Before moving to Hayward, Susan Daluddung, Ph.D. lived in a single family home in Ventura. Although there was a neighborhood shopping center, it was too far to walk, and she had to drive to most places. Now, Susan can see her condominium from her office window. She walks to work, goes to the dentist, hairdresser, grocery shops, and dry cleaners all in the shopping center across the street. “It is amazing to be so close to so many services. Plus, my husband and I can go anywhere in any direction at any time. We have BART (so) I almost never have to use my car.”

As the Director of Community and Economic Development in Hayward, Susan advocates for continuous improvements in her community. To make it even more complete as a downtown, Susan would like to see more new housing, office spaces, fun places to go out at night, and services such as bookstores. “We have to be creative and meet the needs of people for all income levels and a diversity of people.”

For Dr. Daluddung, walkable communities around station areas will soon be mainstream. “The American dream is no longer the same American Dream. People want to do their errands efficiently and they want short commutes in order to have time for more important activities in their lives.” For others, the demand for housing and the costs of transportation make living in transit areas the most economical and popular option. “It’s not just that it’s convenient to live by my office and BART. Finally, I am able to truly walk the talk and live lightly on the land.”