The Front Porch – A Treatise on Porches and Sidewalks
The front porch is more than just a place to sit.
When we first moved to Winston Salem, we rented a house two blocks from here. We wanted to explore the city for a year or two, learn the neighborhoods, test the commutes, before we decided on where to buy a home. Two blocks makes a lot of difference.
Understand that two blocks from here is perfectly nice. The houses are well kept, the yards are neat, the people are nice. But that neighborhood was built in (I’m guessing) the 60’s or 70’s and ours was built in the 20’s and 30’s. And the difference… Well, okay, there are a lot of differences. For one thing, they have closets; we don’t. Ours our framed with TIMBER; theirs are framed with 2×4s. Lots of differences. But the biggest by far is that our neighborhood has sidewalks and porches. And it is absolutely amazing what a difference that makes in a neighborhood. At the end of a year in that house, we knew (just barely) the people on either side of us. After 6 months in this house, we knew almost everyone on the block.
Here’s how it works: You sit on the porch. The neighbors walk by. You say hello. After doing this about 3 times, people feel like they know you well enough to strike up a conversation. And since everyone in this neighborhood walks whenever the weather is at all nice, it doesn’t take long to get to know people. A few people walked in the old neighborhood, but not many. And somehow walking in the street, where you really don’t totally feel like you belong, isn’t the same as walking on a sidewalk. The sidewalk was made for walking. The street was made for …. cars. And if you’re gardening, it doesn’t even take three times.
And when the neighbors who have become friends walk by, you invite them up to sit on the porch. You bring out the sweet tea or mint juleps. No one needs to call, no one worries about whether you’re busy. They can see you’re not busy.
I believe that crime is lower when a neighborhood has sidewalks and porches. I believe that mental health is better when a neighborhood has sidewalks and porches. Life is better with sidewalks and porches.
So why don’t all neighborhoods have sidewalks and porches? Mostly it’s cost. A porch is a room, missing 3 walls. But it has most of the costs of a room. A floor, a ceiling, wiring (lights, sometimes ceiling fans). It’s an extra expense for an already expensive undertaking. And sidewalks add to the expense and take away grass.
Another factor is, I believe, misguided thinking. I have heard some folks object to sidewalks because they bring strangers (and therefore undesirables) to the neighborhood. There is, of course, a grain of truth in that, but the benefits Far and Away outweigh the negatives. What do you think?
Filed under: Our Garden, Planning a Garden, Urban Gardening
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That was an interesting take. Our veranda is behind the garden wall. We prefer to relax without droppers in. Like you, we rented first. That had a porch opening straight onto the street, which is NOT an invitation to sit there. But what you describe would have been the way of life here for the previous generation. Sounds good. Enjoy it!
We have a large screened-in back porch for privacy with friends and family.
Very nice take / perspective on the value add of front porches and sidewalks.
Some additional observations .on the very practical advantages of porches and sidewalks . .
Older homes were built prior to A/C becoming standard. Getting out on the front porch was a way to cool off and still have some form of shelter.
Another consideration – the older ‘heritage’ areas within many communities tend to have attractions and community services within walking distance. This adds another benefit to having sidewalks.
Well said. With the U.S. energy situation being what it is, maybe the porch will make a comback, as people try to lower their power bills a little. We have just installed outdoor ceiling fans on our porch (one at each end) and it is much more comfortable now.
Another thought: people want their children to play outside more, but worry about the dangers. With porches and sidewalks, they could watch over them more.