| Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is to walking. Walkability has health, environmental, and economic benefits. |
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| Walkability offers surprising benefits to our health, the environment, our finances, and our communities. Health: The average resident of a walkable neighbourhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood. Cities with good public transit and access to amenities promote happiness. Environment: 87% of CO2 emissions are from burning fossil fuels. Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines. Finances: Cars are the second largest household expense in the U.S. One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,250 of value for your property. Communities: Walkability is associated with higher levels of arts organizations, creativity, and civic engagement. Homes within walking distance to jobs, schools, shopping, parks and other urban amenities are both highly desired and extremely rare. Fewer than 2 percent of active listings are considered a walker’s paradise (Walk Score of 90 and above). Yet 56 percent of millennials and 46 percent of boomers prefer walkable communities with a range of housing amidst local businesses and public services. And like everything rare and desirable, walkability comes at a premium; homes highly “walkable” to amenities, everything else being equal, are more expensive than comparable homes in less “walkable” areas. |
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| 90–100 | Walker's Paradise Daily errands do not require a car |
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| 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 |
