Demand Grows for Walkable Living
Most buyers now consider walkability essential. The younger generations are willing to pay more for homes near shops, services and daily conveniences.
NEW YORK – Walkability has become a major priority for home buyers across generations, with a 2023 National Association of Realtors' survey reporting that 79% of Americans consider it important and 78% say they would pay more for homes in walkable areas.
Younger generations are leading the charge, with 90% of Gen Z and millennial respondents desiring walkable communities and about 33 percent saying they would "pay a lot more" for it. Realtor.com data shows that the share of listings emphasizing walkable features more than doubled between October 2024 and October 2025 from 0.6% to 1.3%, reflecting rising national demand.
Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, said, "Walkability carries both lifestyle and financial appeal. Living in a walkable area can reduce or even eliminate the need for a car, lowering gas and transportation costs. These neighborhoods also tend to offer a concentration of restaurants, shops, and other amenities, adding to their convenience and desirability."
One of the biggest trends is the community where it takes just 15 minutes to walk to anything a person needs. Overall, the trend points to increasing emphasis on lifestyle convenience, reduced transportation dependence, and higher perceived value for homes located in walkable environments.
Source: Realtor.com (11/19/25) Blakeley, Kiri
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