South Berkeley Lorin District and Berkeleys Walkscore or Berkeley Walkability

I admit, I’ve been a driver my whole adult life and understanding the Lorin Districts and Berkeleys Walkscore was not a part of my life. I like the look of a clean car and I like getting where I’m going. Even living in South Berkeley for the past eight years, I stuck to my car. It was habit. I didn’t care for dealing with the cat calling on the streets, I wanted to have the looks and comfort a nice car can bring, and yeah, I wanted to know I had my ride nearby, just in case of an emergency.

But recently I changed brokers and started working at Century 21 M&M and Associates on University Avenue at the corner of University and Seventh Street. That’s not too far from my home in South Berkeley, and the areas between my neighborhood and my work neighborhood are walkable and interesting. My excuses for not walking were getting thin, and I decided that I was going to take better care of my health and my dog and walk neighborhoods. Yes, even walk to the office.

So I made the choice to walk. While my dog sniffs interesting things on the sidewalk, I have met interesting people in the South Berkeley Lorin District and Berkeleys Walkscore.  It’s so interesting that a lot of people won’t look you in the face as you pass them and seemed shocked when you say good morning.  Yes, I now know the corner street entrepreneurs, at least in passing. Though not a client or supporter of their industry, I’ve found the fellas to be nice people at heart when talking one-on-one—just into a very different lifestyle than me.  I have also met several of our homeless people and some of the police officers that work the area.  Hey, it turns out a lot of cops are working really hard and we should support them every step of the way! I hope they like the fruit basket that I dropped off for them at the main Berkeley police station. And my little girl miniature pincher has still not learned how to be obedient when she notices other dogs, but I’m working with her. She’s not a bad dog, just… misunderstood.

In my walks I have now lost over 37 lbs (!) and have seen some parts of Berkeley from a whole new angle.  Many Berkelians that used to just be part of the scenery as I drove by now have names and interesting stories. I know the lady who gets my cans, and I know that neighbor down the block who weeds nonstop. Don’t be afraid of walking your neighborhood. It does allow you to know what is going on and who is there. You purchased in that neighborhood, or want to purchase in that neighborhood, so go ahead and get out there.  Hey, I’m in great shape now, so when you want to buy someplace and want to really see firsthand the walkability scores I can walk that area myself with you and help you complete your due diligence when you are considering purchasing a house in any neighborhood of Berkeley.

Since so many homebuyers are interested in staying healthy and walking to local events and shops instead of driving, the walkability score is something to start taking into your decision making when purchasing a home and something to know and advertise when selling your home. Below is a chart showing what the walkability score ratings mean and links to find the ratings of streets. My home street’s walkability score is 80—not bad! What’s your street’s walkability score? Write me back and let me know—and get out there and put that score to use for you, and your neighborhood.

To check out your South Berkeley, Lorin District’s and Berkeley's Walkscore or Walkability, just click on the links below.

http://www.walkscore.com/rankings
http://www.walkscore.com/walkable-neighborhoods.shtml
http://www.walkscore.com/how-it-works.shtml