We have a streetcar running in our neighborhood, which was controversial when it was installed. However, in the few years since it's been installed, ridership has grown significantly as has the neighborhood. Developers have responded to the streetcar investment Seattle made in this long-neglected area and the neighborhood surrounding the streetcar is the fastest growing part of the city. Like Portland's streetcar did, Seattle's streetcar has been a catalyst for the development of a good urban neighborhood.
Fort Worth has also neglected areas near its downtown and a streetcar there would have sparked private development toward creating a significant urban center city area - the studies so far had predicted millions of dollars in growth. However, Fort Worth's city council decided to stop the studies and abandon the streetcar project. Stopping the streetcar study points to a lack of vision on behalf of Fort Worth's leaders and established interests.
There has been some resistance in Seattle to the investments in Seattle's urban areas and public transportation, but Seattle has been successful at creating urban areas that people want to live in. Fort Worth hasn't and apparently doesn't care to. Consequently, the town of Fort Worth will see more people like myself who prefer walkable urban areas over drivable suburban areas leaving for cities like Seattle.
Posts
6 comments:
I guess it's good that I'll probably never live in Fort Worth again.
and there on the other side you have Dallas with the largest light rail in the nation. It doesn't make sense.
Dallas' light rail system is impressive. Unfortunately it only takes you to places that you need a car to enjoy. Better than nothing, though. And Dallas does have a streetcar too.
What a great blog! I actually just launched a similar blog you might find interesting: www.movetoseattleblog.com. I'm a realtor, so it's geared toward that, but I look forward to following your posts and sharing info with each other!
Hi guys! I just found your blog while looking up resources on Seattle and moving there. I'm finding it very useful! My wife and I are also from Fort Worth, and considering moving there... I'm a little hesitant, being that I'm worried I'll miss the Latin flavor of North and South Texas (I'm originally from San Antonio)... Did you guys feel any sort of culture shock when you moved there?
Interesting question. I don't think we post about the culture shock all that much, but there are differences.
There is definitely a lack of Latin flavor in mainstream culture, although as with most cities there are areas with more Latin American influence than others.
In comparison to Texas, the mainstream culture here tends to have more European influence and people tend to be more low-key and socially progressive than in Texas.
Maybe you could visit Seattle before you move to get a better feel for how you'd like it.
Post a Comment