Is this Austin?

 "Dear Roselind,

We are looking for a vibrant, artistic and friendly community, with lots of culture, and we are considering Austin.  We have heard nothing but wonderful things.  We are looking to live in a city with public transportation, shopping and cultural events outside our door, and good schools as well.  We love outdoor markets, museums, live music, shopping at stores like Whole Foods and small boutiques.  We love to cook and eat out at small, great restaurants where we can become regulars.  We want to able to walk where we need to go as much as possible.  Can you recommend some neighborhoods where we should start our home search?" 

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I recently received the above note, and have received others like it.  People hear of Austin's laid back style, live music, and excellent quality of life.  And, sometimes I think they imagine that Austin is a more urban style city than it really is.  I understand what this person would like to find, but there are very few locations that even come close to their description.   

I tell them that Austin is a suburban town.  Even our older neighborhoods were developed as suburbs.  Hyde Park and Travis Heights, for example, are suburban in nature.  They are designed for cars to transport passengers in, out, and about the neighborhood.  Strict zoning laws have always kept retail and residential areas apart.  Commercial businesses are concentrated on high traffic streets on the edges of neighborhoods. 

It is odd to see someone actually walking down a busy street and across parking lots to a grocery store.  We assume their car must have broken down.  It is certainly not safe for children.  Let's face it.  Austin is not built for people to take care of everyday business on foot. 

What about public transportation?  It is certainly not widely used.  In fact, it is considered a low income alternative.    

To be sure, the explosion in residential and retail taking place downtown will create an eclectic mix, where people can walk out their doors to restaurants, music venues and stores.  However, the person who wrote me did not want high rise living and could not afford the price of downtown lofts and condos. 

The Site Selection part of the Green Building sourcebook suggests that we build or remodel in older neighborhoods, create small homes on smaller lots, walk or bike to grocery stores, and use public transportation.  Lots of folks would like this, but the architecture of the city and historical precedent does not support it. 

However, because a lot of people want these kinds of alternatives, there is momentum going in that direction.   And, that's a good thing.