I have always enjoyed walking, but while raising a family I never lived in an area that was close to much of what I needed. The house I own now is very close to shopping but feels very remote, I have the best of both worlds. I chose my home based on how close it was to certain establishments. I wanted to be able to be close to services in case of some kind of emergency. I never thought about the exercise or the green effect walking could do for me.
When it snows here in the Oyster Bay area of Bremerton for some reason the elevated area I live on gets more snow than other areas close to the Charleston district. When it snows I can not pull out of my garage and get up the hill in front of my home. It makes me feel more in control when I know that I can walk to shopping if I needed.
With gas prices and environmental concerns many buyers in the Bremerton area are really looking at what is in walking distance to the properties they are viewing. Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is also good for your health.
Here are some facts about walking from the new site that is assisting buyers and real estate agents on the “walkability” of neighborhoods in their area. WalkScore.com
- Better health
- Reduction in greenhouse gases
- Transportation options
- Social interaction
- Stronger local businesses
Below is what a WalkScore would look like. This is one if you lived on High Ave in Bremerton. You can use this tool on any address, just remember that it isn’t fool proof. My home has a 58 score but the large QFC grocery store isn’t listed and is about .09 miles from my home. Click on the WalkScore link above to find your WalkScore.
That’s a very cool tool! I’ll be sure to use it moving forward. I found a cool tool by Property Maps that lets you find and view properties as well.