Demand for walkable neighborhoods is increasing and
this demand is changing real estate. People of all ages are
recognizing the benefits of living in a place where they can
walk to nearby shops, restaurants, recreation, and public
transportation. The benefits are many — convenience,
reduced time spent driving, and the health benefit of
building walking into your day. But more than that, being
walkable may be a major factor in your community staying
economically competitive.
Walkable neighborhoods are driving economic growth as
employers and businesses recognize the value of locating
in these places to attract employees and customers. And
walkable neighborhoods are not just in big cities. They can
be in smaller cities and towns, older suburban communities
or newly built suburban developments.
REALTORS® are experiencing this interest in walking from
their clients, and have responded by providing information
to buyers about the walkability of neighborhoods. Many
REALTOR® websites and Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)
include this information, such as providing a WalkScore
( www.walkscore.com) for properties (see article on page
10). Some REALTOR® associations have seen the benefit
of improving the pedestrian environment of their cities
and towns, such as the Coastal Carolina REALTORS®
Association, which used an NAR Smart Growth Grant to
fund a walkability study in Myrtle Beach, S.C., (see page 58).
Many cities and towns are looking at a new type of zoning
(Form-Based Codes) so that new development will foster
walkable neighborhoods (see page 18).
Communities and REALTORS® who want their cities and
towns to remain competitive — in business attraction,
jobs, and the residential and commercial real estate
markets — are making walkability a part of their economic
development strategy.
Walkability Is Becoming a Necessity
Courtesy of The Office of TourismOhio
For more information on NAR and smart growth, visit www.realtor.org/smartgrowth.
On Common Ground is published twice a year by the Community and Political
Affairs division of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR),
and is distributed free of charge. The publication presents a wide range of
views on smart growth issues, with the goal of encouraging a dialogue among
REALTORS®, elected officials and other interested citizens. The opinions
expressed in On Common Ground are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the opinions or policy of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®, its members or affiliate organizations.
Distribution
To order additional copies of On Common Ground,
please e-mail us at OCG@realtors.org.
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©2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Joseph R. Molinaro
Managing Director, Community
and Political Affairs
jmolinaro@realtors.org
Assistant Editor
Hugh Morris
Manager, Smart Growth Program
hmorris@realtors.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
500 New Jersey Avenue, N W
Washington, DC 20001
