How to Find a Walkable Neighborhood When Moving

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Finding a Walkable neighborhood to settle into is always high on many Philadelphia home buyer wishlists. Walkability is not just popular in the Philly area, there are several buyers all around the country hoping to find walkable neighborhoods.

What is a Neighborhood with Walkability?

Walkability is not an actual word you will find in the dictionary. It is a term coined by the real estate world to measure how accessible a neighborhood is on foot.

In simpler terms, it describes how easy it is to get around in the place someone lives by walking everywhere they need or want to go when they leave their front door. The term has gained popularity and some websites give out a walk score for a neighborhood. You may even see walk scores included on individual home listings as you browse available homes.

Six Attributes of a Walkable Neighborhood

When shopping for a great walkable neighborhood in Philadelphia you want to look for aspects that will make walking around the neighborhood pleasant and enjoyable. A walkable neighborhood doesn't have to have all of these attributes to be determined walkable, but neighborhoods with these niceties will help to make your walks more enjoyable.

Sidewalks

Streets lined with sidewalks mean that there is a safe designated space set aside for people to walk. This is a signifier that walking is a regular activity. So much so that accommodations were made to make walking more easily done. Sidewalks are also installed in newer neighborhoods as an amenity. Either way, it means your walks will be more pleasant not having to walk on the side of the road.

Tip by Valencia Palms Realtor, "If a neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks look for wider streets with plenty of room for both walkers and cars to be on the road at the same time. You don't want to walk down roads that are difficult to safely get from one destination to another."

Tree-Lined Streets

A tree-lined street may not be a must-have attribute to make a neighborhood walkable, but it sure does make it more pleasant and desirable. Tree-lined streets are yet another signifier that the area was developed with both cars and pedestrians using the area to get around in mind. Plus they just make the neighborhood feel so inviting.

Public Furniture

Again not necessarily a must-have to determine whether a neighborhood is walkable, but it is a perfect signifier that the neighborhood is used by several people who walk to where they want to be. If you see benches set up along sidewalks and trails, they were not put there for no reason. These items cost money and the community did not invest in them for no reason. These areas are used by many people. Plus it just makes a walk more pleasant when you have a place to take a rest and enjoy the atmosphere.

Trails

A neighborhood with trails provides the opportunity to not just walk from point A to point B but to get outside and enjoy walking through nature. It takes an average walk in the city and kicks it up a notch with beautiful scenery. It encourages you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and some exercise. Who knows? You may just find yourself in better shape than you expected because walking has become your new favorite way to spend your free time.

Crosswalks and Pedestrian Signals

Take a look at street intersections. Do they have lights, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals? These are all things that make walking safer and easier. Crossing a road at an intersection without any markings or signals will be harder because cars are less likely to slow down and take precautions to allow for walkers.

Shops and Restaurants at a Close Proximity

This is the most popular attribute of a walkable neighborhood that a majority of Philadelphia buyers are looking for when they say they would like to live in a walkable neighborhood. They are hoping to have the ability to leave their car at home and easily walk to places they would like to spend time regularly.

Pam Pester, Tampa Realtor says, "Having coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques, drug stores, and maybe even a doctor within walking distance from home is the ideal dream of a walkable neighborhood. This is where the walk score of a neighborhood comes into play. It measures how easily a homeowner can get where they need to go without the use of a car."

In conclusion, the desire for walkable neighborhoods transcends geographic boundaries, with many homebuyers across Philadelphia and beyond seeking communities where daily errands and leisure activities are easily accessible by foot. While "walkability" may not be a formal term in the dictionary, its significance in real estate is undeniable.

A walkable neighborhood is characterized by several key attributes, including sidewalks, tree-lined streets, public furniture, trails, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, all contributing to a safer and more enjoyable walking experience. However, the most coveted aspect of walkability for many is the proximity of shops and restaurants, allowing residents the convenience of leaving their cars behind and strolling to their desired destinations.

As individuals continue to prioritize walkability in their home search, the appeal of neighborhoods that seamlessly blend accessibility, safety, and vibrant amenities is expected to remain a significant factor in the housing market landscape.