Does Walkability Top Your Home Buying List?

When it comes to buying a house, there are many factors to consider. While the number of bedrooms, the home's layout, and the price point are essential, buyers are now paying more attention than ever to the neighborhood surrounding a potential new home.

A home's proximity to retail shops, restaurants, entertainment, and other businesses has always been an essential factor in the home-buying decision. The ability to reach these destinations on foot, also known as "walkability," is growing in popularity. Many home buyers are adding this to their list of desired features, and sellers already living in these neighborhoods are using it to their advantage.

What Is A Walkable Neighborhood?

Walkable neighborhoods usually feature a main street or public space that serves as a center for activity. The local population must be reasonably dense for these areas to thrive. You will typically find a good mix of business and residential space, with affordable housing nearby.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are typically kept in mind while planning neighborhoods. They include plenty of sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes. Buildings are often close to the streets, with parking lots located in the back. The best walkable neighborhoods feature plenty of greenspaces for their residents.

• Why Walkability is Important
  The advantages of buying a house in a walkable neighborhood go well beyond simple convenience. Being able to reach most of your desired locations on foot improves your physical and mental well-being, reduces your carbon footprint, lowers expenses, and improves your home's resale value.
  
  
• Improved Physical and Mental Health
  Studies have found that residents living in a walkable neighborhood weigh an average of six to ten pounds less than those who live in areas where driving is necessary. Walking often also decreases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.
  
  Cities with easy access to amenities and public transportation are good for your mental health too. Residents living in walkable cities are often both happier and healthier than their counterparts living in sprawling suburbs.
  
  
• Reduced Environmental Impact
  Living in an area where you can reach your desired destinations without hopping into the car also reduces your carbon footprint. Buying a house in a walkable urban location can reduce your transportation emissions by as much as 70 percent, making it one of the best things you can do for the environment.
  
  
• Lower Expenses
  The cost of buying, operating, and maintaining a vehicle is one of the most substantial expenses in the average household's budget. Even if you decide to keep your car after moving to a walkable neighborhood, you will use it far less. Using your car loess reduces the amount of money you'll spend on gas, tolls, parking, and vehicle wear and tear.
  
  
• Increased Resale Value
  Those who aren't concerned with the ability to walk to their destinations can still benefit from living in a walkable neighborhood. As the trend continues to grow, homes located in these neighborhoods will become more desirable. Buying a house in an up-and-coming area now can mean a significant increase in your future resale value.

Walking is great for your health, and it gives you an opportunity to make the most of the community you'll be calling your new home. Here's why you should consider walkability as you shop for your dream home.

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