One of my personal criteria when looking for a home is a walkable neighborhood. WalkScore.com is a great resource if you are looking for a neighborhood you can walk. WalkScore.com gives information about all of the stores, restaurants, parks, libraries, and other services available within walking distance of a certain address. For instance, the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in New York City gets 100 out of 100 or “Walkers’ Paradise” as a score, whereas, the house in which I grew up in rural Michigan gets a 0 out of 100 or “Car Dependent” as a score. There are many levels of walkability to choose from. I would not want to live in New York City, but I do enjoy being able to walk to the store or a restaurant and Arizona has quite a range of walkable neighborhoods throughout.
Tucson, Arizona has an average walk score of 55 out of 100 or “Somewhat Walkable.” Tucson’s Top 10% of walkable neighborhoods score an 85 out of 100 or “Very Walkable.” That number is good enough for me. The intersection of Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street scores a “Very Walkable” 89 out of 100. This gives an urban feel without living in New York City.
Flagstaff, Arizona has an average walk score of 49 out of 100 or “Car Dependant.” Flagstaff’s top 10% of walkable neighborhoods score a 92 out of 100 or “Walker’s Paradise.” Another good number. The intersection of Humphrey’s and Cherry scores a “Very Walkable” 86 out of 100. You could walk to most anything.
Phoenix, Arizona has an average walk score of 55 out of 100 or “Somewhat Walkable.” Phoenix’s top 10% of walkable neighborhoods score an 82 out of 100 or “Very Walkable.” Phoenix would be a little more car dependent at best than Tucson or Flagstaff but you can still find walkable neighborhoods. The intersection of McDowell and Seventh Street scores a “Very Walkable” 78 out of 100. Better yet, the intersection of Mill and University in Tempe scores a “Walker’s Paradise” 97 out of 100 and despite Phoenix’s “Car Dependant” reputation that is one of the best numbers I was able to find in Arizona. Now that is very nice!
If you like walking as much as I do, check out WalkScore.com before you decide which Arizona Real Estate is right for you.
