Print ArticleThe vibrancy of cities comes in all shapes and sizes. Many believe that what works in internationally known cosmopolitan settings may not be applicable for cities such as Jacksonville, which have struggled with embracing walkability. If we look hard enough, we may realize that this type of view should be challenged. Despite the diversity around the globe, all lively cities, downtowns, and urban cores have something in common: being pedestrian friendly. Today, Metro Jacksonville visits the streets of a Pacific Coast peer: Seattle.
Seattle is the largest city in both Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Seattle's metropolitan area is home to 3.6 million residents and is the 15th largest in the United States. Currently, it's one of the fast-growing major cities in the country, adding 43,745 residents since 2010.
Tale of the Tape
To help Jaxsons gain a better understanding of the scale of Seattle, here are a few statistics of the city in relation to Jacksonville:
Population
Seattle City Population 2013: 652,405 (City); 3,610,105 (Metro 2014) - (incorporated in 1869)
Jacksonville City Population 2013: 842,583 (City); 1,419,127 (Metro 2014) - (incorporated in 1832)
City population 1950: Jacksonville (204,517); Seattle (467,591)
City Land Area
Seattle: 83.87 square miles
Jacksonville: 757.7 square miles
Metropolitan Area Growth rate (2010-2014)
Seattle: +6.73%
Jacksonville: +5.46%
Urban Area Population (2010 census)
Seattle: 3,059,393 (ranked 14 nationwide)
Jacksonville: 1,065,219 (ranked 40 nationwide)
Urban Area Population Density (2010 census)
Seattle: 7,774 people per square mile
Jacksonville: 2,008.5 people per square mile
City Population Growth from 2010 to 2013
Seattle: +43,745
Jacksonville: +20,799
Convention Center Exhibition Space:
Seattle: Washington State Convention Center (1988) - 205,700 square feet
Jacksonville: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center (1985) - 78,500 square feet
Tallest Building:
Seattle: Columbia Center - 943 feet
Jacksonville: Bank of America Tower - 617 feet
Who's Downtown Is More Walkable?
Seattle: 98 out of 100, according to 2015 walkscore.com
Jacksonville: 72 out of 100, according to 2015 walkscore.com
Seattle neighborhoods shown in this article include the Waterfront, West Edge, Retail Core, Pioneer Square, Belltown, and Lake Union. Map courtesy of downtownseattle.com
Seattle also has a lot in common with Jacksonville, from a historical and economic perspective. However, a gulf exists when it comes to investing in quality of life for residents in the urban core. Seattle is a city that has succeeded at turning ideas into reality. Take a look!
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