Homebuyers consider many things when looking for a house they can call home. The price of the property is surely a primary factor, as well as the size and aesthetics. But homebuyers are now becoming interested in purchasing a house in a walkable neighborhood. 

What are the factors that make a neighborhood walkable? What are the advantages of residing in such a community? And where to find one? Let’s explore the answers to this question in this blog post. 

Factors that Make a Walkable Neighborhood

A walkable neighborhood means that you have the option of getting to places by walking, as opposed to driving a car or taking public transport. Another factor that makes a neighborhood walkable is when its location is near amenities, such as shops, restaurants, schools, and parks. 

Infrastructure is also one of the factors that lend walkability to a neighborhood. It will be safe to walk around a neighborhood that has dedicated sidewalks or pedestrian lanes. It’s also crucial to install street lights to ensure pedestrians’ safety at night. These features attract residents to walk instead of having to drive, which can be a waste of gas. 

Benefits of a Walkable Neighborhood

The walkability of a neighborhood provides convenience to residents, especially those without cars. If you can get to stores and restaurants on foot, you have no problem going to them whenever you want.

Another significant benefit is the money you can save by not having to drive a car or pay for public transport to access amenities. Imagine the high price of gas right now. If you can just walk to a store or restaurant, that would be a lot of money saved right into your pocket. 

Walking more often can also boost your health. It’s an excellent way to improve your cardio and prevent heart disease and other medical problems.  Walking can also help you stay in good shape and make you look sexier. 

Lastly, residents who always go out of their homes to walk are more sociable. Walking outside enables you to meet your neighbors, socialize with them, and build camaraderie. Having that social bond with your community is a benefit that a walkable neighborhood can give. 

Where can You Look for Walkable Neighborhoods?

Cities often have walkable neighborhoods. But you can also find such communities outside city limits where many of the houses for sale are bungalows and apartments. 

Many states are now allowing diverse housing types by easing their zoning laws to create walkable communities. Today, you can find neighborhoods in suburban areas with a high walkability rating. Walkability scores like that of Redfin consider factors such as proximity to roads and amenities. 

A community with a higher population density can also make it more walkable. So, if you’re searching for a walkable neighborhood, you can certainly find it in cities. But, you shouldn’t leave out the suburbs because an increasing number of walkable neighborhoods can also be found in such areas. 

Walkable Cities in the United States

There are ten cities that many people consider have a high number of walkable neighborhoods. 

• Miami

• San Francisco

• New York

• Long Beach

• Oakland

• Philadelphia

• Seattle

• Washington D.C.

• Chicago

• Boston

The common factor that makes these cities walkable is their large size and population density. But, again, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find walkable neighborhoods in the suburbs or smaller cities. 

Increase in Demand for Homes in Walkable Neighborhoods

Real estate experts have observed an increase in buyers who are looking for houses in walkable communities. Many homebuyers search for the walk score of a neighborhood online before visiting it. 

In light of the high gas prices, people are now considering walking instead of driving a car. It’s one factor why there’s a high demand for walkable neighborhoods among homebuyers today. Even work-from-home employees now prefer to live in an area within walking distance of stores, restaurants, and parks.  

Moreover, a large part of homebuyers nowadays wants to live healthy lifestyles. That’s why they find homes in neighborhoods where they can get to places on foot. 

Homebuyers are Willing to Pay an Expensive Price

With all the benefits of living in a walkable neighborhood, you might be asking if prices for homes in such areas are expensive. Yes, houses in walkable communities are a bit pricey because of the increasing demand. 

Despite the higher prices of homes in walkable communities, homebuyers are still willing to pay because of the advantages that such neighborhoods provide.

Takeaway

If you’re one of those people who want to buy a home in a walkable neighborhood, you should know where to find such a place. Large cities have many walkable communities, but suburbs also have areas near basic amenities and fitted with infrastructure that benefits pedestrians.