StreetAdvisor Blog

Exploring California with StreetAdvisor.com

Californian StreetAdvisor community members have been busy gettng out and reviewing lots of streets in their neighborhoods. Here's a snapshot of what is happening in the streets of the major cities in California.

Oakland, California (CityScore 59.05)

Sample street - Oliver Avenue, Oakland, California (StreetScore 75.30) - dcastillo says:

"Oliver Avenue is a hidden gem that is centrally located within Oakland / San Leandro area, yet offers peace and quiet. The homes are well kept and the street has almost no through traffic."

San Francisco, California (CityScore 63.44)

Sample street - Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco, California (StreetScore 90.65) - wizkid310 says:

"Arguello Street in the Richmond District of San Francisco is another busy street during rush hours. On the street there is Roosevelt Middle School that is one of the top public middle schools in San Francisco. The blocks of Arguello are longer than you average San Francisco street. Cars drive on this street all day and night and the # 33 bus line runs on it."

Bakersfield, California (CityScore 57.38)

Sample street - 19th Street, Bakersfield, California (StreetScore 72.00) - heylovie says:

"19th street is home to the most up and coming area of downtown Bakersfield. It's a great mix of old neighborhood with wonderful gems downtown. There's the Stars Theater Restaurant, the new 1612 City Lofts project, the Downtown First Friday highlighting local artists, and numerous art galleries.

The 1612 City Lofts project is the first mixed-use development in the downtown revitalization projects and looks like a winner. The intersection of 19th and Eye has recently finished reconstruction and looks wonderful. It's the epicenter of the Downtown First Fridays which are the best way to enjoy the night life downtown with the family and friends."

Fresno, California (CityScore 63.75)

Sample street - E Olive Avenue, Fresno, California (StreetScore 70.56) - lrmoore2 says:

"This street is definitely in my Top 5 favorite Streets of Fresno, mainly due to the Tower District. There's a lot to do on Olive, including eating at the best deli in Fresno, visiting the Tower Theater which is a Fresno landmark, or just walking around the downtown area and taking in all of the pleasant sights and smells. There's something for everyone. The only thing is that there are a lot of homeless people on this street though, which is not my favorite, but its something I'm willing to deal with in order to experience this street!"

San Diego, California (CityScore 64.27)

Sample street - Pacifica Drive, San Diego, California (StreetScore 77.36) - MCM says:

"Steeply pitched street on the south face of San Diego's famous Mt. Soledad. Located within the North Pacific Beach (local say PB) district. Stellar view of mission bay! Some I-5 freeway noise when winds die down. Very central, but traffic entering freeway is frustrating during typical commute hours. Strong police presence on Grand and Garnett is probably a result of the bustling college partying in downtown PB, which is the area's greatest liability; unless of course you happen to be between 19-25 y/o."

Long Beach, California (CityScore 55.79)

Sample street - E Mendez Street, Long Beach, California (StreetScore 73.14) - TJ031965 says:

"Nice area. Great mix of people and quiet area in the evening. Safe for late night strolls. Close to freeways and PCH so you can be in Los Angels or the OC in 30 minutes or less. Also LB airport is 5 minutes away."

Sacramento, California (CityScore 64.49)

Sample street - Windbridge Drive, Sacramento, California  (StreetScore 66.59) - AmandaC says:

"We lived right off of Windbridge, and we loved this area. The street is usually quiet and home to many families of different stages. There are several parks and schools in the area, and a nice shopping center with all of the basic stores, including one hole in the wall Mexican restaurant that was my absolute favorite. There are lots of houses for rent and several apartment complexes, so there is a rather high turnover, but it is still a safe neighborhood. Windbridge is also where the 4th of July parade takes place, which is a great community event."

As you can see, there's a lot happening in California. What's happening in your neighborhood? Write a street or city review or post a forum topic at StreetAdvisor.com today to share your news with your neighbors.

The best and worst of Queensland

StreetAdvisor.com.au has been recieving plenty of reviews in Queensland recently that provide a real view into different communities.

At Cupania Court, Annandale, Queensland (StreetScore 75.30), happycamper says:

"Cupania Court is quiet and leafy and wide compared to a streets in the newer areas of Annandale. It has very little traffic as it is a cul-de-sac.

Most of the residents are long term and enjoy the benefits of being close to important facilities without having to live on a busy street.

It is one of those streets that children can still learn to ride a bike or kick a ball in the street. They can also safely walk the 500m to the school gate."

Note: Annandale is a suburb of Townsville.

At Benbek Circuit, Sunnybank Hills, Queensland (StreetScore 24.26), MaryM says:

"Packed with irresponsible tenants, completely trashed the place. Full of shitboxes parking on the street. PLACE TO AVOID! "

Note: Sunnybank Hills is an outer southern suburb of Brisbane.

At Dunkirk Street, Gaythorne, Queensland (StreetScore 34.93), sjhm says the street is:

"surrounded by housing commission places which is a major problem, constant partying and very violent fights that spill out onto the street. Have been robbed numerous times and have had 2 people stabbed in our front yard, it is a nightmare area!"

Note: Gaythorne is a northern suburb of Brisbane.

At Explorers Way, Bargara, Queensland (StreetScore 81.16), dora1980 says:

"This is a street where you know your neighbours name. Very family friendly. Short walks to the beach or a short drive to Bargara CBD."

Note: Bargara is a suburb of Bundaberg.

At Winifred Street, Clayfield, Queensland (StreetScore 59.96), Karl says:

"Like most streets in Northside Brisbane, Winifred Street does get it's share of "rat-runners" but as so much is within easy reach this small issue can be forgiven. Being very close to both Eagle Junction State School and Clayfield College we do also get quite a few people parking outside our houses, particularly teachers parking 8 hours each weekday and parents parking each morning & afternoon. Occasionally these people can be a little unthinking about how/where they park which has led to the occasional kerbside altercation. Apart from that no problems really."

Note: Clayfield is an inner northern suburb of Brisbane.

That's the good, the bad and the ugly about Queensland. Do you agree or disagree with these reviews? Post a comment, write your own review or start a forum topic about Queensland today at StreetAdvisor.com.au.

Eating garbage, collapsing houses and other tough tales from the streets

Some of the street reviews posted on StreetAdvisor.com recently paint a grim picture of life. Houses are collapsing and sliding down hills and people seem to be eating garbage and rebelling against suburban conformity. Life is tough out there on the streets!

Photo by Aaron G Stock - Creative Commons license

At Lyell Avenue, Rochester, New York (StreetScore 53.58), wanda01 says:

"I wouldn't want to live on Lyell Ave. This area is a very bad section of the city. There is a lot of crime and drug activity in this area. There is even a strip club or two on this road. One thing that is good is the Garbage plates" that are made on Lyell. If you're not from Rochester your probably wonder what is a garbage plate. I know it sounds awful but really does taste good. You get a burger with macaroni salad, chili cheese fries and sauce piled on one plate. You eat this mixture but it actually really good. Rochester is famous for them. You can get them at almost every restaurant."

Photo by Knile - Creative Commons license

At Swainland Road, Oakland, California (StreetScore 28.52), Swainland says:

"I used to live on the 6200 block of Swainland. As a general matter the street is lacking in city services and the infrastructure is crumbling, all thanks to the city of Oakland's budget problems. More important, though, is the fact that homes have been built on this hillside without adequate planning. The streets are about a car and a half wide and there is virtually no way to get by when people park on the streets (which is often). The storm drains are always clogged and there are mass problems with drainage.

We had flooding on our lot every winter and it got worse with each year, as more homes were built upslope. The city engineer even admitted that the hillside was unstable and floods and landslides would be common on Swainland in the near future, but since it was all private property it was up to the landowners to fix these problems.

So after the last nearly catastrophic flood in 2003, we sold the house and moved. Be warned, Swainland is a street that has serious problems with floods and slope instability, in addition to the well known fire problems."

At NW 57th Court, Pompano Beach, Florida (StreetScore 17.64), sirrufuswilkins says:

"I really can’t blame the street for this. Maybe it’s the fault of the state. Maybe the conspiracy to make this place a hellhole goes all the way to the top. Whoever’s to blame, this entire city is a suburban hell of cardboard cutouts and Tetris piece housing. Don’t move here."

What local phenomenon would you warn prospective new neighbors about? Share your news on StreetAdvisor.com - write a review or post a forum topic today.

What's the best city in Texas? StreetAdvisor has the answer!

In our last post we explored the best and worst places in Florida. Now it's time to rank the cities in Texas.

1 El Paso, Texas (CityScore 79.00)

Sample street - Sparrow Drive, El Paso, Texas (StreetScore 88.20) - bobalina says:

"Sparrow street is a very quiet and small street located in the Lower Valley part of town. It is only one block long, but the small size makes the street feel like a very nice community. A couple of blocks up the road you will find Ascarate Elementary School, which is good news to any families interested in moving into the area. There is also a shopping plaza located nearby where people can purchase food, clothes, baked goods, as well as a couple of restaurants. It is the perfect street for anyone who wants to move into an understated neighborhood without too much flash."

2 Fort Worth, Texas (CityScore 70.70)

Sample street - W Berry Street, Fort Worth, Texas (StreetScore 88.20) - AngelKarma says:

"West Berry Street is a wonderful place to visit. My high school is located here among the numerous fast food restaurants. TCU is also just off the street with many college related stores nearby. The city has been fixing up the road near the campus for some time now. It used to be just concrete and cracks. Now it's paved with beautiful red bricks in nice patterns and grassy areas in the medians. A pleasant site!"

3 Austin, Texas (CityScore 69.13)

Sample street - S 1st Street, Austin, Texas (StreetScore 81.59) - dporgie says:

"South First Street in Austin has a quainter feel than the touristy South Congress and the busy South Lamar. Located between the two behemoths, South First seems to focus more on relaxation. There's a Torchy's Taco trailer sitting alongside a creek and lots of small businesses where you can get that nice personal touch that is missing from the big chains."

4 San Antonio, Texas (CityScore 68.03)

Sample street - Bushbuck Cross, San Antonio, Texas (StreetScore 89.43) - kaiserhat  says:

"Bushbuck Cross is a tiny little street in a residential area in the city of San Antonio. It is a great place to live and raise kids. The houses are fairly priced and, for the most part, relatively new. It is part of the Mesa Grande Subdivision, which has a community pool and clubhouse."

5 Dallas, Texas (CityScore 61.98)

Sample street - Marsh Lane, Dallas, Texas (StreetScore 88.20) - Solopoet says:

"Marsh Creek was the second place we moved to after relocating to Dallas. This street was really nice, with about four complexes surrounded by a network of creeks this place had a really serene beauty to it. Every body would meet at the park in the middle of the complex and just enjoy natures wonders. There was a basketball court, swimming pools, picnic tables and bbq grills, plus the folks were super friendly and don't forget that gorgeous creek, man I would sit there for hours on end just watching the little fish swim by, so if you're ever in the north Dallas area on Marsh Lane take a detour to the creek it will be well worth it."

6 Houston, Texas (CityScore 58.83)

Sample street - Sewanee Street, Houston, Texas (StreetScore 90.65) - CB4Real says:

"Usually, you have to find a neighborhood that is good for singles if you are single. If you have a family, that single friendly neighborhood is generally not as appealing. Very rarely do you have a neighborhood that is appealing to both singles and those with families. This is one of those rare streets. If you have kids, you are automatically one of the 'group'. If you are single, it may take you a bit more time for everyone to get to know you, just for the simple fact that you don't have a kid as an 'ice breaker'. Overall, this street is good for anyone who has a family, or is still enjoying the single life."

So that's a taste of the city rankings for Texas. How does your street rate in your city? How does your city rate in your state? Search for it in StreetAdvisor.com and find out, then share your own opinion.