Cities From L.A. to Chicago Rediscover Walkable Living in their Downtown Centers
Traditionally, two things have been key to living in Los Angeles: you need a car to get around town, and plenty of time in your schedule for the commutes. But that is beginning to change in this car-centric city. Angelenos are embracing downtown living and spending less time in their cars.
According to the 2008 demographic study conducted by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, the downtown population grew by 36.9% from 2006 to 2008. In 2008, 63.5% of these residents surveyed lived and worked in the downtown Los Angeles area (up 8.4% from 2006).
What was once not a very livable downtown area has become one of the hippest places to live in Los Angeles. Downtown residents easily walk to pick up groceries, restaurants, and retail stores - all without ever having to drive. This has become just one more motivating factor for why Angelenos, tired of commuting and seeking a higher quality of life, are choosing downtown lofts and condos as their homes. Attorney Shahiedah Shabazz has lived in L.A. less than a year, and both lives and works downtown. Like many transplants, she was initially daunted by the idea of being bound to her car. "I moved here from Boston, which is a very commuter-friendly city. I was intimidated by the idea of spending hours every day in traffic going to and from work. So I decided to live as close to work as possible, and with the help of my real estate broker I found a great condo two blocks from my office."
While Shabazz's urban rhythm of life is common to many city dwellers around the world, being a 'downtowner' in L.A. is still an oddity. "On weekdays, as I walk my dogs in the morning we're often stared at by the people walking from the train or parking structures to their offices. People are still surprised at the 'downtowners.'" She asserts that living on a small scale, and using her feet and the train as transportation, her quality of life is much better. She eats healthy, cost-effective lunches at home instead of at local restaurants, arrives at her office early and unstressed, and has all necessary amenities close at hand.
Painter and loft owner Robert Vargas has been living in a downtown lofts for three years, and conducts most of his business in the area. "There's something about not having to worry about finding parking or remembering where you left your parking ticket, or remembering to feed the meter. When we need to go somewhere we either walk or just get on the train and watch the world go by." Vargas says his car is no longer an extension of himself, but a special occasion vehicle for necessary, longer trips.
A (mostly) car-less lifestyle is beginning to win over the traditional commute in downtown L.A. The trend is also occurring throughout the country. From San Diego to Chicago more and more people are rediscovering the value of their downtown centers and the opportunity to break away from their automobiles.
According to the 2008 demographic study conducted by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, the downtown population grew by 36.9% from 2006 to 2008. In 2008, 63.5% of these residents surveyed lived and worked in the downtown Los Angeles area (up 8.4% from 2006).
What was once not a very livable downtown area has become one of the hippest places to live in Los Angeles. Downtown residents easily walk to pick up groceries, restaurants, and retail stores - all without ever having to drive. This has become just one more motivating factor for why Angelenos, tired of commuting and seeking a higher quality of life, are choosing downtown lofts and condos as their homes. Attorney Shahiedah Shabazz has lived in L.A. less than a year, and both lives and works downtown. Like many transplants, she was initially daunted by the idea of being bound to her car. "I moved here from Boston, which is a very commuter-friendly city. I was intimidated by the idea of spending hours every day in traffic going to and from work. So I decided to live as close to work as possible, and with the help of my real estate broker I found a great condo two blocks from my office."
While Shabazz's urban rhythm of life is common to many city dwellers around the world, being a 'downtowner' in L.A. is still an oddity. "On weekdays, as I walk my dogs in the morning we're often stared at by the people walking from the train or parking structures to their offices. People are still surprised at the 'downtowners.'" She asserts that living on a small scale, and using her feet and the train as transportation, her quality of life is much better. She eats healthy, cost-effective lunches at home instead of at local restaurants, arrives at her office early and unstressed, and has all necessary amenities close at hand.
Painter and loft owner Robert Vargas has been living in a downtown lofts for three years, and conducts most of his business in the area. "There's something about not having to worry about finding parking or remembering where you left your parking ticket, or remembering to feed the meter. When we need to go somewhere we either walk or just get on the train and watch the world go by." Vargas says his car is no longer an extension of himself, but a special occasion vehicle for necessary, longer trips.
A (mostly) car-less lifestyle is beginning to win over the traditional commute in downtown L.A. The trend is also occurring throughout the country. From San Diego to Chicago more and more people are rediscovering the value of their downtown centers and the opportunity to break away from their automobiles.
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