant downtown. LOL

Anyhoo, there are parks, greenery, Independence Mall where the Liberty Bell and all of that is. Very touristy but the tourists force the city to keep the area clean at least. It's never very cold here like it is back home so there are no skyways but the winter walks aren't that bad. Lots of unique places to eat and shop and you don't need to drive or find parking because the subway takes you all the way to where you need to go and the rest is walkable. Penns Landing isn't far and there are always activities going on there along the river. I like the downtown here a lot better but still miss stinky ol' Minneapolis.

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wendygrace

· #3 · Apr 6, 2006

I've lived in Chicagoland most of my life and although its not like Europe (so says my dh) it is pretty green and public transport is frequently used...but so is cars. Lots of cars...mainly from suburbanites treking to the city for work or fun. But most people who live in the city walk, bus, or take the "el" everywhere. Daley (our mayor) is known for his passion for green spaces and iron fences.

And Chicago is always full of life, although slow life when it gets to be 0 degrees! LOL

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sapphire_chan

· #4 · Apr 6, 2006

As in all things Portland OR is pretty great in that regard. There's a whole section of "park blocks", a Waterfront park (with walking/biking trails), and even a couple of tiny (one very very tiny) parks in the downtown area alone. The blocks are a manageable size even for the lazy and the buses and light rail are free in the downtown area so even if you do get tired, there's an easy out. There is at least one (probably more, but I won't swear to that since it's been awhile since I commuted into the city for high school) bridge that is pedestrian/biker friendly so your explorations can even continue across the river. With real determination you can get almost anywhere in Portland via walking and with moderate determination you can get anywhere in Portland via biking.

mamapixie

· #5 · Apr 27, 2006

Fargo ND is revitalizing the downtown area, and it's making great strides. It's easy to walk up and down the streets, and there's a bunch of great, unique shops in downtown. Not much business.

And the bus system is located downtown, and you can get almost everywhere in Fargo with the buses.

BigYellowAndUgly

· #6 · Apr 27, 2006

It isn't a city, and it is't in the US, but last year, dh and I went to Whistler (Olympics 2010) BC and they have a really super cool way of handling traffic. Most of the village is pedistrian only with some exceptions. Generally, where these intersections occur, there are pedistiran bridges.

Additionally, there are multi-layer underground parking garages. The commercial places (shops, etc.) are on the ground and first floor, with housing (mostly hotels and condos) up above the marketplaces.

It can hold an impressive number of pepople in a small space, and allows for traffic (as in you appriciate having a car but it is very pedistrian-centric.)

Eaglevoice

· #7 · May 8, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan
As in all things Portland OR is pretty great in that regard. There's a whole section of "park blocks", a Waterfront park (with walking/biking trails), and even a couple of tiny (one very very tiny) parks in the downtown area alone. The blocks are a manageable size even for the lazy and the buses and light rail are free in the downtown area so even if you do get tired, there's an easy out. There is at least one (probably more, but I won't swear to that since it's been awhile since I commuted into the city for high school) bridge that is pedestrian/biker friendly so your explorations can even continue across the river. With real determination you can get almost anywhere in Portland via walking and with moderate determination you can get anywhere in Portland via biking.

:

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Lazyhead

· #8 · May 16, 2006

I think if you're looking for a lively downtown in a smaller town it's best to look for a college town. I live near Ann Arbor, Michigan and let me tell you, that downtown is HOPPING!

luckymamato2

· #9 · Jun 16, 2006

Philadelphia, hands-down is the best place for what you're speaking of. It can be pricey, but you're within 2 hours of NYC, 1.5 hours to the beach. Real close to Amish country, Baltimore, DC, and many other places. Plenty of cool AP mamas too.

Cinder

· #10 · Jun 21, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by poitzenlock
I think if you're looking for a lively downtown in a smaller town it's best to look for a college town. I live near Ann Arbor, Michigan and let me tell you, that downtown is HOPPING!

I agree, and there are lots of green areas in Ann Arbor. But, most people still take their cars...they just park somewhere downtown and walk most of the time...public transportation isn't really used by most...my DH does take the bus to and from work everyday, but that's rare.

mfp02

· #11 · Jun 25, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan
As in all things Portland OR is pretty great in that regard. There's a whole section of "park blocks", a Waterfront park (with walking/biking trails), and even a couple of tiny (one very very tiny) parks in the downtown area alone. The blocks are a manageable size even for the lazy and the buses and light rail are free in the downtown area so even if you do get tired, there's an easy out. There is at least one (probably more, but I won't swear to that since it's been awhile since I commuted into the city for high school) bridge that is pedestrian/biker friendly so your explorations can even continue across the river. With real determination you can get almost anywhere in Portland via walking and with moderate determination you can get anywhere in Portland via biking.

What she said!! I know of two bridges that are walker/biker friendly (the only two I cross myself).

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Ilaria

· #12 · Sep 12, 2006

It's a town, not a city, but ITHACA, NY rocks!

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Mizelenius

· #13 · Nov 5, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendygrace

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But most people who live in the city walk, bus, or take the "el" everywhere.

Having grown up in Chicago, I have found the opposite to be true. I know very few people who use the CTA (public transportation) the majority of the time. Most people I know who work downtown take it to work, but it is usually limited to that. With the exception of just a few people, everyone I know in Chicago has a car and uses it on a regular basis.

I personally hate the bus system and don't mind the El . . .but it is almost impossible to stick just to the El (for me). When I was in Tokyo I was in heaven . . .the train system was so well-designed that I could walk (underground, away from the elements) or take a train just about anywhere. Having a car was no problem. Had I not had a car when I lived and worked in Chicago, it would have taken me 2 hours a day to get to work on the CTA. Most people I know without a car have to plan their whole lives around that fact . . .Chicago is so spread out.

As for the OP's question, I think downtown Chicago has been renewed. It was turning into a ghost town but more people live there now. However, I would say that it is geared toward people without young children and for people who tend have a lot of money . . .to me it doesn't seem like what you are describing. Copenhagen sounds amazing!

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SusannahM

· #14 · Nov 14, 2006

Austin has a wonderful downtown! Plus, all the shuttle busses downtown are free. There are little parks and gardens tucked away in several spots. The capital and the university are also right downtown.

LailaCA

· #15 · Jan 6, 2007

San Francisco has a wonderful downtown. There are many shopping areas (union square), the mission, chinatown, north beach, and the wonderful renovated Ferry Plaza Building (organic farmers' market on the weekend and beautiful shops with: artisan bread and chocolate, japanese deli, chinese tea room, The Slanted Door, gelato, caviar shop, wine tasting, a French deli (authentic...even cassoulet to take home), and beautiful views of the harbor as well as ferry rides. The transportation choices(bart, trolleys, and european style street cars) are great...but I still drive a suburban all over the city and have no problems at all!! There are many parks for children to play in.....(wonderful one in mission...golden gate park is fabulous), museums abound, this is a foodie paradise...and many spots for clothes and music. This is a true busy downtown with something for everyone!

Other small cities with great downtowns: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Long Beach, Palm Springs.

San Diego also has a really wonderful and renovated downtown...but I am not familiar with all the details of it.

SF has a far superior downtown to LA...where after five....all the shops close and the street people come out. I have watched drug deals occur while sitting at street lights (LA and CA streets).

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robugmum

· #16 · Apr 17, 2007

Not in the US, but Vancouver BC has a very liveable and lived in downtown. There are 2 very well established residential neighbourhoods right downtown, the West End and Yaletown. Gastown is another area that is becoming more and more residential. Close to downtown (within easy walking or biking distance) are Strathcona, Chinatown, Fairview Slopes, Kits Point and Grandview (my home turf

: ).

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edenluna

· #17 · Apr 17, 2007

no place beats portland, oregon!

ladybugmama

· #18 · Apr 25, 2007

San Luis Obispo, California has a beautiful downtown with a creek running through the middle. Great shops, restaurants, museum, etc downtown and all very close to the beach! Morro Bay (10 min from SLO) has a great downtown, too.

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Pepperdove

· #19 · May 7, 2007

Chicago rocks my worls. When I was 18 I couldn't wait to get out, but now I'm back and don't think I'll ever leave.
TONS of people take the bus and the EL! Lots of people drive, too. There are a LOT of people in Chicago! There is ALWAYS something going on, and the best part is you DON'T have to be downtown to be in a really happening neighborhood. You want hip and fun? Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Halsted Street, Weed Street (at night)... none of these are downtown, but all rock heavily. GREAT food, too... makes it hard to stay slim

Fargo, really? I HATED living there. You could walk there, yeah... like 2 months out of the year! The rest of the time it was sooo cold. I was at Concordia, though, so I really couldn't get to Fargo w/o a car. And coming from Chicago, I had a wee little bit of culture shock...

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SleepyMamaBear

· #20 · May 7, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by edenluna

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no place beats portland, oregon!

yep!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybugmama

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San Luis Obispo, California has a beautiful downtown with a creek running through the middle. Great shops, restaurants, museum, etc downtown and all very close to the beach! Morro Bay (10 min from SLO) has a great downtown, too.

very true i DO love SLO

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan

View Post

As in all things Portland OR is pretty great in that regard. There's a whole section of "park blocks", a Waterfront park (with walking/biking trails), and even a couple of tiny (one very very tiny) parks in the downtown area alone. The blocks are a manageable size even for the lazy and the buses and light rail are free in the downtown area so even if you do get tired, there's an easy out. There is at least one (probably more, but I won't swear to that since it's been awhile since I commuted into the city for high school) bridge that is pedestrian/biker friendly so your explorations can even continue across the river. With real determination you can get almost anywhere in Portland via walking and with moderate determination you can get anywhere in Portland via biking.

Portland baby, ALL the way!!!!!!

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