Georgia Tech with Many Traditional Characteristics

After living on campus for more than four months now and getting to know it I have noticed that it contains several characteristics reflecting those of a traditional neighborhood. Some of these characteristics never really stuck out or mattered to me until I read "Suburban Nation". Georgia Tech's campus is set up as a traditional community which makes living on it very peaceful and safe. It includes a shopping center, large sidewalks, and public transportation.

First, Tech Square is has many businesses that are different from each other. It has everything from restaurants, a book store, Starbucks, a phone store, and a nail salon. Not far from there is a Publix. It is within walking distance of anywhere on campus. It is a nice place to spend time with friends or family, or even a nice, relaxing place to be alone. All the businesses are connected together with multiple levels. According to "Suburban Nation", these are all characteristics of a traditional neighborhood.

Georgia Tech is extremely pedestrian friendly. The sidewalks are very large, so people are encouraged to walk. Walkability is valued on campus because everything is relatively close and there are very few places for parking personal vehicles. Bike riding is also a popular method used on campus that is reinforced by the large sidewalks and because it is easier to park a bike than it is to park a car. Also, there is a barrier provided by all of the parallel parked cars which makes pedestrians feel safer, as stated in "Suburban Nation". Because the streets are so narrow, and sidewalks are so wide, many people chose to walk or ride a bike as opposed to driving their own car.

Public transportation is an option on campus that many people take advantage of. The stinger, stingerette, and the tech trolley are all options that thousands of students use everyday. This is very environmental friendly because it saves other people from having to take their own vehicles around campus. Because of these options of transportations, many students do not even own cars. It is a huge characteristic of a traditional community and is used at the maximum amount everyday.

There are many characteristics that Georgia Tech's campus has that reflect those of a traditional neighborhood. Shopping centers, walkability, and public transportation all contribute to this style of community.