3 ms·

I think I have a weird perspective on this, but here goes.. I keep meaning to write about "why I refuse to move to the valley", and transportation and the nega

by latch 15y ago

I think I have a weird perspective on this, but here goes.. I keep meaning to write about "why I refuse to move to the valley", and transportation and the negative impact it has on housing, is one of them. They are solving a real problem, but if you've lived abroad (or in a few NA cities like NY), you know that it isn't an efficient solution. It also isn't accessible to most. Some of the comments in this thread have, for the first time, made this capitalist associate himself with the 99% movement.

eob 15y ago
I'm not sure why you're getting downvoted. Maybe for the final 99% thing you threw in? I agree 100% with your sentiments about transportation in the West. I get that the weather is great and world-class outdoor activities are only a few hours drive away. ...But your groceries are also a drive away. And your friends. And your job. And your restaurant. I live in Cambridge, MA and walk everywhere: to the lab, to the store, to friend's houses, to eat. For people used to it, walkability of a place is a huge, huge living quality factor.
- ahupp 15y ago
  In San Francisco I can walk, bike, or take the train to most places I care to go. I realize other places (particularly SoCal) aren't like that though.
  - zem 15y ago
    forget socal, just look at the south bay!
- furyg3 15y ago
  I grew up in Fremont, and worked for many years there, as well as in San Jose, SF, Mountain View. Then I moved to Amsterdam. There are many 'quality of life' reasons why I'm here, but probably one of the biggest is that I'm a 10 minute bike from work, 15 minute train ride to an Int'l airport, 2 minute walk to a dozen cafe's & restaurants. Waiting in line at the grocery store takes longer than the walk home. On dates, my wife and I walk to the movies. Walk/Bike-ability is a huge life improvement. I'd wager that it'll have more impact than a nicer car, a personal driver, or a 'private' jet subscription.

by latch 15y ago

eob 15y ago

I'm not sure why you're getting downvoted. Maybe for the final 99% thing you threw in? I agree 100% with your sentiments about transportation in the West. I get that the weather is great and world-class outdoor activities are only a few hours drive away. ...But your groceries are also a drive away. And your friends. And your job. And your restaurant. I live in Cambridge, MA and walk everywhere: to the lab, to the store, to friend's houses, to eat. For people used to it, walkability of a place is a huge, huge living quality factor.

ahupp 15y ago
In San Francisco I can walk, bike, or take the train to most places I care to go. I realize other places (particularly SoCal) aren't like that though.
- zem 15y ago
  forget socal, just look at the south bay!
furyg3 15y ago
I grew up in Fremont, and worked for many years there, as well as in San Jose, SF, Mountain View. Then I moved to Amsterdam. There are many 'quality of life' reasons why I'm here, but probably one of the biggest is that I'm a 10 minute bike from work, 15 minute train ride to an Int'l airport, 2 minute walk to a dozen cafe's & restaurants. Waiting in line at the grocery store takes longer than the walk home. On dates, my wife and I walk to the movies. Walk/Bike-ability is a huge life improvement. I'd wager that it'll have more impact than a nicer car, a personal driver, or a 'private' jet subscription.