It has been 16 months since I moved to Singapore. One of the unexpected benefits of this move is the loss of a car. It is a joy to live in a town where I can walk to grocery stores, malls, restaurants, and public transportation that will take me nearly everywhere else.
Half a year ago I realized that not having a car was a big part of my happiness here. And that made me think about the US infrastructure that has made people addicted to cars in all but a handful of cities. My Mom in Gallatin, not far from Nashville, TN, recently asked me where I would recommend she live if she wanted to abandon driving.
To be more specific, what cities in the United States meet the following conditions:
- Have a dense living quarter that supports (urban) residences, shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
- Is reasonably safe.
- Has a functional public transportation system.
- Does not get too cold (no ice or snow).
- Is not too expensive (not NYC or SF expensive, I mean).
The only city Mom and I think might meet these conditions is San Diego. Maybe Portland, but I am not sure.
Can you help us find this ideal home for a new stage of my parents’ life?