I love my city block. As neighbors we all know each other and look out for one another. We walk each others’ dogs, sweep each others’ sidewalks and have fabulous block parties. I love keeping my door open and having neighbors poke their heads in to say hello. I love breaking out my daughter’s bubble machine and watching all the kids in the neighborhood come to pop bubbles.

We have a Community Garden on our block and non-gardeners from the neighborhood bring their kitchen scraps to compost there. I often share surplus produce or sauce I make from garden tomatoes with my neighbors. If I ever need anything (duct tape, food containers, tools, etc.) I can usually find someone in the neighborhood who will let me borrow it.

I love that my neighborhood is not homogeneous, my kid will grow up being around all kinds of people. The people in my neighborhood don’t feel the need to hide who they are in order to get along, even the Republicans.

Our daughter walking in our community garden

Big Cities are Awesome!

Tracy L

Philadelphia, PA

To start, my big-city values include multiculturalism, public transportation, block parties, community gardens, neighborhoods, and so much more.

I love taking my daughter on public transportation, knowing that there will be all different types of people all doing the same thing – going somewhere.

I love that we know every person on our block. That we throw spontaneous block parties with ping pong in the street and Rock Band projected on the wall of a neighbors house.

I love that yesterday we rode our bikes to visit the Philadelphia Magic Garden and the Green Festival, all in our community. I love that these things are important to Philadelphia and people have organized to make them exist.

Mia L
Philadelphia, PA