What is ‘Walkability’? All about the importance and benefits.

A neighborhood’s walkability is a major deciding factor for many individuals looking to purchase a home. What is walkability? Also known as a Walk Score®, it is a score that rates how accessible amenities are to your home by walking. How exactly is a Walk Score® determined? It is score calculated by an addresses walking distance to nearby amenities. According to walkscore.com, amenities within a five-minute walk (.25 miles) are given maximum points. A delay function is used to give points to more distant amenities. Finally, no points are given after a 30-minute walk.

Here is the Walk Score® grading system:

90-100 | Walker’s Paradise – Daily errands do not require a car.

70-89 | Very Walkable – Most errands can be accomplished on foot.

50-69 | Somewhat Walkable – Some errands can be accomplished on foot.

25-49 | Car-Dependent – Most errands require a car.

0-24 | Car – Dependent – Almost all errands require a car.

According to Redfin, studies find that suburban neighborhoods have a terrible Walk Score®. Most urban neighborhoods have a high Walk Score®. The difference here is the proximity to the local amenities that a downtown neighborhood offers individuals. Here are the factors that make a neighborhood walkable:

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it’s the main street or a public space.
• People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street and parking lots are relegated to the back.
• Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

So, what are the benefits of a great Walk Score®? First, these neighborhoods amazing because of their proximity to local resources. They also offer unexpected benefits to an individual’s health and finances, and the local environment and community.

Health

Furthermore, individuals that live in a great Walk Score® neighborhood typically weigh 6-10 pounds less than someone living in the suburbs. Also, studies find that cities with good public transit and convenient amenities promote happiness. Furthermore, driving increases the driver’s stress levels. In contrast walking is a calming experience.

Environment

The higher the Walk Score®, the less likely you are to use a car to do your errands. Gases emitted from cars do damage to the atmosphere. Therefore, using your feet instead of a car cuts down the CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Walking is a simple way to decrease your carbon footprint and enjoy some fresh air at the same time!

Finances

Not using a vehicle to get from point A to point B significantly reduces your spending every month. According to walkscore.com, cars are the second largest household expense in the U.S. Consequently, by not having one you don’t pay a car loan, car insurance, or gas. Also, according to Redfin, one point of Walk Score® is worth up to $3,000 of value for your property. In Conclusion, walking more means you’re saving money! Simple as that!

Community

Finally, time spent in local activities falls by 10 percent for every 10 minutes an individual spends in a daily car commute. Walking allows neighbors to interact more. Therefore, walkability increases relationships in neighborhoods.

Do you want to determine the walkability of neighborhoods around you? Or, identify the walkability of a neighborhood before beginning your home search? First, visit WalkScore.com. Second, enter an address, neighborhood or city to find out! It’s as easy as that!

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