A walkable neighborhood

This weekend we had our first cookout of the year - neighbors, friends, lots of kids. And the best part of it all is that we are so well located, everyone can walk here. Living in a walkable neighborhood is not something I will ever be able to give up. I love walking everywhere, and I love sitting on my porch watching people walk by.

I'd like to give you my Top 10 Reasons to Live in a Walkable Neighborhood, based on our 4 years of living in one.

1. We walk to the grocery - we have a great, fully stocked, well priced grocery called Kazmaiers just a block away. We walk there almost daily, which not only saves us gas, but also helps keep us moving in the winter! Since everyone shops there, it's also a social thing. Plus, they have a fab wine selection. :)
2. We walk to church. In fact there are 4 churches within walking distance, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran. I love the church bells and love to sit our our front porch when the lights are on at night. The stained glass windows just light up the night.
3. We walk Downtown to shops, bars and restaurants. We have Stella's, Perrysburgers, Swig, Casa Baron, Meig, Elegant Rags, My Daily Grind, Zingos, Scoots, Rose and Thistle ... so much variety and fun. All of our Downtown is walkable as well, so you really can have a great 'night on the town' and walk home. Perfect!!
4. We walk to Way Library. Our library is first class and we are often there for functions, book signings, voting and more. Opened in 1881, it was the first library in Wood County.
5. We walk to the 577 Foundation. This deserves special mention because it really is a gem in our area. It is a lovely old estate that has been converted into a place where the public can enjoy the beauty of the land and Maumee river. It has numerous gardens, educational seminars and a the best kids garden and play area I have ever seen.
6. It's Historic! Not every walkable neighborhood is Historic, but ours is. With homes (like ours) that are over a century old, you know there is a lot to see, do and explore in a historic walkable neighborhood.
7. We walk to the Maumee River, and our boat! We are sooo lucky to have the river just a block away. Also, since we belong to the Perrysburg Boat Club, in 10 minutes we can be on the water for the Walleye Run in the spring, an early morning ride, tubing, island picnic or pot luck dinners at the club.
8. In the summer we walk to the Farmer's Market. Now, this is one of the best things about a walkable neighborhood - especially ours. Our Farmer's Market is every Thursday and people come from all over the area to buy, sell and socialize.
9. We walk to school. The elementary school in our area is walkable (or bikeable) and so is our Junior High. We also have bus service, but it really makes it nice come Spring when the kids can bike to school, ore when you can walk over to get them after their day is done.
10. We can walk to Mr. Freeze!!! This is just a neighborhood icon. I have to admit that we bike there more than walk, but come March, we are in line all the time. Head there on Opening Day and it feels like home.

Living in a walkable neighborhood is something to be treasured, but it really isn't enough that you can walk AROUND. You really want somewhere to walk TO. When you are looking at neighborhoods, consider where you can go, what you can do and the seasonal activities before you consider a neighborhood "walkable".