How walkable is your neighborhood? Increasingly, walkability is a major factor in where you choose to live. If you’re one of the many San Diegans who have to fight for parking on a daily basis, you’ve put some serious thought into this question.
What Classifies as Walkable?
The experts over at walkscore.com measure the walkability of any address using a patented points system. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category. Amenities within a 5-minute walk (1/4 miles) are given maximum points. More distant amenities are given distance-adjusted points, with no points given after a 30-minute walk.
Following this logic, the immediate vicinity, or less than a quarter mile radius, remains the most important from a neighborhood walkability standpoint. Factors such as pedestrian safety, variety of local stores and services, and general level of nearby points of interest are all key, as well.
What’s Important to Be Near
When scoping out a new potential home, it’s important to keep an eye out for how far away certain essential amenities are; public transportation is especially important. Access to bus, train or trolley stops can also help expand your walkability radius, if, for instance, your favorite Chinese takeout place is only a stop away.
The essential retail stores also hit the top of the list, with grocery stores, farmers markets, or hip boutiques being huge positives when you want to run out for a quick bite or forgot an essential dinner party item. Speaking of dinner, a good variety of restaurants that are within a quick evening stroll is important, as well, with the local coffee shop and best brunch spots being a must for anyone, young or old.
It also doesn’t hurt to have a good hangout in your neighborhood, like a decent pub, brewery, or sports bar to catch the game, when you’re feeling social. The Guild on 30th, for example, is walking distance to Krakatoa, known for its tasty breakfast and lunch and dog-friendly patio, Captain Kirk’s where you can grab an acai bowls, and the historic Turf Supper Club if you’d like to enjoy a cocktail and fine dining. Other important walkable destinations include pharmacies, running trails, parks, dry cleaners, and schools (if you have kids), among others.
Walkability at The Guild on 30th
Looking at this walkability heat map on WalkScore.com, Golden Hill is a veritable hotspot of things to do, with a score in the high 70s, or “Very Walkable,” a great emphasis on pedestrian safety and plenty of walkable options – easy access to transit, schools, and parks. If you’re interested in seeing what else is within walking distance to The Guild, you can check out our ideas on how to spend a weekend in Golden Hill. Being in the heart of San Diego and a stone’s throw from both Balboa Park and South Park really opens up the available options of for nearby activities.
The Guild on 30th will offer a new home option with great walkability in brand new homes that also while also featuring beautiful interior finishes, rooftop decks, and amazing views. Check out the amenities at The Guild and get more information on available units by clicking here.
How to Check Walkability
It may seem obvious, but the best way to get a feel for the walkability of a place is to get out there and walk it yourself. Once you get out and about, it may be surprising what you find that doesn’t show up on Google Street View. A huge joy of walkable neighborhoods is to get out, wander around, and find the treasures that only a local knows about – a super cute boutique with the best birthday gifts, or the bar around the corner with an amazing Tuesday happy hour – things you can’t appreciate from a simple look at a map. If you want to go full qualitative with your search, however, you can check on scores from real estate websites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, and WalkScore.com.
Learn More
The Guild on 30th offers the opportunity to purchase well-designed homes with green living features in a desirable area, and all within an median affordable price range. If you’re interested in learning more about The Guild on 30th or what makes Golden Hill so special, contact one of our residential advisors today by emailing [email protected], calling 619.269.9800 or visiting http://www.guildon30th.com.