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It would really be interesting to see the amount spent on fuel -- as a proxy for driving -- in the summer vs the fall/spring. While everyone on here advocating

It would really be interesting to see the amount spent on fuel -- as a proxy for driving -- in the summer vs the fall/spring. While everyone on here advocating for fewer cars and more alternatives (walking, biking, public transportation) is correct for all the usual reasons (environment), there are several issues that make it harder in Houston: 1. The heat in the summer 2. There isn't mixed use housing. Walking by restaurants and cafes and people in NYC is a pleasant experience. Walking over sidewalks in the heat without a person in site is not as pleasant. I think if they start more mix use housing (several brave souls try every year), and as they become successful, we will see more walking in the good seasons. I know, it feels like we don't have that kind of time, but hopefully we can plant more trees in the meantime to slow it all down.

xseparator 7y ago
Native Houstonian turned New Yorker (25 years!) here. I often say to my Houston family and friends that while it may be hotter in Houston, we New Yorkers deal with the summer heat way more than they do. They go from their air conditioned houses to their air conditioned cars to their air conditioned destinations. We New Yorkers are out in it all day...we walk a hell of a lot more, and stand around in the ovens otherwise known as subway stations. And there are just way more spaces that simply lack A/C in NYC. Yes we do have smaller living spaces, but I will say that my household electricity usage is about 50% less than most of my Houston cohorts, especially in the summertime.