Couple walks more, drives less

America is truly an automobile culture. It's no wonder people are concerned with such things as obesity and the environment. Perhaps even more of a stretch Americans like the freedom of driving around instead of taking public transportation whether we're talking about city transit or intercity service such as Amtrak, Greyhound or perhaps even the airlines.

So check out what this couple is doing from the Chicago Sun-Times...

Concern for the environment helped to convince Kevin and Amber Hooper to buy at Euclid Commons, a condo conversion in Oak Park.

"Living at Euclid Commons means we can walk to just about everything and use our car minimally," Amber said. "We walk to the movie theater, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping. We chose Oak Park because we care about the environment."

She has a three-block walk to work. Kevin takes the train to work in downtown Chicago.

"The Metra train station and the L are close by," Amber said. "Being walking distance to everything helps us protect our environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Euclid Commons also has recycling bins, which we use regularly."

When their apartment converted to a condo ownership, the newlyweds purchased their 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit for less than $200,000.

"What sold us on Euclid Commons is its great location and affordable price," Kevin said. "Our location is superb. We're in the middle of everything that's important to us. There are three grocery stores to choose from. We are surrounded by our favorite restaurants, fitness clubs, the library across the street and the Lake Theater."

The couple enjoys the historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes and Victorian residences in the area. "In Oak Park, each home has its own sense of character and style," Amber said.

Kevin said they are planning to visit the Oak Park farmers market soon. Amber recently toured the nearby Hemingway Museum.

The couple has used the ground-floor shops in their building, too. They frequently go to Jimmy Johns, and they have used the Great Frame Up as well as Cartridge World. Kevin gets his hair cut at Great Clips, and Amber has picked up flowers at Kabloom.

Good move guys now if others can follow your examples.