Boston by Nicki Meyer

A few weeks ago, I was in Boston, Massachusetts for a volleyball match. While we were there we went on bus rides through out the city to get to various locations for volleyball functions. As i was riding through the city, I noticed the housing style and the set up of the neighborhoods in Boston. All the houses had a sense of individuality. There were different styles and colors, completely moving away from the cookie cutter style of housing now seen in sprawl neighborhoods. All of the houses had front doors that faced the main roads. Garages were more toward the side of the back, not being exposed to the streets. They were all facing the same direction as a "long wall" down the street which was an example of a traditional neighborhood characteristic. Many doors and windows faced the street, to ensure safety. The housing styles take on many traditional characteristics and stayed resistant to sprawl's new styles.
The yards and open spaces in neighborhoods also reflect the values of a traditional neighborhood. There were several trees and the yards were nicely landscaped throughout the neighborhoods. Lawns were not completely cleared of nature as it is in many newer neighborhoods. There were public parks set up in several areas with places for residents to spend time interacting with each other. This is a major feature of traditional neighborhoods. The neighborhood encourages its residents to spend time outside as well as with each other.
Lastly, there are large sidewalks. Large sidewalks are a very important factor in the amount of people who spend time walking rather than driving. When the sidewalks are bigger, it ensures a sense of safety, keeping people out of the way of moving vehicles. Also, people are able to bicycle rather than use a car. A traditional neighborhood is about walking, neighbors, and safety. The city of Boston has neighborhoods that keep these characteristics present throughout the town.