HUGHESVILLE, Md. – Research produced by the National Association of Realtors ® shows a persistent
demand for walkable communities, including the following findings:
demand for walkable communities, including the following findings:
When asked if deciding today where to live:
- 79% said being within an easy walk of other places and things, such as shops and parks, is
very/somewhat important. 78% of those indicated that they would be willing to pay more for a dwelling
in a walkable community. - 85% said sidewalks and places to walk are very/somewhat important.
- 65% said having public transport nearby is very/somewhat important.
- 56% said they would prefer a house with a small yard and be able to walk to places vs. 44% who would
prefer a large yard and would need to drive to most places. - 53% would prefer an attached dwelling (own or rent a townhouse/condo/apartment) and be able to walk
to shops, restaurants, and a short commute to work vs. 47% who would prefer a single-family home
(own or rent) and have to drive to shops, restaurants and a longer commute.
According to the NAR study, Americans living in walkable communities are more likely to be very satisfied
with their quality of life. This study shows that a substantial demand for walkability persists for Americans of
all ages.
The biannual NAR Community & Transportation Preferences Survey polls residents in the 50 largest
metropolitan areas of the United States.