Top 5 Walkable Places in CT

Despite the best efforts of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and most local planning and zoning commissions there are, in fact, quite a few walkable areas in Connecticut's towns and cities. Steeped in rich history going back long before the auto age, many places in this state retain a charming character that can only be achieved when places are built on a walkable, human scale. Here are my picks for the top five walkable places in Connecticut's towns and cites.


5. Orange Street, New Haven

Orange Street was the first street in the Elm City to be striped with a bike lane. Residents in this part of the city take their streets very seriously and on any given weekend be seen walking, jogging, and biking in record numbers. Add in the on-street parking, slow automobile speeds, and wonderful architecture, and you've got a grade A street. Be sure to check out the Italian markets while you're there!







4. Church Street, Guilford

Church Street in Guilford connects Route 1 to Guilford's town green. Its beautiful old houses press up close to the sidewalks, and the street itself is narrow with relatively few cars on it. Best of all, there are actually things worth walking to! One of these is the coffee shop, Cafe Grounded, a great little cafe with outdoor seating. Further down, you hit the Guilford town green, where you can find an array of shops including a small grocery store, and the Broken Spoke bike shop. Church Street in Guilford reminds you about what's great about living in New England.





3. Essex Village, Essex

Essex village is a remarkably well-preserved old New England ship-building town. Because it was built at time when walking was not a form, but rather, the form of transportation, Essex Village is pedestrian friendly without even trying to be. It's a great place to spend a day or weekend walking around just enjoying the sights. There are restaurants, interesting independent shops, cool little pocket parks, and of course a great view of the water.





2. Atlantic Street, Stamford

In a city where most downtown streets are wide enough to double as landing strips and pedestrians are usually people walking from the parking garage to their jobs in banking and finance, Atlantic Street is the rare exception. It is a relatively narrow, tree-lined street, and is characterized by buildings that complement and enhance its charm. The on-street parking buffers the pedestrian from automobile traffic and the trees provide a sense of enclosure and security. The store fronts come right out onto the street, inviting the pedestrian to take a peek inside. The streets are studded with sculpture, including some oddly realistic human figures, from Stamford's yearly summer exhibitions. Altantic Street gives us hope that Stamford, Connecticut's fastest growing city, knows a good thing when it sees it, and will work to create more great streets as it continues to develop and transition from an overgrown suburb to a real, and livable, city.



1. Chapel Street, New Haven

It should come as no surprise the Chapel Street in downtown New Haven snagged the top spot. New Haven's city plan department really nailed it when they implemented an arrary of pedestrian improvements on this street. They narrowed the automobile lanes, added bump-outs to shorten crossing distances, and widened the sidewalks to provide space for outdoor seating and open-air retailers. Additional streetscape amenities such as old-fashioned street lights and brick pavers really make Chapel a great street in anyone's book. On any given day, Chapel Street is crowded with locals, students, and out of towners, all enjoying the finest public space in the city. Where else can you find great bookstores, coffee shops, and museusms all within a few easily walkable blocks from each other?


These are my picks, but i'm sure there are many other great "walkable" streets in this state. Send in your favorite streets, with photos preferably, and I'll add them to the list!

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