The power of walkability?

I often disagree with the statements put out by the National Association of Realtors. This is the association, after all, that spend years denying that a “housing bubble” existed. We all know how that prediction turned out.

But the association has said at least one statement that I really believe in: The next hot residential market might be homes within walking distance to shops, restaurants, parks, schools and mass transit.

Officials with the Realtors association say that a growing number of buyers today want their homes to be within walking distance of just about everything.

This is why transit-oriented developments — dense housing clusters located near commuter rail and bus stations — have become so popular. More people recognize not only the health benefits but the lifestyle advantages of living in a walkable neighborhood.

When my wife and I purchased our home about two years ago, we deliberately chose a home in an older neighborhood that was located close to our Chicago-area town’s downtown, the school our children would be attending, the local library and several parks. I’m  thrilled with our distance. After all, who wants to spend all day jumping into and out of their car?

And don’t forget: That home in a walkable neighborhood will probably fetch a healthy price when it’s time to sell.