Americans living in walkable communities say they have a higher quality of life. A new survey released by the National Association of Realtors found this and other trends are similar to the association's previous poll taken three years ago. One noticeable difference is a modest uptick in measures on the importance of walkability.
The 2023 Community & Transportation Preferences Survey is a national poll taken every three years to gauge people's partialities regarding their home's location or potential location and community attributes they find desirable. NAR makes the results of the study available to all, so communities can make improvements that benefit the quality of life of their residents.
This year's survey found that in general, people in the largest 50 MSA's are satisfied with the quality of life in their communities. If they were deciding where to live today, they would place high importance on low levels of crime, sidewalks and walkability, as well as short commutes and easy access to the highway.
Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed report living within an easy walk to other places and things like shops and parks is very/somewhat important; 85% say sidewalks and places to walk are very/somewhat important; and 78% of those indicate they would be willing to pay more to live in a walkable community.
The importance of walkability is strongly correlated with generations, as half of millennials see walkability as very important. Gen Z and millennials also prioritize proximity to public transit more highly than closeness to the highway. Having public transport nearby is very/somewhat important to 65% of respondents.
Those under age 50 are much more likely to prioritize a short commute to work. Nearly half of millennials it is very important in deciding where to live.
There is a direct correlation between generations and the willingness to spend more for walkability. Among those who say walkability is important, roughly 90% of Gen Z and millennials say they would pay more for a walkable community.
In an uptick from previous years, half of all respondents say they prefer a walkable community and shorter commute even if it means living in an attached home. When the only trade-off for the walkable community is a smaller yard, just over half of all residents prefer that option, with 56% overall preferring the more walkable community. Gen Xers, however, especially those with kids at home, lean towards the larger home and more driving. Millennials with kids at home lean more towards the walkable community, when the only trade-off is a smaller yard.
In terms of priorities for their state and local governments, road maintenance is most important to all generations. About three-quarters of respondents place the highest priority on maintaining and repairing roads, highways, freeways and bridges. Half place a high priority on building more roads, expanding public transportation, providing alternatives to driving, and developing more walkable communities. Gen Z and millennials prioritize expanding transportation alternatives and building more walkable communities.
"Silicon Valley has many walkable communities. It's one of the main reasons many homebuyers are attracted to Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Mountain View and Willow Glen, and why homes in these places cost more than homes in other places in the Bay Area," says Jim Hamilton, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. "Being able to walk to community events and restaurants downtown is an important asset for families."
Hamilton adds that the NAR survey can be useful to local officials. "The survey provides valuable information on shifting American lifestyles and migration trends. That Gen Z and millennials prioritize building more walkable communities and expanding transportation alternatives is revealing. These are important factors for city officials to consider when updating their Master Plan."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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