{"id":2217,"date":"2023-05-29T10:37:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-29T09:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/?p=2217"},"modified":"2024-06-07T06:19:07","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T05:19:07","slug":"what-is-a-walk-score","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/what-is-a-walk-score\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Walking Score? Walk Score Meaning &#038; Benefits of Walking to Work"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The concept of walkability is becoming increasingly discussed in urban planning and design environments, as it impacts well-being, health, livability, and real estate economics. In this article, we discuss the walkability trend in relation to the <a href=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/\">office market<\/a>, and explore its benefits, as well as the amenities, data, and calculations used to generate a property\u2019s walking score.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2218\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pexels-mike-chai-842339-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#About_the_concept\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> About the concept\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_do_walking_scores_affect_real_estate_economics\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> How do walking scores affect real estate economics?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Benefits_of_walking_to_work\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Benefits of walking to work<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_walking_scores_are_determined\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> How walking scores are determined<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Looking_for_office_space_in_a_walkable_location\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Looking for office space in a walkable location?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"About_the_concept\"><b>About the concept\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the United States, walking scores for real estate were first published by WalkScore, a company developed in the mid 2000s by former Microsoft developers that understood the importance of walkability and its connection to quality of life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These WalkScore founders developed a tech-supported system that generated walkability scores for any given postcode. The overall score shows how easy and convenient it\u2019s to live or work in a location without needing to drive or use mass transit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initially, walking scores were one of the criteria used to choose a residential property, but eventually they were applied to all kinds of real estate, including offices. Nowadays, it\u2019s common to see walkability scores displayed in real estate listings. As time went by and people became more familiar with the importance of walkability and its connection to real estate, different walkability tools and calculators appeared in the market.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_do_walking_scores_affect_real_estate_economics\"><b>How do walking scores affect real estate economics?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a strong correlation between walkability and commercial real estate economics. Researchers analyzed property price trends over a decade and uncovered<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/walkability-premium-found-price-trends-commercial-property-debi-myers\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wide gaps in price increases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between highly walkable CBD real estate (which experienced 125% price increases) and those in car-dependent areas, where prices only rose by 20%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study determined<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/smartgrowthamerica.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Foot-Traffic-Ahead-2023.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">price premiums for walkable office product in 35 US metro areas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and found that in some cities these premiums were as high as 105%. In addition, it\u2019s not a coincidence that the US<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kbs.com\/insights\/walkability-and-its-impact-on-office\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cities with the best walking scores are also hubs for Fortune 500 companies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are different reasons why walkability determining real estate prices. In the first place, it\u2019s a matter of scarcity and how this concept drives value and prices up. In many US urban settings, the amount of office buildings with a highly walkable score is very limited, with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vox.com\/the-goods\/2018\/10\/26\/18025000\/walkable-city-walk-score-economy\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national average of 49 out of 100<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As a result, properties with high walking scores have a competitive advantage over others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondly, walkability scores are associated with dynamic business environments, as these areas attract higher foot traffic levels that can help local businesses thrive. A study in Washington D.C. found that offices located in<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hraadvisors.com\/advantages-locating-office-product-mixed-use-neighborhoods\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mixed-use neighborhoods performed consistently better<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> both in downtown and suburban areas. We also know that<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/smartgrowthamerica.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Foot-Traffic-Ahead-2023.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">areas where walkable urbanism is implemented account for a significant share of total GDP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, people-oriented streets offer more conveniences to workers, residents, and visitors as they\u2019re able to find the services they need on a daily basis without going far, so they can make a more efficient use of their time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety is another concept associated with highly walkable streets. Evidence from law enforcement agencies shows that<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartcitiesdive.com\/ex\/sustainablecitiescollective\/how-walkable-streets-can-reduce-crime\/37860\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">making streets more walkable can lead to significant decreases in street crime,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> burglary, and vandalism. Obviously, this is reflected in property values.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, walkability indexes can be used to attract top talent. This is particularly true for younger generations, since being able to walk or bike to work reflects the lifestyle and preferences of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/finance\/credit-cards\/average-cost-of-commuting\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Millennials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/civicscience.com\/7-quick-health-fitness-trends-that-lead-among-gen-z\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gen Z<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2219\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pexels-daniel-frese-574177.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pexels-daniel-frese-574177.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/pexels-daniel-frese-574177-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Benefits_of_walking_to_work\"><b>Benefits of walking to work<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The United States is primarily a car-dependent society, but recently, employers and employees have become increasingly aware of the benefits of walking to work, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing the stress typically involved in the daily commute.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boosting creativity, since staff can spend more time alone to think instead of being hyper-vigilant about what happens on the road.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate physical activity like walking has a positive impact on mental health and well-being, which can lead to higher staff morale and a healthier work atmosphere, all whilst boosting individual physical health.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s kind on the budget too. 2022 data show that the average US worker spends nearly<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/finance\/credit-cards\/average-cost-of-commuting\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$8,500 a year commuting to work by car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whereas there\u2019s no charge for walking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking to work fits within sustainable lifestyles, as it reduces carbon emissions and contributes to reducing traffic noise and pollution, which makes cities more livable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"How_walking_scores_are_determined\"><b>How walking scores are determined<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Programs like Walk Score analyze the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loopnet.com\/learn\/understanding-your-propertys-walk-score-\/1309636409\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amount and type of amenities located within a certain radius of an address<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by looking at different walking routes. Amenities are chosen based on how necessary they are in everyday life, and include grocery stores, shops, restaurants, schools, entertainment venues, errands, parks, etc. These programs use data from Google Maps, the US Census, and other sources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The highest amount of points is awarded to amenities within a 5-minute walk or \u00bc mile from a specific address. The farther away the amenity is, the fewer points it accrues, and no points are given for amenities that require a 30-minute walk or longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total points are displayed on a scale of 1 to 100 and the results are grouped in five categories, ranging from walker\u2019s paradise to car dependent. Since 2019, in addition to numerical scores,<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/livable.nonprofitsoapbox.com\/component\/content\/article\/9-livability-live\/475-walk-score-has-launched-new-neighborhood-heat-maps\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heat maps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help visualize the walkability of a work location. These maps use a color scale from green to red to categorize walking scores, making it easier to envision how walkable a given area is.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, Walk Score analyzes hundreds of walking routes by measuring population density and road metrics, this is done to measure pedestrian friendliness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In summary, areas with a high walking score are economically productive, safe, and convenient, which adds value to office real estate located in them. You can find a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkscore.com\/score\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">walking score calculator here<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkscore.com\/explore?q=somerville+ma&amp;v=v3&amp;m=light%20.\" rel=\"nofollow\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">walk score heat map<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> here.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Looking_for_office_space_in_a_walkable_location\"><b>Looking for office space in a walkable location?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The United States is home to plenty of walkable cities, with major urban hubs such as<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/ny\/nyc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> New York City<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/il\/chicago\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> being well known for their walkability. Visit<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offices.net<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today to view our extensive range of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/national.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> private offices<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.net\/coworking\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> coworking spaces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, available on flexible terms to suit businesses and freelancers on the move.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The concept of walkability is becoming increasingly discussed in urban planning and design environments, as it impacts well-being, health, livability, and real estate economics. In this article, we discuss the walkability trend in relation to the office market, and explore its benefits, as well as the amenities, data, and calculations used to generate a property\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[569,27],"tags":[568,581,580],"class_list":["post-2217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-569","category-office-health","tag-568","tag-benefits","tag-walk-score"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2217"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2354,"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2217\/revisions\/2354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.net\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}