WalkScore.com - How 'Walkable' is Your 'Hood?

Walking is good for you, just ask WalkScore. They believe that walkable places to live are vital. Think about it. Cars are truly expensive—you have your insurance bills, gas, and parking is utter frustration—plus, driving’s just not good for old Mother Nature. And really, the obesity epidemic could be solved if everyone took a walk now and then. Losing a few chins won’t hurt anyone, it might just get you a date. This is where WalksScore comes in. It will help you find walker friendly places to live. Walkscore calculates the distance to walkable locations near an address. Thus a walker’s paradise is a place where most errands can be accomplished on foot. A very walkable address means that it’s quite possible to get by without a car. Locations are separated into 11 different categories such as bars, restaurants and stores. WalkScore does take everything into account though; factors such as public transport, safety and design aren’t included in the WalkScore calculations. Also, it only works for US addresses. Nevertheless, it’s a good estimate of walkability.

“Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Why is walking important? Walkable neighborhoods offer surprising benefits to our health, the environment, and our communities.”

WalkScore contributes to a healthier living style and to sustainable living. With all the concern about global warming and obesity, WalkScore is a great tool for conscientious people.

WalkScore has its faults. It leaves out some major factors such as info about street width and sidewalks. Will it integrate more stats, about crime or perhaps safety? Can’t people figure out the ‘walkability’ of an area on their own?