Walking the Walk.

Congratulations to all those brave souls who participated in the Susan G. Komen, 3 day for the cure  (Boston) fundraiser to battle  breast cancer this past weekend; July 15-17. These extraordinarily courageous warriors faced record high temperatures at times over 100 degrees to walk their committed pledge of 20 miles for each of the 3 days. Once again our heartiest applause to those participants who contributed their time and money and were a part of the boldest breast cancer event in history 

And speaking of walking, Walkability scores have become one of the categories of consideration in the selection of home purchase. Looking for a bright spot in the housing market?  CEOs for Cities just released a study based on data from Walk Score and ZipRealty that shows one point of Walk Score is worth as much as $3,000 depending on the metro area.

The report, “Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Housing Values in U.S. Cities” by Joseph Cortright, analyzed data from 94,000 real estate transactions in 15 major markets provided by ZipRealty and found that in 13 of the 15 markets, higher levels of walkability, as measured by Walk Score, were directly linked to higher home values.

“Even in a turbulent economy, we know that walkability adds value to residential property just as additional square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms and other amenities do,” said Cortright. “It’s clear that consumers assign a tangible value to the convenience factor of living in more walkable places with access to a variety of destinations.” In the typical metropolitan areas studied, the premium commanded for neighborhoods with above average Walk Scores compared to those with average Walk Scores ranged from about $4,000 to $34,000, depending on the metro area.

"Walking the Walk’ shows definitively what we’ve always believed – that homes in walkable neighborhoods continue to be a good investment, and are one of the simplest and most effective solutions to fight climate change, improve our health, and strengthen our communities,” said Walk Score founder Mike Mathieu. "Our vision is for every property listing to include a Walk Score: Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Walk Score: 84."

“These findings are significant for policy makers,” said Carol Coletta, President and CEO of CEOs  "There are a number of trends that are reshaping the American Dream," said Coletta, "and the value home buyers now place on living close to more daily destinations is one of the most important.  Now, planning, zoning and development decisions have to catch up to consumers."

 Walkability is defined by the Walk Score algorithm (www.walkscore.com), which works by calculating the closest amenities – restaurants, coffee shops, schools, parks, stores, libraries, etc. – to any U.S. address. The algorithm then assigns a “Walk Score” from 0-100, with 100 being the most walkable and 0 being totally car-dependent. Walk Scores of 70+ indicate neighborhoods where it’s possible to get by without a car. Walk Score ratings are as follows:

90–100	Walker's Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.
70–89	Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50–69	Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.
25–49	Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.
0–24	Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

By not much of a coincidence I happen to have a charming little  2 Bedroom Antique home with a very walkable score of  85 located at 54 Washington St. Newburyport, Click following link if you are interested.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/54-Washington-St_Newburyport_MA_01950_M40817-20170