Americans Value Walkability But Resist Dense Housing

Americans express a strong desire for walkable neighborhoods, with nearly two-thirds (64%) willing to pay more to live within walking distance of amenities like parks, shops, and restaurants, according to the latest Community and Transportation Preference Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The survey, which polled 2,000 adults across the nation's 50 largest metro areas in early May, also found that 59% of respondents would opt for a smaller-yard home in a walkable area over a larger-yard home requiring more driving.

However, enthusiasm for walkability diminishes when considering the types of housing that facilitate it. While 63% of respondents view small-lot single-family homes favorably, support drops significantly for attached housing options. Only 51% approve of townhomes and duplexes, 44% are amenable to rental apartments, and just 40% support the construction of condos.

NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn highlighted the importance of this data for advocacy efforts, stating, "It’s clear that Americans place a high value on making sure the place they call home has the amenities they need to lead a happy and healthy life." This data is particularly relevant as the nation grapples with a significant housing gap, suggesting that new developments promising walkability must clearly demonstrate the benefit of increased housing density alongside convenient access to daily life.

The survey also indicated a growing emphasis on pedestrian infrastructure, with 57% of respondents now considering sidewalks and walking spaces "very important" when choosing a place to live, an increase of 7 percentage points from 2023. This trend is already being observed by real estate professionals, such as Carly Majorana, an agent in St. Petersburg, FL, who notes that buyers are increasingly describing their desired lifestyle in terms of walkability.