Walkability Score - what is it and why it's important to Midtown Tulsa real estate

People are looking for alternatives to driving, whether it be for environmental, financial or health reasons - or a combination of each. People truly do want to walk to the grocery, a restaurant, the park or a library.

As defined by Wikipedia, "Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is to walking. Walkability has many health, environmental, and economic benefits." 

Walkable neighborhoods strengthen our community in that residents tend to meet and associate with their neighbors. Not only does that make living in your neighborhood more pleasant, it includes an obvious deterrent to crime.

Walking is good for our health. Studies show that the average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs less than one living in a sprawling neighborhood.

Walkability Score - what is it and why it's important to Midtown Tulsa real estate

What makes a neighborhood walkable? [Source: WalkScore.com]

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a main street or a public space.
• People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.
• Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

Midtown Tulsa is a very walkable area. We are blessed with mature trees and sidewalks, parks every few blocks, hiking, running and cycling trails along the River Parks, and more. Plus, we can walk to restaurants and groceries, farmer's markets and drug stores. Midtown Tulsa is the best corner of Tulsa!

So how walkable is your neighborhood? Go to this "walk score" web site, enter your address and find out! Tulsa is becoming a more 'walkable' city and we invite those considering a move to Tulsa to walk around with us!!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.