StreetAdvisor Blog

Vacation suggestions, opinions and advice on StreetAdvisor

Reviews have been flooding in to StreetAdvisor in recent weeks, and included in these reviews are some helpful tips and suggestions for travelers in the holiday season. So whether you're braving the northern hemisphere cold and snow or escaping to the southern hemisphere for some summer sunshine, StreetAdvisor has some recommendations and advice for you.

At Pasadena, California (CityScore 88.20), catofgrey says:

"Pasadena is one of the largest cultural centers of the Los Angeles area. Originally a resort community for East-Coast wealthy on holiday, it is now a major commercial, residential, educational and cultural center, with facilities exceeding all but a few cities west of the Rockies.

Pasadena's heritage shows today in dozens of historical homes, many built by world-famous architects Greene and Greene. The most notable of these is the Gamble House, which is now a museum with tours of the home. The Norton Simon is an international quality art museum.

Most visitors to Pasadena focus on the Downtown area. The Downtown area also has major shopping, and the Pasadena Playhouse and Civic Auditorium are both regional performing art centers.

The New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade (and associated Rose Bowl football game) are an international event, with the 5+ mile parade route lined with an estimate million viewers."

At El Camino Drive, Beverly Hills, California (StreetScore 88.20), irms says:

"A block away from Rodeo Drive and around the corner from everything you need. In the more accessible part of Beverly Hills, the flat part, is where you’ll find El Camino Drive. Lined with quaint single-family homes, it is just a short walk away from 2 Rodeo, the Mecca of high street shopping, and an even shorter walk to the less famous, but just as vibrant South Beverly Blvd. This street is unique as there is affordable boutique shopping just east and glamorous shopping just west. Rodeo Drive on the west and South Beverly drive just east. South Beverly Drive is for the younger crowd with popular hot spots like the Urth Cafe, Pinkberry and Burger 90210."

At W 34th Street, New York, New York (StreetScore 68.00), andiefrancese says:

"34th street is famous for it's role in the film "Miracle on 34th street" but it's far from a miracle in my mind. 34th street is loud, obnoxious and incredibly crowded. Macy's, Penn Station and the Empire State Building, which are all within walking distance of one another, create a triple threat that just seems to breed chaos. The amount of people in the area at any given time pretty much sucks the enjoyability out of the area. As a city dweller myself I don't mind crowds, but this is even too much for me."

At Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois (StreetScore 68.61), belleskids says:

"Wacker drive used for many movies through out history, including the blues brothers, known for being a multi level street and offering great views of the Chicago River. Provides great access to shopping, night life and the many great things Chicago has to offer. It is easy to get turned around and keep in mind the homeless often use lower Wacker as a resting place."

At Wilson Park Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (StreetScore 75.09), Lindian says:

"Wilson Park Road is in eclectic Parkdale, within walking distance of the lake, Roncesvalles Village and Liberty Village. The street is also within a 20 minute streetcar ride of downtown. And a 24 hour streetcar at that. A view of the lake at the bottom of the street is framed by the tree canopy and Victorian houses. Neighbours watch and share the streetscape. Parkdale has always had great community feeling in this most diverse neighbourhood in the city. Long time residents and newcomers feel at home."

At James Street, London, United Kingdom (StreetScore 70.56), lauryn says:

"Perfectly located off the ever popular Oxford Street, and just across the road from Bond Street tube station, James Street is a gorgeous little street that is perfect for lunch or a night out.

Filled with various types of restaurants, James Street is perfect for the local business people to lunch in, or for anyone looking for a great night out and dinner at fabulous restaurants in a convenient and lovely part of London.

It is also a great little retreat for shoppers who have spent the day on Oxford Street. There are loads of attractions close by such as Selfridges and many hotels for travelers.

James Street is delightful and it’s almost as if it should be closed off to traffic and used simply as a grassed area and street filled with food outlets. A visit to James Street is like stepping out of the hustle and bustle of London and into something a little more relaxing and enjoyable on a personal and social level.

Highly recommended for anyone in the area, James Street doesn’t get as busy and overcrowded as Oxford Street so it’s a great getaway if you don’t like crowds but still enjoy good food."

At Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand (StreetScore 88.20), Globetrotter says:

"Cuba Street is officially a registered Historic Area and has many buildings along its length are of historical significance. It is the trendy area of the city, with a real bohemian flavor – art galleries, music stores, craft shops. The centre section of the street has been closed to traffic since 1969 and is now a busy pedestrian mall. The Victoria University’s Te Aro campus is nearby, and the area is a hive of activity at night. Sadly it is also where many of the city’s homeless crash for the evening as well."

At Burralong Court, Burpengary, Queensland, Australia (StreetScore 74.67), deb123gold says:

"This has been a fabulous street to raise a family - a very quiet cul-de-sac with only local traffic. Have always felt 'safe' here. Never heard of any 'break-ins' in this street or vandalism. Kids will love being able to ride their bikes in the street without worrying about traffic passing through (apart from the odd neighbor arriving home!). So close to all shopping, medical and service facilities, also close to lakes, dams, duck ponds and parks.

A great alternative to 'country living' - has a country feel about it. All the houses in this street are on 3/4 acre, so neighbors have a bit of 'personal space' around them. In all the time here there have been only one or two noisy parties. Great street if you have a dog as most people in this street seem to have one! Walking the dog is a good way to get to know your neighbours as the dogs sure want to meet and greet each other!!"

Whatever streets you choose to travel on this holiday season, we hope you have enjoyed the genuine local advice provided by StreetAdvisor community members. And when you return from your own travels, be sure to share your opinions of the exciting paces you visited on StreetAdvisor.com.

StreetView goes live on StreetAdvisor New Zealand

In June 2008 StreetAdvisor added Google's Streetview to our US street and city map views, making it easier and much more fun to browse your favorite places. In August 2008 StreetAdvisor was the first Australian site to add StreetView to its services.

Now Google has added StreetView for New Zealand, and once again StreetAdvisor has incorporated StreetView into its maps. Now you can browse the streets of New Zealand, find your home town or a loved holiday or vacation destination and write reviews and post forum topics about them. Seeing the streets on the screen is a great way to remind yourself of all the stories you could share about places you know.

To start with, look at Quay Street, Auckland (StreetScore 54.00) and browse the map to activate StreetView. We think you'll like what you see. Come and join us in StreetView at StreetAdvisor.co.nz today!

An idyllic life on StreetAdvisor

Every review added to StreetAdvisor is helpful and contributes to the pool of knowledge about a street or city. Sometimes a review is so good or unique in some way that it deserves greater recognition.

This review of Cox Drive, Wagait Beach, Northern Territory (StreetScore 80.67) by lureinn is fantastic, particularly when you see how beautiful the ocean appears there (Wagait Beach is a suburb to the west of Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory in the north of Australia):

"Situated only 11km as the crow flies from Darwin Cox Drive runs parallel to Wagait Beach which is on the western side of the Darwin Harbour. All blocks are approx. 1 acre and the beach front blocks have a reserve parklands in front which tapers down to golden sands.

Our small community hosts about 450 people. Most of the working population and the school children enjoy a 15 minute ferry ride from the Mandorah Jetty to Cullen Bay (a suburb of Darwin) each morning and a very social ferry ride home in the afternoon.

The community runs aerobic classes and bike rides for the adults, social mornings for the seniors or those who work from home and a sports instructor runs training sessions for the youth. Fishing, photography, bushwalks, bike riding, beach walks, bird watching, exploring old WW2 sites are all part of the adventure of living at Wagait Beach."

That's a wonderful review that gives real insight into this community. What would you like to share about where you live? You can write your own review or start a forum topic today at StreetAdvisor.com.au.

StreetAdvisor and Realestate.com.au rollout begins in South Australia

The partnership between StreetAdvisor and and Realestate.com.au to provide street and suburb reviews on Australia’s leading real estate site has begun its rollout in South Australia.

StreetAdvisor’s unique scorecards will be featured throughout realestate.com.au adding a touch of genuine local flavour to property listings.

So how will it look? Here's one example. This listing for Third Avenue Glenelg East features a scorecard that looks like this:

Users can click through to StreetAdvisor to write a review, read further reviews or explore streets with StreetView level mapping. With the initial launch being only for select properties in South Australia, a national rollout is planned for early 2009.

So if you have some local knowledge about real estate, you can now add it to StreetAdvisor knowing that your reviews will help thousands of Australian choose the best place to live.

The best and worst of Western Australia

StreetAdvisor.com.au recently blogged about the latest street reviews for Queensland, Australia, and now we're exploring the other side of the continent: Western Australia. Here's the latest from the west, mainly from the rapidly expanding norther suburbs of Perth.

At Calluna Way, Forrestfield, Western Australia (StreetScore 64.42), kidsndogs says:

"I lived on this street for 15 years and raised 3 children and would still be there now were it not for circumstances. The street is average to above average for the area in terms of visual appeal. There is nothing really very close except the bus which stopped a few doors down to us and the nearest Primary school is at least a 20 minute walk - although the local high school is only 10 minutes walk.

They have recently built a new commercial strip (a few shops) about 10 minutes walk but they don't seem to have much (party shop, hair dresser etc) and no restaurants/cafe or deli. The main shopping area in Forrestfield is a 5 minute drive and all the basics are covered. You need to drive about 15-20 minutes to get a big centre/cinema etc. Many of the residents have been there for years and may never move.

There are some young families but mainly older couples with teens or adult children. The road is occasionally used as a drag strip by hoon drivers but mostly does not get too many cars. Tonkin Highway is very easy to access and the city is only 15-20 minutes drive using the Freeway."

At Geordie Rise, Sorrento, Western Australia (StreetScore 81.72), OneHellOvaView says:

"What more could someone want when choosing a place to live. Huge ocean views over the marina or out to Rottnest, plus surrounded by parks and only a couple of minutes walk to the best beaches Perth has to offer.

There is only one problem! People that live in this street never sell, so trying to buy in this street is virtually impossible."

At Ellendale Drive, Heathridge, Western Australia (StreetScore 39.67), Krispy says:

"Ellendale drive is great if you need to catch a train often, not so great if you like graffiti free walls. Unfortunately being the road that leads down to Edgewater Train Station, this street sees its fair share of vandals. The location of this street is really good, if security could be more alert in the area then I would definitely move back here."

At Feakle Bend, Ridgewood, Western Australia (StreetScore 85.90), rizza says:

"This street is only new to the world but growing fast. It has great parks and people, an amphitheatre across the road and sport goals and oval."

At Ingram Court, South Bunbury, Western Australia (StreetScore 85.41), Hawks says:

"Being a cul-de-sac, little traffic, next to large kids play park, Adam Rd primary school, and Newton Moore Senior High School. Minninup Forum down the road, with Joes Pizza, Chicken Treat, News agency, Fish n Chips, Chinese, hairdressers and Woolworths."

Bunbury used to be a separate town south of Perth, but with rapid growth and urban sprawl it is about to become a southern Perth suburb. From the far north of Ridgewood to the far south in Bunbury, Perth people are talking about their streets and suburbs.

You can contribute too. Post a comment, write your own review or start a forum topic about Western Australia today at StreetAdvisor.com.au.