Matt Yglesias on his visit to California:
Every trip I ever take to this state is a time to become frustrated anew that the bulk of America’s walkable urbanism exists in the horrible-weather locales of the Northeast or else the even-worse-weather locale of Chicago. Head west to California and the climate is lovely — tons of great places to walk around — but the built environment is inhospitable to such endeavors. It’s a huge shame. If you took Boston and relocated it to somewhere in California, it would possibly be the greatest place on earth. Instead it’s Boston.
Hmmm. That’s been done, hasn’t it? I think they called it San Francisco, and its residents are indeed convinced that it’s the greatest place on earth. Just ask them. And with all the hills, it’s much better for your cardiovascular health, too!
