[tacticalogic]

My own neighborhood, the tree-filled Palisades area of Washington, could be a model. In this older, moderately dense Northwest neighborhood there are single-family houses, duplexes, row houses and apartment buildings. I can comfortably walk or bike to the grocery store and drugstore, several restaurants, numerous convenience stores, a full-service gas station, two banks, three dry cleaners, a Starbuck's, a travel agency, a public elementary school, a federal park and a D.C. park with tennis courts, playground, tot lot and recreation center. Although the nearest subway stop is a bit far, the bus stop is one block away.

The only thing I really care about having within walking distance of my house is the mailbox. I won't mess with yours if you don't mess with mine.

[Lorianne]

Correct, as it should be. Let the market decide.
Unfortunately, zoning laws over the last 50 years have not let the market decide.