An American social media influencer has sparked a lively discussion by highlighting a fundamental difference she has observed between life in the United Kingdom and the United States. Amber Kacherian, who regularly shares comparative insights with her substantial online following, has expressed profound admiration for one particular aspect of English urban life that she finds sorely lacking back home.
The Walkability Revelation
Amber Kacherian, who boasts an audience of nearly 400,000 followers, recently posted a video detailing her experiences after spending several months exploring England. In her latest reel, she pinpointed a feature she "absolutely loves" about the country and fervently wishes was more prevalent in America.
Pedestrian-Friendly Design
"As we've been exploring England the last few months, we've noticed that most of the cities in England are completely walkable," Amber told her followers. She elaborated that cities and towns across England are extremely pedestrian-friendly, with most urban centres designed to be explored entirely on foot. This design philosophy means many residents can live their daily lives without the necessity of owning a car, a concept she finds revolutionary compared to her American experience.
To illustrate her point, Amber recounted a recent visit to the historic city of Bath. She was able to explore nearly the entire city on foot, with minimal reliance on a car or public transportation. "I was amble to explore nearly the entire city in foot, pretty much without the need for a car or public transport," she explained. The experience was so seamless that a friendly local provided directions enabling her to "walk across the entire city in 15 minutes."
The Stark American Contrast
Amber contrasted this with the reality of American urban and suburban landscapes. "In America, that is unheard of," she stated bluntly. She revealed that she "wouldn't attempt" to walk to her nearest grocery store in the US because the distance is simply "too far."
She attributed this to the fundamental design differences between the two nations. "In America, everything is so big and spaced out that it's extremely difficult to live anywhere without a car, unless you live right in the heart of a big city, like New York," Amber explained. This spatial design, she argues, has created a society where everyone is very dependent on cars, fostering a culture of automotive reliance that impacts daily life, environmental sustainability, and community connectivity.
Praise for Public Infrastructure
Beyond walkability, Amber also took a moment to commend England's "fantastic" public transport system, which she sees as an integral part of this less car-centric lifestyle. The combination of pedestrian-friendly streets and reliable public transit creates an environment where alternative modes of transportation are not just possible but practical and enjoyable.
"Being able to walk most places in England is wonderful and I wish we had more cities like this in America," she concluded, summarising her newfound appreciation for English urban planning.
Audience Reaction and Broader Implications
The post resonated deeply with viewers, amassing thousands of likes and sparking a conversation in the comments. One British follower welcomed her appreciation, exclaiming, "Glad you're loving jolly old Blighty!" Another comment highlighted a personal benefit of this design: "Thankfully I live in England as I'm medically exempt from driving lol."
A third commenter provided a reciprocal perspective, noting, "The size and distances in cities in the US are a shock to a Brit first time." This exchange underscores a mutual cultural surprise regarding urban scale and transportation norms, pointing to a significant divergence in how the two nations have developed their built environments and the resulting lifestyles they promote.
Amber Kacherian's observations touch on broader themes of urban design, environmental policy, and public health. Her viral commentary serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that city planning has on daily life, community interaction, and national culture, inviting further reflection on the models different societies choose to build their futures upon.
