Pasadena Proves “Nobody Walks” Axiom Wrong

A citywide evaluation of ‘walkability’ will be conducted Saturday in Pasadena, reports the Star-News. Just how does one go about define ‘walkability’ apart from the obvious benchmarks of walkway width, traffic/street light functionality, and general safety?

Project consultant Deborah Murphy promises the project will cover a broad focus: “We’re looking for the good, the bad and the ugly”.

Teams will report on the sights, sounds, and even odors encountered on their paths- noting any “unpleasant smells”. You gotta dig the thoroughness. Already an imminently walkable city, this project demonstrates Pasadena’s push of a conscious lifestyle shift encouraged upon its citizens:

“Pasadena has some wonderful pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods right now, and we want to build on that and make the entire downtown an enticing place for people on foot,” said Carla Walecka, Downtown Pasadena Walkabout chairwoman and a Playhouse District board member. “We want people to do their shopping, get to their jobs, have lunch or dinner, entertain themselves, all on foot.”

I’ve done some probing of my own of Pasadena’s recent listings, and herewith I give you: The Pricey, The Small, and The Concrete.

The Pricey:
620 W California BLVD is in the upscale southwest part of town and you know it by its asking of $1,295,000. For a 3/2, 1,339 square-footer, this works out to $967 per.

Bush’s refund won’t even buy you one precious square foot here.

The Small:
As a frequent visitor to this area, everything 85 N Madison AVE #22 claims about its environs are true. 210 freeway close, walking distance to City Hall, Paseo, Old Town. The most distinct truism? “Practice the art of living in small places!”

At 439 SQ.FT., you’re going to have to.

The Concrete:
840 E Green ST #111 lists its property style as “Modern”– and if you need be convinced, one look at the liberal concrete wall and ceiling slathering prominently displayed throughout this 1/1 loft ought to do it. At least you can get some respite in the flooring, right? Not so fast! Stained concrete.

An aggregate lover’s paradise, no doubt.