In a world where reliance on cars is on the rise, where people spend more time commuting, and where we are glued to electronic devices, walkable neighbourhoods have become an effective strategy. According to WHO, around 1.8 billion adults and 80% of adolescents are physically inactive.
Therefore, making societies more walk-friendly not only offers social benefits such as health options, environmental sustainability, strong social structure, and economic growth but also transforms the way we live our lives. But what counts as a walkable neighborhood, and how does it link to improved quality of life?
In this article, several benefits of walkable neighbourhoods that result in happy, healthy, and connected societies are discussed. If you are looking through the best flats for sale in Chelsea, consider the advantages that come with walkable neighborhoods.
What is a walkable neighbourhood?
A walkable neighbourhood refers to a community where amenities like grocery shops, schools, parks, and restaurants are within walking distance. The community also has public transport. Furthermore, it is designed around the needs of pedestrians with safe sidewalks, green areas, crosswalks, and traffic calming features. Residents no longer need to rely on cars, as they can walk to meet their day-to-day needs.
The benefits of walkable neighbourhoods extend far beyond just the ability to travel on foot—there are benefits to physical health, the ecosystem, social interaction, and local businesses.
Enhanced Well-Being
One of the best features of a walkable neighbourhood is the increase in a person’s physical activity. Individuals residing in walkable areas are more likely to achieve the recommended exercise goals just by walking to the store, cafe, or local park.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), inactivity is an urgent health challenge indicating a major risk factor for death on a global scale. Having a walkable environment, on the other hand, naturally encourages an individual to move around more, thereby mitigating the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Increased physical activity levels, as a result, are beneficial for children, adults, and elders regardless of age and are beneficial without the need for structured workouts.
Improved Cognitive Health
The mental health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods are important and profound. Walking outdoors has been proven to help mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the availability of green spaces, fresh air, and exposure to sunlight improves mood, cognition, and overall mental health.
Furthermore, the ability to engage with locals, greet shopkeepers, or watch children playing in a park creates a sense of belonging and community. For elders in particular, such social connections provide invaluable protection against loneliness.
Stronger Community Ties
People-friendly neighbourhoods tend to be more social. When people are out strolling instead of driving, there is a greater possibility of bumping into neighbours, starting conversations, and even striking relations. This type of interaction regularly builds trust and results in a safer, stronger community.
More social activities such as block parties, local markets, and community clean-ups are seen in places where there is a focus on pedestrian mobility. Friendly walkables motivate families to permit children to walk to school, as well as play outside, which leads to further social interactions and strengthens social ties within the community.
Economic Potential
It is surprising that walking not only improves the health of the inhabitants as well as the environment but also boosts local economic activities. Small businesses within the vicinity of a neighbourhood are likely to prosper because there is an ever-present increase in foot traffic.
Property prices are also relatively high in such areas. A report by Redfin published in 2021 revealed that there is a marked difference in the prices of homes in walkable neighbourhoods.
A study by the Urban Land Institute also shows that homes in areas with walk-friendly environments fetch up to a 40% premium relative to those in car-dependent areas.
This is particularly the case in prime location cities like London; flats for sale in Chelsea are particularly popular among buyers who are seeking the convenience of being able to walk to their respective destinations, the presence of beautiful streets, fashion boutiques, and beautiful riverside cafés.
Sustainability
Sustainable, walkable communities significantly contribute to environmental protection. They help decrease air pollution, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of cars. Car dependency is one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion. With more people walking in place of driving, these issues are less likely to happen.
Additionally, walkable areas often include shaded tree streets, rain gardens, and porous sidewalks, which aid in controlling stormwater and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Lower Fatalities and Injuries
Walkable neighbourhoods tend to be safer and less prone to accidents. The chances of traffic injury associated with moving vehicles decline with lower speeds, better visibility, and marked crossings.
Walkable areas are also likely to experience reduced crime rates. Why? Simply put, more people walking around creates ‘eyes on the street’, as the urbanist Jane Jacobs suggests. This form of surveillance discourages criminal conduct and improves residents’ safety.
Time, Convenience, and Savings
Residents of a walkable neighbourhood have the advantage of saving time. There is no need to waste hours in traffic or looking for parking to go grocery shopping, drop off, or catch up with mates.
This convenience means that you will have more time for recreational pursuits, personal interests, and spending time with your kin. Moreover, walking is less stressful compared to driving on the roads, especially in congested areas.
Final Thoughts
The advantages offered by walkable neighbourhoods are countless. In addition to providing sustainability, these neighbourhoods improve citizen health, strengthen the economy, and enhance community interrelations. For citizens of urban regions, integrating walkable design is no longer an option driven by choice but an investment needed to enhance the quality of life.
Whether you are a city planner or policymaker, a real estate investor, or just a person who wants to make your life happier, improving walkability should be on your checklist. For buyers interested in Chelsea, London, consider how a walkable neighbourhood can enhance your lifestyle, ease daily chores, social life, and make the area more peaceful and healthier.