What’s your walk score?

Walk score is a number between 0 and 100 that measures the walkability of a neighborhood. The score measures how easy it is to get around without a car. Walk Score is determined with an algorithm that assigns points based on the distance to the closest amenity in each category. If a grocery store is less than .25 miles, it gets the maximum number of points. Points decline as the distance increases. No points are awarded if amenities are further than 1 mile.

Some interesting points from WalkScore.com:

1. Walkable neighborhoods offer surprising benefits to the environment, our health, our finances, and our communities.
2. Cars are a leading cause of climate change. Your feet do not contribute to pollution.
3. The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 7 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.
4. One point of walk score is worth up to $3K of value for your property. To learn more go to:
http://blog.walkscore.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/WalkingTheWalk_CEOsforCities.pdf
5. Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activites falls by 10%.

In real estate, you may see a “walk score” included on line or on a flyer of a home listed for sale. Here’s a breakdown of what those scores mean.

Score Description

90–100 Walker's Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.
70–89 Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50–69 Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.
25–49 Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.
0–24 Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

How does Seattle stack up against other cities in the United States?  We're #6!  Check out: http://www.walkscore.com/rankings/most-walkable-cities.php to see how other cities ranked.

Curious about your neighborhood walk score? Go to http://www.walkscore.com , type in your address and you’ll have your answer in an instant!