Walkable Neighborhoods

Walkability offers surprising benefits to our health, the environment, our finances, and our communities.

Health: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.¹

Cities with good public transit and access to amenities promote happiness.²

Environment: 82% of CO2 emissions are from burning fossil fuels.³ Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.

Finances: Cars are the second largest household expense in the U.S.⁴ One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,000 of value for your property.⁵ Read the research report.

Communities: Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activities falls by 10%.⁶

Maps courtesy of Lawrence Frank & Co. and the Sightline Institute.

What makes a neighborhood walkable?

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a 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, 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.

More About Walkability