Here's an interesting site that let's you calculate the Walkability of a property. A home can be scored based on how walkable it is - that is, how accessible desired public amenities are by foot.
For fun, go to www.walkscore.com to find the Walk Score for your home. If your listed properties score high, this would be a great piece of information to highlight along with the other features!
Walkabilty is something that is gaining in popularity as a search criteria for homebuyers. The higher the ratings, the bigger the benefit for health, social and green living.
Some home building councils are beginning to include using Walk Score to aide in site selection. One council recommends not building within the 100 year flood plain “unless part of an existing historic community core developed prior to 1945, or a location classified by Walk Score with a minimum rating of 70.”
We’ve also had a number of people mention to us that Walk Score might be an easy way to calculate the Community Connectivity Credit in the LEED Green Building Rating System.
Some real estate search sites are also allowing consumers to calculate Walk Scores with their property searches.
I still don't know my Sleep Number, but the Walk Score of the home I live in is 0. Oh well, it sure is pretty way out here under the tall timbers!
Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.
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This is interesting. I have a listing that has a score of 55, somewhat walkable, but my own home is a 35, car dependent. This is a good site to know about because I have had several buyer clients looking for shopping, schools, etc in easy walking distance. Thanks for sharing!
Nice post and interesting how this recession is speeding up the greening of America process. It's probably a good thing if we look at all the introspection we are doing into what really matters and what we spend our money and time on. Thanks for the post
Hi, Nice post. Thanks for sharing. Keep posting best.
Best - Sash
This is really interesting in south Georgia. My home could not be found (located on private drive) but chose a location close - it scored a 9. Yes a 9. I checked a listing which got a 40 and my own business location which scored a 52. (We don't have any traffic issues and we never sit in traffic so walking is not so important here but this would be useful in large metro areas....assuming it is safe to walk).
Morning Janna,
Thanks for sharing this informative post. I'll be heading over there to check it out later this morning.
I'm a 54, I guess that isn't too bad. I wonder if they take in to consideration the hill I live on. I know walking home is a lot tougher than walking to the ice cream store. ;o)
This is a great resource! Although, my home only scored a 20, pretty bad...I have saved the site and will forward to my clients. Thanks!
Janna - Interesting. My house got a 45, but our rental house in downtown Cd'A got only a 46. Obviously they didn't take into consideration my rental is only a few blocks from Pilgrim's Market - our area's only TRUE organic grocery store.
Yep I need a car, not a good walkable score for country homes.
Maryellen - I'm surprised your downtown rental only scored a 46. I wonder what was too far away for a higher score.