Living close to it all is no longer just reserved for inner city living. These days a lot more thought is being put into planning outer suburbs to make them more liveable and promote a greater sense of community, health and wellbeing.
The old-fashioned notion of village-like, leave-the-car-at-home living is enjoying a resurgence in popularity across the generations.
Here are six reasons why walkability should be a key factor when you’re looking for your next home.
1. Leave the car at home
We are so fortunate in the area we call home and service clients that so many of our suburbs are within a pleasant strolling distance from so many conveniences, from Garden City, public transport and restaurant/cafe strips to beautiful parks, cycle ways, the lakefronts and local schools.
2. Health and wellbeing
Leaving the car at home has obvious health and wellbeing benefits. And there have been University studies to prove it, comparing the health of people living in suburbs in which you need a car to get anywhere to those who live in communities that cater to residents walking more. It’s not just physical health benefits either. The stress relief people gain from a regular walk outdoors is well known too.
3. Child safety
From walking a few blocks to the local school or parks, or strolling to the shops, cinema and sports field with their friends, a well-planned walkable neighbourhood provides both safety and a happy, healthy environment for kids to grow up in. This in turn provides peace of mind and extra time for busy parents.
4. Getting to know the neighbours
How many people do you know that don’t even know their neighbours let alone live in an environment that encourages neighbours to look out for one another? A walkable neighbourhood encourages engagement and connectivity, just as people used to enjoy in villages a long time ago.
5. The chance to dine out close to home
There’s nothing better than being able to walk to and from your favourite local cafe or restaurant to meet friends for a coffee or a meal. No need to worry about where to park or how to get home if you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine.
6. Better on the hip pocket
Living in a walkable neighbourhood also delivers financial benefits. Proximity to public transport and amenities will cut down on petrol and motor vehicle maintenance costs. And, according to property expert, Michael Yardney, owning a home in a walkable neighbourhood can also boost your property’s value as it delivers so many features that people want.
The CSIRO’s new Liveability Ranking lists ‘living local’ (a connection to community, village feel, bike paths, walkways and public transport) among 17 features that contribute to a property’s overall liveability score.
Scroll down and you will see that many of the properties we currently have listed for sale tick so many of the boxes mentioned in this article. Aren’t we lucky to live where we do!