With each neighborhood run, we're going to score the route through our Run-O-Meter rating system. We've described the categories that matter to us below.


Rating scale is 1-5: 

1 = the worst;  5 = the best

1--•--•--•--5
Enjoyment
It might be rainy, windy and cold, but a good running route can always bring happiness.

1--•--•--•--5
Scenery
Mature trees, flowers, green grass, views of the Willamette River and the West Hills are all welcome sights.

1--•--•--•--5
Safety
Traffic, intersections, sidewalk and road conditions tell us a lot about a neighborhood and can turn any run into a zen moment or a terrifying trial.

1--•--•--•--5
Difficulty
Charging up hills every mile is hard, thus it will be judged.


1--•--•--•--5
Sound and smell
Loud sounds, quiet sounds, good smells, bad smells. A neighborhood defines itself by appealing to the senses.


1--•--•--•--5
Hellos and waves
Because Midwest-nice is important to us.

1--•--•--•--5
Number of puppies
Once we get a house, we're getting a puppy...and of course our puppy will need friends.

1--•--•--•--5
People watching
Who lives in the neighborhood?

1--•--•--•--5
Parks
We're keeping an eye out for picnic spots, puppy playgrounds, budding trees and only-in-Portland spectacles.

1--•--•--•--5
Shops and restaurants
Coffeeness and quirkiness are appreciated.

1--•--•--•--5
Home potential
Can we see ourselves living in this neighborhood?