I think I saw a TV show one time talking about how the US made laws a long time ago which made it super hard to do any kind of commercial business near residential areas. I don't remember the specifics. But I have noticed that when I go to pretty much any other country, I see little mini shops, corner stores and all types of small businesses scattered throughout residential neighborhoods.
I don't know if it is better or worse, but it sure is convenient. Even in rural areas of Mexico, for instance, you can often walk a block or so to get to a shop.
I think it would be cool if you could do this more in America. It might help keep small businesses up and running as it would be convenient enough to not use Amazon or chain stores for everything.
That area in Columbus is definitely like that. It likely is a local thing where zoning varies based on the council and other factors. It can be a fine balance between having businesses that bring people in and those that make them want to find housing elsewhere. I honestly feel like community has a larger focus in other countries and that might be part of it too.
Oh, interesting! It's good to know that there are places like that here. This is really the biggest thing that I think a lot of Americans miss out on. I really get that sense of being part of something when I travel around to other places.
Of course I know that I've chosen to live in probably one of the loneliest, yet crowded places in the world, though. So anywhere probably feels more community based than LA.
I am hoping to get out of the country at some point and experience some of what you are mentioning. At this point the only other country I have visited is Canada.