In the post-World War II era, the suburbs were paradise. Homeowners longed to get away from it all in quiet cul de sacs tucked within neighborhoods far from the roar of commerce and city life.
But a new breed of homeowner is looking for a very different experience: a sense of connectivity and community not always available in traditional suburbs.
Though intown developments such as Glenwood Park and White Provisions Residences and established neighborhoods such as Virginia-Highland can suggest walkability is a city-center issue, a surprising number of planned communities outside the Perimeter also make walkability a selling point for suburban homeowners eager to limit their time in the car or to better connect with their community. Crabapple Crossroads and Crabapple Station in Milton, Sherwood Park and Brookfield Park in Smyrna, and Woodstock Knoll in Woodstock offer residences with easy access to shops, restaurants and, in some cases, even schools. In fact, PEDS, an Atlanta advocacy organization that promotes greater accessibility for pedestrians in the metro area, recently awarded a 2011 Golden Shoe Award to the city of Woodstock for redesigning its downtown for better walkability.
PEDS President Sally Flocks said the old suburban cul-de-sac model is no longer viable for many such homeowners. “If you have cul de sacs, it requires everyone to walk a lot further to get to a destination,” Flocks said. “The problem is feeling trapped.”
Flocks added: “I think there is that strong desire for walkability, and it is considered good quality of life.”
Home industry insiders tend to agree.
“We are experiencing more home buyers who specifically ask if our communities are within walking distance to local shops, dining and recreational facilities, or who mention the reason they visited our community is due to its obvious walkable lifestyle,” said Kelly Kenton Fink, the vice president of sales and marketing for the Providence Group of Georgia, which builds homes in many walkable metro Atlanta communities. “We all spend too much time in our cars commuting and more money on gas than we would like. It is such a luxury to come home and know you can easily walk to go to dinner on a beautiful evening or walk to the local grocery store instead of driving after work.”
Tony Urso, who works in information technology at Coca-Cola, and his partner, Meredyth Brown, a compensation and benefits analyst at Travelport.com, recently built a traditional brick home in the Smyrna community of Brookfield Park, adjacent to the West Village commercial development that features Lime Taqueria, Blue Moon Pizza and Five Guys Burgers. Shortly before meeting each other, Urso and Brown had individually purchased smaller homes in the Smyrna area but were ready to upgrade to a larger home. “We were determined to stay in Smyrna. I’ve grown to like the area,” Urso said.
“Before we ever put an offer on the house we actually came to the neighborhood and walked all of the surrounding neighborhoods in the West Village,” Urso said. “We’ve been to pretty much every restaurant in the West Village at this point.”
Proximity to those restaurants -- not more than a half mile away -- and to the Silver Comet Trail where the couple likes to run were the primary appeals of Brookfield Park for Urso and Brown, who wanted to avoid having to get back in the car once they arrived home from work.
“I really like the convenience to downtown and the convenience to everything in Smyrna and Vinings, all the restaurants and shops, including the West Village itself. There are a lot of restaurants that we can walk to from the house” Urso said.
Fink, from the Providence Group, said “families are seeking a more neighborhood feel and lifestyle that may have been lost in the world of technology and long commutes.”
“It is extremely peaceful to walk through your neighborhood on tree-lined sidewalks and actually have quality time with your family and neighbors alike.”
How walkability steps up quality of life
There are numerous reasons to embrace walkability, according to Atlanta’s PEDS (www.peds.org), an advocacy organization aimed at making the metro area safe and accessible for pedestrians. PEDS lists the following advantages of walkable communities:
Less traffic congestion
One-fourth of all car trips are less than a mile. Sidewalks and safe crossings enable you to reach destinations on foot, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Higher property values
Homes in pedestrian-friendly communities make good investments. Sidewalks and quiet, tree-lined streets boost the value of your home.
Lower transportation costs
Fewer car trips mean lower gasoline costs.
Stronger communities
Where pleasant walking conditions exist, residents are more likely to know their neighbors and feel connected to their community, which leads to increased civic involvement.
Better access for nondrivers
Sidewalks enable children, seniors and others who do not drive to get around on foot.
Less stress
Chauffering children and driving in traffic can be a hassle. Being outdoors and walking can make for more enjoyable quality time with family.
Less pollution
Walkable trips cause no harmful emissions. Also, walkers inhale fewer poisonous fumes than people inside a slow moving car.
Better health
People who live in walkable communities are more active, enjoy cleaner air and experience fewer car crashes. Walking helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
More places to have fun
A walkable downtown attracts more stores and creates a thriving place to shop, eat and find entertainment. Reduced demand for parking leaves more open space for parks and playgrounds.
Reduced crime
Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods have more eyes on the street. People look out for each other, which deters crime.
About the Author
