How is your Walk Score calculated?

Some homeowners like to brag about their big backyards or their spacious closets. Some like to boast about their home’s “walkability”. Walk Score is a website developed by urban planning experts that numerically ranks addresses based on how accessible it is by foot to essential stores and services. Scores range from 0 to 100 and yours can be found at www.walkscore.com

These scores don’t just determine the home’s proximity to a grocery store or park. They play a big role when it comes time to selling your home since a high Walk Score can boost your property’s value and lure prospective buyers. It’s common to find walkability information on most property listings.

Here’s an insight into how the Walk Score methodology works.

Distance to Amenities

The Walk Score algorithm analyzes hundreds of walking routes to nearby amenities in each category, such as restaurants, groceries, schools and parks. Then it awards points based on the distance. Maximum points are awarded for properties within a five-minute walk (or 0.4 kilometres) to amenities, while zero points are given if it takes more than 30 minutes (or 1.6 kilometres).

 Pedestrian Friendliness

The methodology also looks at popular density and road metrics such as block length and the number of intersections along the route. Currently, the five most pedestrian-friendly cities are Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Mississauga, and Ottawa.

Walk Score Categories

There are five Walk Score categories your house could fall into. Scores between 90 and 100 mean you’re living in a “walker’s paradise.”Scores of 70 to 89 are considered “very walkable,” where most errands can be accomplished by foot. Scores of 50 to 69 are “somewhat walkable” and 25 to 49 are deemed “car-dependent.”Finally scores of 0 to 24 means a car is required to carry out all errands.