Deterioration of Local Community a Major Driver of Loss of Play-Based Childhood

Re:Deterioration of Local Community a Major Driver of Loss o... by kstenerud on Tuesday June 11, 2024 @02:07AM (#40642996)

Yup, in every European or Japanese town or city I've lived in (with the exception of one very small and isolated town), I never bothered getting a car. Everything was close enough to walk to (usually 2-5 minutes walk), and for things that were too far, I'd take the tram or train.

I've also lived in a few American cities, and it's a completely different experience. Even from downtown Philly it was inconvenient to get anywhere without a car.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Deterioration of Local Community a Major Driver of Loss o... by thayne on Tuesday June 11, 2024 @03:36AM (#40643592)

There's a big difference between "Everything was close enough to walk to" and the schools is close enough to walk to.

In my experience, if you live in a suburb you do usually have to drive to get to things like stores, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. But what is close are schools and playgrounds. In the suburb I currently live, all three levels of schools and over half a dozen playgrounds are within walking distance.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Deterioration of Local Community a Major Driver of Loss o... by nottorp on Tuesday June 11, 2024 @07:00AM (#40644789)

Funny enough, I drove my kid to school for 8 years in Eastern Europe. But that's because she wanted that school that was far away.

On the other hand, if i need groceries I just take a backpack and walk 5-10 minutes to one of the 5 different stores. I can even afford to be picky and get my butter from one, bread from the other etc :)

[ Parent | on HN ]