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Connectivity, we all know, plays a crucial role in determining the desirability of a location. However, only road, rail, or Metro connectivity is no longer enough for the modern homebuyer. Surprised? Well, for an increasing number of people across the world, walkability is emerging as a prominent factor. This doesn’t just mean walking distance to workplaces and other social amenities; it also means walkability within a neighbourhood, with facilities like parks and nature trails.
Almost 78 per cent of participants in a 2023 US survey said they’d pay more for a house in a walkable neighbourhood. In another survey conducted last year, 74 per cent of respondents mentioned walkability as a must-have feature. In India, too, there’s a rising demand for homes in townships with vast open spaces and proximity to prominent job hubs and other social amenities. In this blog, we delve into why walkability is high on the list of homebuyers’ priorities. Read on.
Benefits of walkability
Health booster: Walking is one of the best forms of exercise—and it costs nothing. Some of its health benefits include: Walking lowers blood pressure, improves cardiac health, reduces the risk of stroke, aids blood sugar control, supports weight management, boosts bone health, and improves immunity. It is also known to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Zero commuting costs: How much do you spend on your daily commute to work? Most people in Metros use at least two forms of transportation to reach their destination: An autorickshaw/bike/bus to reach the railway/Metro station and then proceed from there. Travelling by private vehicles and AC buses isn’t cheap either. At a time when fuel prices are rising, you can save considerable amounts of money by walking to work/school/college.
Saves time: Facing traffic bottlenecks is an inevitable part of travelling in our big cities today. This not only increases travel time by a few hours but also leads to considerable stress and physical strain. How easy and smooth life would be if everything were within walking distance and reachable in minutes!
Increases property value: Who wouldn’t want a home that’s within walking distance to everything from the workplace to multiplexes? Lifestyle amenities within the residential society complex, such as walking trails and vast open spaces, further boost a property’s value and enhance its long-term appeal in the market.
Better community engagement: The more you step out, the better your social interaction and engagement with the local community will be. For example, haven’t you heard about gym buddies? Living in a home with walkability allows you to meet more people in the neighbourhood as you step out to walk/work every morning.
Supports senior citizens: This is especially true for the elderly, as amenities like senior citizen parks will allow them to be physically active and also meet others in their age group. Having amenities like grocery shops and hospitals nearby also enhances their convenience and reduces the hassle, tiredness and expenses of travel.
Good for the environment: Most developing/developed countries encourage walking/cycling to their workplaces, as it reduces vehicular pollution and fuel consumption, and also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Along with air pollution, it also reduces noise pollution, which may lead to several physical and mental health issues.
Factors buyers should consider
As a prospective homebuyer, always choose a property with a high walkability score. What does it mean? It means that on a scale from 1 to 100, the score increases as walking conditions improve. Here are some important points to consider.
Let’s start with the basics. First, consider whether your prospective home is close to daily essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and quality medical facilities. If you have young children, make sure their schools and colleges aren’t too far away. Walking to meet your daily needs isn’t enough; you also need access to parks and open spaces. As mentioned above, these amenities support fitness and community bonding.
The next question is whether your current workplace is nearby. Also, are there prominent job hubs in the vicinity, which will allow you to explore better career prospects? Travelling to work daily is a major cause of stress, especially in Metros, and walkability to the workplace is nothing short of a blessing. A property’s walkability also depends on pedestrian-friendly streets and paved, well-lit footpaths. Dark streets with broken footpaths pose the threat of falling and hurting yourself, as well as serious safety risks.
Last but not least, good access to public transport is important. Even if everything is within walking distance, there are times and occasions when walking may not be a convenient or feasible option for you. Instead of using private transport, you can then hop onto a bus/Metro train.
Conclusion
With buyers prioritising convenience, lifestyle, and accessibility, homes with walkability are going to be the norm in the future. Invest in one today—it will not only boost your comfort, but also offer you a better return on investment in the future. Talking about tomorrow, read this blog to figure out if your home is future-ready.
FAQs
- Which Indian cities have the most walkable footpaths?
According to this year’s State of Indian Streets report and urban mobility assessments, the top Indian cities in terms of their share of walkable footpaths are: 1. Lucknow (28 per cent), Bengaluru (25.9 per cent), Hyderabad (15.1 per cent), Chennai (13.9 per cent), and Visakhapatnam (13.4 per cent).
- Is walking as important for children as it is for adults?
Absolutely! It’s extremely important for multiple reasons. To begin with, walking allows children to explore their neighbourhood and fills them with curiosity and wonder. It helps them experience the world around them more fully. Secondly, it leads to more social interactions, especially with other children in their age group. As an exercise, it makes them calmer and happier. It also improves their ability to focus. Finally, walking makes them feel free, unlike the confines of a vehicle, and makes them more independent, as they have to abide by pedestrian safety laws, etc.
- Which are the most walkable cities in the world?
According to a survey conducted last year, the most walkable cities in the world are: Florence (Italy), Venice (Italy), Riga (Latvia), Athens (Greece), Hamburg (Germany), Edinburgh (UK), Madrid (Spain), Porto (Portugal), Tallinn (Estonia), and Stockholm (Sweden).
Sources
NAR Realtor News | EPCON Communities | Terri Bias Associates | ASBL | Threads | Novak Djokovic Foundation | Tourlane |
