If you enjoy walking around, Westender is actually a better choice in many ways. There is far, far less traffic out there, so walking along the road is a lot nicer than it is from NE or anywhere on the cliffs east of Rick's.

You can walk to Jackie's on the reef, and if you like a bit of exercise, Out of Town Pastry is just about 3k away. There's been some development in that area, Moondance, Hide Awhile, Tingalaya's there...I think walking in that area is quite nice. If you must explore far, rent a scooter. It's a scooter friendly area out there.