Today I stumbled upon an article with a really out there fact that I felt like I had to share. Apparently, residents of newly built homes are more likely to bike or walk as a form of transportation than homeowners of previously owned homes. According to the article 44% of residents in newly constructed homes either bike or walk compared to 40% for houses in general.
In general, new-home buyers are more likely to walk than bike, if they were to choose one exclusively. A quarter of those surveyed walk but don’t bike while fewer than 4% said they bike and don’t walk.
Is there any correlation that can be attributed to this strange phenomenon? As I read, I came to nearly the same conclusions as the article. Its not really about the people moving into new homes, rather than the amenities generally provided in newer neighborhoods. Sixty one percent of new homes reported that their neighborhood has sidewalks, whereas only 55.7% of all houses say they have one. New homes are more likely to be built in new neighborhoods, where builders are planning ahead by building walkways and bikelanes. New homes are also more likely to have well-lit streets to make walkers and bikers safer from both traffic and crime.
I really enjoy little facts like these ones because although new homes and walking don’t seem to relate at first, a little deeper digging suggests they might. Just remember, when out purchasing real estate, to consider some of the small details that may make a big difference in your lifestyle down the line.
Source: http://eyeonhousing.org/2014/12/walking-and-biking-more-common-in-new-homes/
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