When it comes to house hunting and moving assistance, a neighborhood’s walkability plays a big role. Walkability measures how friendly an area is to pedestrians. Restaurants, grocery stores, and shops are typically just a short distance away.

Not only is a neighborhood’s walkability beneficial to your health but it’s also good for the environment and your budget. But how do you figure a neighborhood’s walkability when you haven’t lived in the area yourself?

Here are a few ways you can find a walkable neighborhood when you’re on the lookout for a new place.

Check out areas on Google Maps

Approximately 43 million Americans move every year using moving assistance. Many house and apartment hunters check out potential homes online because it’s quick and convenient. It’s especially convenient if it turns out that that house/apartment isn’t right for you.

While you’re looking at listings, use Google Maps to check out the neighborhood surrounding the house/apartment you’re looking at. You can use Google Street View to check out the area virtually as if you were actually on the sidewalk.

Another way you can use Google Maps to determine a neighborhood’s walkability is with “near me” searches. Consider the types of shops and restaurants you frequent and then type in “restaurants near me” into Google using the listed home’s address. This will give you a better idea of the types of stores and shops surrounding your potential home.india font keyboard

Get a feel for the commute

Nearby shops and stores are great for neighborhood walkability. But a truly walkable neighborhood is one where you don’t need to use a vehicle to make your way around the area.

You can use Google Maps or Trulia’s Neighborhood pages to get an idea for what commute times would actually be like. Take a look at the distance between your potential home and your workplace. How long does it take for you to get there via different transit networks (bus, train, bike)? Ideal commute times are 10 minutes or fewer.

See what the locals have to say

Make sure when you’re checking out a new home listing that you’re looking out for what the locals have to say about the area. Residents aren’t shy about giving their honest opinions about certain towns or districts.

A few key factors you want to be on the lookout for on neighborhood reviews include whether or not there are sidewalks, whether a car is necessary, whether there’s local moving assistance, whether residents would walk alone at night, and whether streets are well-lit.

Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day

This is a common piece of advice not only for neighborhoods but also for apartment buildings, streets, and colleges. This is because a neighborhood shows different sides of itself at different times of the day and throughout the week.

You might feel comfortable in a neighborhood during the day. But during the evening, that same area might give off a completely different vibe. You want to be sure you feel comfortable in your new neighborhood at any time, especially if you’ll be walking frequently.

If you can’t visit a neighborhood multiple times throughout the day, consider visiting once during the week and once during the weekend. Weekends are typically louder with more hustle and bustle so you can get an accurate feel for the area’s noise-level.

Keep an eye out for sidewalks

Sidewalks are a pedestrian’s best friend. When you’re checking out a neighborhood’s walkability, be sure to keep an eye out for sidewalks that are wide and accessible. Wide sidewalks are essential because they make pedestrians feel safe. Thin sidewalks right alongside the road aren’t safe for anyone.

Take a look at the street lights along sidewalks and bike paths, too. Well-lit areas are essential to pedestrian safety. People won’t walk where they can’t see or be seen. Motorists need to be able to see pedestrians and bicyclists, too, to prevent any dangerous or life-threatening accidents from happening.

Moving to a new home?

Even homeowners in the most walkable neighborhoods need moving assistance when relocating to a new space. Craig Van Lines has the experienced moving professionals you need to get the job done safely and efficiently. For more information about our residential moving service or to schedule your moving help, contact Craig Van Lines today.

What Makes a Neighborhood Walkable?