(Just noticed I used "neighborhood" twice in my title, gah!)

I was just shopping for a birthday gift for my sweetie and wound up in a trendy shopping district in the Boise neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.

I've encountered this type of district in various cities I've visited. I think some of the characteristics that typify what I'm think of are:

• Seems to do "third-place" pretty well
• Walkable
• Embedded in an established neighborhood
• local small businesses rather than corporate chains
• Trendy vibe, although maybe upscale could apply in some cases as well; but there are these x-factors (that I don't even know if I'm correctly identifying) that distinguishes the area from conventional unremarkable business districts.

I suppose gentrification could be at work here, but that term carries a pejorative value-judgment. I guess I'm wondering if there is a neutral, descriptive term that urbanists and/or city planners use.

I’m curious which places have improved the most. It could be because of better public transit, safer streets, more parks, walkability, or anything else. What place comes to mind?

Submission statement:

Dennis Tidwell proposed a townhome development at 1471 Bells Ferry Road in Cobb County to address the gap between subsidized and market-rate housing. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners tabled the rezoning request, citing concerns about density and consistency with the area’s character. Tidwell argues that the county’s rejection of the proposal reflects a broader issue of housing affordability for working families.

Occasional visitor, first time poster, so thanks in advance for any constructive feedback that is available:…
I know there is an abundance of literature on the benefits of what we conventionally think of as scenic vistas (open water, mountains, rolling hills with forests, etc.) on mental health. Does anyone know of a similar study with a focus on the mental health benefits of being able to see a cityscape or other distant features of the horizon in flat areas with unremarkable natural scenery? My long-shot theory is that when residents of cities like New Orleans, Detroit and Chicago (of course these are US examples, but this can apply globally) who have regular views of the downtown skyline, they might experience reduced stress and a lower heart rate relative to those in neighborhoods without downtown views, stemming from temporary relief from the visual clutter that otherwise might characterize the urban environment. an example might look like a neighborhood with a park that happens to be on a high elevation where a rare skyline view is accessible.
Anyway, is anyone familiar with any studies that measure something like this?

Neutral Summary: According to reports, the DOT has been removing mentions of bike transportation, bike lanes, and certain speed restrictions g infrastructure from federal websites, in addition tools to analyze crashes including those against pedestrians and bike riders.

Opinion: This is insane and wrong, if they wanted to support people’s health, tax efficient solutions, and more, they would partner with other countries and organizations to spread public awareness of the benefits a well constructed bike network can bring.

I am Brazilian, trying to learn more urbanism, specially about walkability and "urban forestry"(not sure if this is the correct term). According to your opinion/experience/studies, which cities in the world are reference regarding walkability and the amount of trees?

I am looking forward to hear from you