Walkscore is an interesting google maps mashup that collects information about the neighbourhood around your address (what stores, services, and other amenities are nearby) and gives it a
walkability score.
While
LAist's Zach Behrens got a 66 in the Sherman Oaks neighbourhood of LA (
Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a car),
Green LA Girl's Santa Monica score is 91 (
Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car).
Portland's West End - my own neighbourhood - scored a respectable 74 (
Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car) but if you try the downtown area, which is only ~1mile away, you get a whopping score of 94. Personally, the stroll down to the old port isn't a big walking-detractor for me.. I almost don't even notice the distance. When you live in Maine you sometimes have to "widen your steps", so to speak, and be willing to go a bit further than across the street or down the block.
Of course, the walking paradise that is the Plateau in Montreal only scores a 62 so it isn't like Walkscore is perfect yet - and it looks like the business results might be limited to five per category (groceries, bars, coffee shops, pharmacy, etc).