What Is a Walk Score?

How It Works

Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score measures how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle—not how pretty the area is for walking.

Picture a walkable neighborhood. You lose weight each time you walk to the grocery store. You stumble home from last call without waiting for a cab. You spend less money on your car—or you don't own a car. When you shop, you support your local economy. You talk to your neighbors.

What makes a neighborhood walkable?

· A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
· Density: The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.
· Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
· Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
· Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
· Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.

What does my score mean?

Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:
· 90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
· 70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
· 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
· 25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
· 0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!


Want to know your walk score? Just go to http://www.walkscore.com/ and type in any address in the U.S.

Bill Swanson is an agent with over 20 years experience at CBSHome Real Estate, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, in Omaha, Nebraska. For any and all of your real estate needs, email Bill at Bill.Swanson@cbshome.com or visit http://www.billswanson.com/ today.