As someone who lived in "suburbia" all his life, except for some time spent in the far 'boonies', I have to say that, a GOOD dense neighborhood - where I can walk to pick up groceries, drycleaning, restuarants, esasy commute to work, etc - is a type of living that I much prefer over the typical "get in the car to do anything" life.
(Of course, it might be different if I owned some fabulous house in the boonies, but as a NON-house owner, it is preferable!
)Why the tool is great is, not just because of the score itself - which is an approximation, and as such, can be wrong. Example - where I last lived in San Francisco has a score of 88. But where I currently live has a score of 82. However, because I previously lived on one of Frisco's most steep hills - in the russian hill/nob hill area - it actually could be quite a pain to walk. (I still did it, most times very enjoyable, but it could be a pain.)
(In addition, where I live now though, is flatter (not flat), and as well is right along a main line of 4 SF buses and quick access to the underground. Previously, I was four blocks to a bus, rather than 30 steps, and then taking those buses took me through a very dense traffic area, so it almost took as long to bus as to walk.)
For anyone moving however, this tool is amazing. On the side layout, you see all types of things to do - groceries, bars, exercise, schools, libraries, etc - and how far your address (or the address you are contemplating) is from those structures/businesses.
This is what makes the tool so useful, for those thinking of moving.
But remember the caveats, as I pointed out earlier - no references to crime, or poverty, the quality of the neighborhood, or just how close you are to alternative transportation options.
This is what makes the tool
