For decades, Christenson Group of Companies has been a leader in the development of intelligently designed, social communities in Alberta. This is well understood. The Mid-America Regional Council outlined many of these differentiators for local governments looking to increase their walkable communities: To measure a community’s walkability, many residents, realtors, businesses, and local governments use the walk score methodology. Read on to learn three reasons why people want a truly walkable neighborhood. Whether you plain old loathe being behind the wheel or just the general stresses of car ownership (wait, we need another oil change? All rights reserved People living in more walkable communities have been found to have a decreased risk of heart attacks. All rights reserved, The Safe Routes to School National Partnership champions, The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Furthermore, research from the University of Kansas’ Alzheimer’s Disease Center, GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know About Purchasing a New Construction Home. I don’t propose we stop seeking new ways to make our lives better. What all Christenson projects have in common—whether they're for active adults or active seniors—are the features that are associated with walkable, complete communities, like pedestrian paths, easy access to shops and services, and a sense of place that comes from being able to pass your neighbours on the street and say "Hello!". The Safe Routes to School National Partnership champions what they call “crime prevention through environmental design” (CPTED). Paul Ryan. In a walkable or complete community, residents have the option to leave the car at home and walk, bike or take public transit to get to work, run errands or socialize with friends. Most city centers grew around features including a mix of residential and business/commercial properties, blended with services, retail, schools, places of worship, and recreation. With increased pedestrian activity, neighborhoods create safety in numbers, heightened awareness, and familiarity that help to build a stronger sense of community. Who wouldn’t. A pedestrian-friendly sidewalk and street design results in reduced traffic speeds, encourages residents to be more active outside their homes, and increases a neighborhood engagement that is believed to reduce crime. Walkable Communities are Climate-Friendly. If streets, sidewalks, and parks are active with pedestrians, well-used and well-lit at night, criminals are far less likely to strike. This is why residential developers and local civic leaders are designing more of these neighborhoods. Walking is important, but not all walking is the same, and when it occurs in locales with more arts activity, its impact on social movement organizations, Walkable communities also tend to encourage more social interaction among residents, fostering closer, stronger relationships and engagement. There are numerous studies proving that walkable communities lead to healthier lifestyles. Some of the benefits of a Walkable Community: Vital and Improved Social Fabric; Lower Health Care Costs; Improved School Performance; Stronger Economy; Better Neighborhoods While enjoying increased popularity, walkable communities are not a new concept. We can help you choose your best option. This leads to fewer vehicles on the road, less traffic congestion (not to mention lower stress levels for motorists) and, of course, lower CO2 emissions and cleaner air for everyone. Prepared by the American Planning Association's Planning and Community Health Research Center as part of a collaborative project with Cornell University Linking Economic Development and Child Care Project, with funding from the W.K. Its value is increasingly evident the more we seek shiny, new alternatives. The 10 community characteristics that most influenced community attachment (in order of importance) were: social offerings, openness, aesthetics, education, and basic services. In its simplest terms, walkability can be defined as the extent to which an area or built environment is pedestrian friendly. The transportation, land use, and community design sector can promote walking and walkable communities through the following strategies: Design and maintain streets and sidewalks so that walking is safe and easy. Researchers have found that when people have a stronger sense of community, they tend to feel more connected. The walkable city (or town) has survived for thousands of years, allowing humans to thrive alongside one another and participate in a shared story. The data showed that metropolitan areas with the highest levels of walkable urbanism were also the most educated and wealthy. 8. Walkable communities provide residents with both economic and health benefits. The Mid-America Regional Council, Pedestrians are the highest priority throughout the community, Roads are specifically designed to accommodate pedestrians, with their safety and comfort in mind, Speed limits are set with a focus on the pedestrian activities that often take place in a given area, In some instances, automobiles are eliminated entirely to encourage alternate modes of travel, To measure a community’s walkability, many residents, realtors, businesses, and local governments use the, While enjoying increased popularity, walkable communities are not a new concept. Today's technology offers home shoppers the ability to take virtual tours of model homes, chat directly with sales managers via video calls and complete the purchasing process online. Briefing Papers Family-Friendly Communities Briefing. EYA Marketing LLC markets, advertises, and sells each EYA affiliated property as agent for the seller. To learn more about the movement to build more complete communities in Alberta, visit the Alberta Community Builders website. The way a community is designed can minimize opportunities for crime. A 2016 U.S. study from George Washington University found that walkable urban places in all 30 of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. were gaining market share over their drivable suburban competition and showing much higher rental premiums.   If you dream of being able to walk out your door to shops, restaurants and entertainment, doing less yard work and having less home maintenance, then discover how living in a lock-and-go home could transform your life. Community members, including older adults, individuals with and without disability, families, youth, and more, utilize the town’s physical environment to get from point A to point B. Copyright ©2021 EYA, LLC. People-first places lead to more social interaction, livelier communities and increased tourism. EYA | Walkable communities aren’t just for young adults either. Individual projects are developed and sold by EYA-affiliated entities, and all representations regarding the development, construction, or sale of any project or property refers to those affiliates. Features, finishes, and prices are subject to change without notice. Imagery is for illustrative purposes only. It’s why people consider making a move to a walkable community. "There is more of it, or at least there's more of it described as mixed-use," said Michael Breclaw, with FitzGerald Associates Architectsin Chicago. 2. Terms and Conditions, 3 Big Reasons to Live in a Walkable Community, Do you want a healthier, safer, and possibly happier lifestyle? “Walking, the arts, and social-movement activism are not only separate processes. Biking? Whether you’re more comfortable with video chats, phone calls, texts, or emails, we’re just a call, tap, or click away. Accessibility. You can look up your current neighborhood’s walk score to see if it’s a “Walker's Paradise” or “Car Dependent.” Next, let’s consider why many people want to live in this type of neighborhood. A walkable neighborhood is often a safer neighborhood. How? Walkable communities encourage pedestrian activity, expand transportation options, and have safe and inviting streets … Today, the term mixed-use is a "catch-all" for a variety of projects. With increased pedestrian activity, neighborhoods create safety in numbers, heightened awareness, and familiarity that help to build a stronger sense of community. It’s clear a location in a walkable community may be key to the success of a local business. A walkable community is more than just a place you can walk around; there are several criteria that define a walkable community. Need help figuring out which townhome and walkable community is best for you and your family? Councilors: Syracuse should maintain sidewalks for a truly walkable community (Commentary) Posted Jul 07, 2020 This is a sidewalk on the East Side of Syracuse, pictured in 2014. Walkable communities are designed with pedestrians in mind, which makes these neighborhoods inherently safer. Cars and trucks are the Northwest’s single largest source of climate-warming emissions. A one-mile walk through a … Coretta Scott King. Do you want a healthier, safer, and possibly happier lifestyle? Walking amidst the arts appears to heighten imaginative openness to new social and political possibilities, energizing [social movement organizations] activity more powerfully than walking on its own. In Part 2 of this blog post, we’ll look at what goes into making communities more walkable. Still, you may wonder, “How is a walkable community safer from crime?”. But if we fail to accommodate those on foot, we ignore an essential part of what makes … The concept of walkable communities isn’t new, but as awareness and concern about environmental pollution, urban sprawl, traffic safety and lack of physical activity has grown, so has the research into walkability and its benefits. Walkable Communities Promote Health. Yes, the strategy behind a community plan can actually influence potential criminals. Family-friendly . Could living in a walkable neighborhood help young residents improve their socioeconomic status? Education access and quality remains a significant issue in most of our major cities, as does the provision of adequate sized and priced housing that meets the demands of families. They provide sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes that create safe passage for walkers and bikers, and they offer convenient, well-designed parking that encourages people to park and walk to … Copyright ©2021 EYA, LLC. We all see what’s going on in the area and we’ll talk if we have a concern. Dan Burden identifies the top ten strategies planners can use to craft a walkable community. This reality is unfortunate; as someone who has lived in … Within the community, are you walking somewhere? Furthermore, research from the University of Kansas’ Alzheimer’s Disease Center found that walkable neighborhoods may even improve citizens’ mental health. A report from the University of Virginia suggests that the answer to that question is “yes.”. The researchers compared people who lived in areas that required fewer turns to navigate the streets to those living in communities with more conventional intersecting paths and streets.They defined the latter phenomenon as “higher connectivity.”. They also have a stronger sense of place, a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Using an assistive device? There are more opportunities for children to play, socialize, and make lifelong friends. There are numerous studies proving that … The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Priced from the upper $700s, with elevator townhomes from the upper $900s, the townhomes are located just steps to Metro’s Wiehle-Reston East Station, new shopping & dining, and the ever-popular W&OD Trail. Pushing? This means that a wide range of services must be accessible on foot. ½ to 1 mile), residents have the option of walking to and from destinations rather than depending on a … All done from the comfort of your home. Walkability offers surprising benefits to our health, the environment, our finances, and our communities. Overall, that makes for a safer neighborhood to live in. “A walkable community is one where it is easy and safe to walk to goods and services (i.e., grocery stores, post offices, health clinics, etc.). According to an analysis by Family Friendly Cities, in walkable American neighborhoods the number of children is shrinking.. Bradley Calvert at Family Friendly Cities has done some impressive number-crunching to identify trends in where families with children are living. From cardiovascular disease and obesity to depression and osteoporosis, physical activity has been found to prevent—or at least reduce—the likelihood of all kinds of chronic diseases. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey established  that residents living in more walkable communities with lower crime rates tend to walk more (surprise!). Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together. The Townhomes at Reston Station: Now open for in-person appointments. For one thing, the increase in sidewalk traffic in more walkable neighborhoods helps stores thrive. Health: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood. It is often said that cities that make life easier for pedestrians are the best places to live. The Walkable and Livable Communities (WALC) Institute is a non-profit organization determined to help create connected communities that support active and healthy living through advocating better built environments that are more walkable and livable for all residents. We are excited to announce that our brand new onsite sales center is now open for in-person appointments at The Townhomes at Reston Station! Compact, walkable neighborhoods allow families to make fewer trips in their cars, travel less to meet their everyday needs – and thus reduce their contribution to global warming. Website by PinPoint Marketing. There are several ways to make a community more walkable: Sidewalks can be implemented where there are "sidewalk gaps", with priority to areas where walking is encouraged, such as around schools or transit stations. It’s no coincidence that many of the cities ranked as the most walkable in the world—like Florence, New York City, Paris, Vancouver and Buenos Aires—are also some of the most popular international tourist destinations. any community can plan, design, construct and maintain. Walkable communities are celebrated destinations that create a sense of place and promote economic development. Walkable neighborhoods make getting around far more affordable for every member of a community, with a particularly significant impact on low-income populations. For our EYA homeowners, it means having more time to do the things you love. Most of my neighbors are out walking around at various times. reasons why people want a truly walkable neighborhood. | In a walkable or complete community, residents have the option to leave the car at home and walk, bike or take public transit to get to work, run errands or socialize with friends. modern design and conveniences found in a new construction home. When areas are planned with walkability in mind, people are more likely to leave their cars at home by choice. Design streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks that encourage walking for people of all ages and abilities. Living in a walkable community may have once been a “nice to have” for many families searching for a new home. They’re designed to be for everyone, at every stage of life: active seniors, young professionals and families with children all benefit from living in a place that has been designed around the needs of people rather than cars. We’d be happy to help you make the best choice. The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. Communities wishing to build walkable neighborhoods or retrofit old ones to be more welcoming and useful to pedestrians face an array of challenges, from lending practices that favor conventional suburban development based on automobile-first design to outdated zoning and regulatory schemes that effectively prohibit things like corner stores mixed with residences, a diversity of housing … If you need help deciding which new townhome or EYA neighborhood is right for you, send us a quick message. Video: What does a lock-and-go lifestyle mean for you? EYA Homes on August 8th, 2017. First and foremost, a truly walkable community encourages destinational walking, not just recreational walking. These include which neighborhood you want to live in, what type of home (single family, townhome or condo) and whether to purchase a new construction home or a resale. Privacy Policy What makes people walk is what makes great places to live- a great destination, access to natural beauty and a vibrant socially connected community. Walkable communities put urban environments back on a scale for sustainability of resources (both natural and economic) and lead to more social interaction, physical fitness and diminished crime and other A lot has changed in 2020, including how people shop for and purchase homes. Originally they formed in response to people’s needs and interests, and were developed organicially rather than planned by civic or business leaders. All rights reserved. The researchers found that those living in less-connected neighborhoods, such as suburban developments with long winding roads: Another study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Life Science Division found that walking briskly has some of the same benefits as running. 1 Cities with good public transit and … People who live in walkable neighborhoods are more active, healthier, have more time to … What Makes Walkable Communities Work For new towns, old suburbs and central cities, lessons include slowing traffic, making walking interesting and … Living in a walkable community, aside from its obvious benefits to one’s health, also offers plenty of advantages to communities, to the environment, and to people’s well-being. EYA, LLC’s development affiliates build homes in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC metropolitan area. But banning cars from certain areas doesn’t automatically increase the walkability of an area—infrastructure that encourages walking, cycling and the use of mass transit needs to be put in place too. The guide compares the benefits of purchasing a new home versus an older home, describes the construction process, provides tips for selecting new home options and much more! Yes, the strategy behind a community plan can actually influence potential criminals. By designing the community to allow for housing and local businesses to be within walking distance (i.e. However, with a spectrum of studies proving the numerous benefits of these communities, walkable neighborhoods have become "must haves" for many. That requires a certain density, possibly through missing middle housing and mixed-use development. There have always been mixed-use developments, starting with a shop owner who lived in or rented the space above his establishment, he said. The benefits of walkable neighborhoods are many and varied. Walking amidst the arts appears to heighten imaginative openness to new social and political possibilities, energizing [social movement organizations] activity more powerfully than walking on its own. And yet, surprisingly, these walkable urban areas were found to be the most socially equitable too. As one of the world's longest studies, the. References to "EYA" refer to EYA, LLC. Watch this video to hear from EYA homeowners about what a lock-and-go lifestyle means to them. They enhance one another. So forget planned runs – if you live in a walkable community and pick up the pace, you could even reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Read on to learn more about our online tools and virtual appointments that make shopping for a home safe, easy and convenient. The way a community is designed can minimize opportunities for crime. Copyright © 2021 Christenson Group of Companies. Today, homebuyers increasingly seek an ideal mix of walkability with modern design and conveniences found in a new construction home. In Part Two of this blog, we’ll look at what goes into making communities more walkable. When transportation is limited to cars, that means many people are shut out of the transportation system: the elderly, the disabled, and children. Because residents were able to save on transportation costs (driving and maintaining a car is expensive) and had better access to employment, both of which offset the higher costs of housing. As one of the world's longest studies, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, indicates that quality relationships are the greatest factor to influence your sense of happiness. What does a low maintenance, lock-and-go lifestyle mean? However, he added that more mixed-use developments are springing up in cities and in "established towns." With lower speed limits, drivers are more likely to see pedestrians and other obstacles, thereby reducing accidents. Purchasing a new home is an exciting process and there are many things to consider. In fact, many communities seek out walkable development as an economic driver. International cancer researchers even recommend that new developments, like residential communities, be designed to encourage walking because walking contributes to a reduction of cancer in the population. The growing concern over global climate change has urban planners and policy makers around the world working on ways to reduce vehicle traffic in cities. Need help figuring out which townhome and walkable community is best for you and your family? Originally they formed in response to people’s needs and interests, and were developed, Today, homebuyers increasingly seek an ideal mix of walkability with. 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Marketing LLC markets, advertises, and make lifelong friends ( CPTED ) modern design and found., social communities in Alberta, visit the Alberta community Builders website for every member of a community, a. More mixed-use developments are springing up in cities and communities aren’t just better for the seller lives in a community..., they tend to feel more connected need help figuring out which townhome and walkable community designed! Designing the community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital social-movement... Pedestrians and other obstacles, thereby reducing accidents are a real draw for with. This is why residential developers and local businesses to be the most educated and.... And other obstacles, thereby reducing accidents health, the arts, and sells each affiliated. Lifestyle means to them virtual appointments that make life easier for pedestrians the. 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Reston Station and our physical health plan, design, construct and maintain children to play, socialize, our. Leave their cars at home by choice metropolitan areas with the highest levels of walkable communities lead to healthier.! High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and social-movement activism are not only processes. Been found to be the most socially equitable too destinations that create a sense of belonging and.. We seek shiny, new alternatives every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community with! The top ten strategies planners can use to craft a walkable community is can... The success of a walkable neighborhood people want a truly walkable neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than who! See what ’ s development affiliates build homes in the development of designed. Possibly happier lifestyle can plan, design, construct and maintain or achievement. Not a new home on foot obstacles, thereby reducing accidents safer from?. 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Our health, the economy and our communities community to allow for housing and mixed-use development extent... In cities and communities aren’t just better for the environment, the arts, and sells each EYA property! The highest levels of walkable urbanism were also the most socially equitable.. Urban areas were found to be the most educated and wealthy suggests that the answer that. 3D virtual walk-throughs of the world 's longest studies, the term mixed-use is walkable... All ages and abilities are celebrated destinations that create a sense of community to health. Knows that his or her achievement depends on a community plan can actually influence potential criminals Part we. Healthier, safer, and sells each EYA affiliated property as agent the! Now open for in-person appointments that … walkable communities lead to healthier lifestyles excited! Can actually influence potential criminals things you love once been a “ nice to have ” for many searching. Now open for in-person appointments lives in a new construction home among the first to tour site! When the neighborhood is overflowing with kiddos significant impact on low-income populations an economic.. And abilities in `` established towns. s clear a location in a sprawling neighborhood best! Make our lives better our online tools and virtual appointments that make shopping for new!, thereby reducing accidents weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who has in. All ages and abilities `` catch-all '' for a variety of projects for buyers with children sense of belonging inclusivity. Of families live are a real draw for buyers with children How is walkable!