I have always enjoyed walking, but while raising a family I never lived in an area that was close to much of what I needed. The house I own now is very close to shopping but feels very remote, I have the best of both worlds. I chose my home based on how close it was to certain establishments. I wanted to be able to be close to services in case of some kind of emergency. I never thought about the exercise or the green effect walking could do for me.
When it snows here in the Oyster Bay area of Bremerton for some reason the elevated area I live on gets more snow than other areas close to the Charleston district. When it snows I can not pull out of my garage and get up the hill in front of my home. It makes me feel more in control when I know that I can walk to shopping if I needed.
With gas prices and environmental concerns many buyers in the Bremerton area are really looking at what is in walking distance to the properties they are viewing. Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is also good for your health.
Here are some facts about walking from the new site that is assisting buyers and real estate agents on the "walkability" of neighborhoods in their area. WalkScore.com
- Better health
- Reduction in greenhouse gases
- Transportation options
- Social interaction
- Stronger local businesses
Below is what a WalkScore would look like. This is one if you lived on High Ave in Bremerton. You can use this tool on any address, just remember that it isn't fool proof. My home has a 58 score but the large QFC grocery store isn't listed and is about .09 miles from my home. Click on the WalkScore link above to find your WalkScore.
Author:Jo Soss
Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.
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sounds like a great place to live - town is 20 miles round trip for me and bigger shopping is 60 miles round trip...
Thesa, My aunt and grandparents lived in the little town of O'Brien OR and I remember having to "go to town" was the highlight of the vacation!
Jo,
I have never lived in an area where I could walk to grocery store, etc but always thought that would be great. This sounds like a very nice area.
Cynthia, I remember as a child my Mom who didn't drive pulling us 4 girls in the wagon to go to the store and it wasn't a "walkable" neighborhood! lol!
Jo, I remember running (or should I say walking) across that site some time ago. With gas prices being what they are, I can see a benefit to using this when marketing a home. Imagine if your home had a better walkability score than all of the competion. That would be a benefit!
Stephen, I should have bought gas on Monday - today it was 6 cents more per gallon.
I am all for walking - but what do we tell buyer s- hey hop on my rickshaw :)