For a long time, it seemed that people wanted more space for and in their homes and more privacy from neighbors. Unless people had young children and were looking development-style living, most people I talked to always wanted a bigger lot as well as a bigger house. You know what? The pendulum seems to have swung. While many of my clients still want interior space for their families to gather, focus on hobbies, concentrate on work, play, watch movies, etc., what I’ve noticed is a surge in demand for “walkability”. People these days seem to want to be within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, public transportation, services, parks, etc. While convenience is definitely an ingredient, it’s connecting with and feeling part of a community that keeps coming up. When you walk places, not only, by definition, are those destinations hyper-local (and, therefore, are more likely to yield interactions with people who live in your neighborhood, which forms community ties), but walking, in and of itself, is a social means of transport. Think how much more likely you are to wave hello or have a conversation with someone sitting on a porch if you walk by than if you drive by.
Having conducted no scientific research (disclaimer), it seems to me that all of the social media over-sharing that goes on is really a nod to the same desire: to feel part of a community of people who know you and are aware of what is going on in your life. So it’s really not so surprising that many buyers try to find houses that have that “neighborhood” aspect built in. People often begin by asking things about the area, like, “Do they hold block parties?” “Is there a neighborhood book club or babysitting group?” Then they frequently ask about walkability. Again, while part of the draw is not having to travel far (or long) and possibly preferring eco-friendly walking to driving, I think it’s more than that. I think it’s about connection. I think it’s a throw-back to villages where everyone wanted to live near their neighbors and the merchants/service people upon whom they depended. Think Mayberry, USA.
So, as I said, the “walkability” of neigborhoods has become important–so important, there’s now something called a “walkability score”. As far as the city goes, Philadelphia ranks very high in walkability. I have buyers who check the walkability score for properties that otherwise look good to them. If you would like to see where your neighborhood falls on the continuum, visit this website.
