Condo-Alexandria.com now allows users to search for property by "Walk Score". 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. Walk Score promises to measure how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle---not how pretty the area is for walking. In reality,

What does a property's Walk Score score mean?

Each home listed for sale is given a Walk Score. That number is between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:

• 90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people can get by without owning a car.
• 70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
• 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
• 25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
• 0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

Walk Score isn't perfect ...

Home buyers need to be aware that Walk Score is just an approximation of walkability.

For example, the Skyline communities of Falls Church generally have a higher Walk Score than the New Alexandria community of Belle View. River Towers has pleasant tree-lined walkways with easy access to neighborhood shops, parks, libraries, the Potomac. Skyline Square is convenient as can be, but broad and busy 4 lane roads make walking inconvenient, if not dangerous. But River Towers doesn't score as high on Walk Score as Skyline Square.

So, there are a number of factors that contribute to walkability that are not part of the algorithm used to calculate Walk Score:

• Public transit: Good public transit is important for walkable neighborhoods. Not to fear: you can also search for homes near a metro station.
• Street width and block length: Narrow streets slow down traffic. Short blocks provide more routes to the same destination and make it easier to take a direct route.
• Street design: Sidewalks and safe crossings are essential to walkability. Appropriate automobile speeds, trees, and other features also help.
• Safety from crime and crashes: How much crime is in the neighborhood? How many traffic accidents are there? Are streets well-lit?
• Pedestrian-friendly community design: Are buildings close to the sidewalk with parking in back? Are destinations clustered together?
• Topography: Hills can make walking difficult, especially if you're carrying groceries.
• Freeways and bodies of water: Freeways can divide neighborhoods. Swimming is harder than walking.
• Weather: In some places it's just too hot or cold to walk regularly.

Thus, the tools on our site are a great starting point in your search for homes and neighborhoods of Northern Virginia, but there really is no substitute for your Condo 1 Alexandria realtor. We know the areas and neighborhoods where you want to live and we can really help you sort to the wheat from the chaff.

Northern Virginia's Most Walkable Homes for Sale

• $574,900 :: 325 Royal St N, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $266,000 :: 4517 Holmes Run Pkwy, Alexandria VA, 22304
• $485,000 :: 2400 Clarendon Blvd #105, Arlington VA, 22201
• $142,000 :: 1011 Arlington Blvd #514, Arlington VA, 22209
• $129,000 :: 4102203 Daniels Ave #203, Annandale VA, 22003
• $579,900 :: 320 West St S #102, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $625,000 :: 320 West St S #109, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $650,000 :: 320 West St S #106, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $450,000 :: 2100 Lee Hwy #238, Arlington VA, 22201
• $359,000 :: 1600 Oak St N #1731, Arlington VA, 22209
• $479,000 :: 1115 Cameron St #113, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $1,049,000 :: 1600 Clarendon Blvd #W205, Arlington VA, 22209
• $753,835 :: 3411 13th St. S., Arlington VA, 22204
• $350,000 :: 3800 Fairfax Dr #201, Arlington VA, 22203
• $735,385 :: 3409 13th St. S., Arlington VA, 22204
• $345,555 :: 2100 Lee Hwy #235, Arlington VA, 22201
• $429,500 :: 1050 Taylor St N #1-207, Arlington VA, 22201
• $389,000 :: 1021 Garfield St N #B43, Arlington VA, 22201
• $995,000 :: 1308 Hartford St, Arlington VA, 22201
• $510,000 :: 400 Madison St #907, Alexandria VA, 22314

Well, maybe ...

The properties listed above score very high on the Walk Score criteria and are thus featured here. Search for more walkable properties or contact us for tips and suggestions to fit any budget.

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About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.