The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Walkable City: Factors to Consider for Your Ideal Home

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, there are lots of factors to consider. I hope the tools below will help you in your search for a great walkable home. I’ll be using the city of Buffalo, NY as an example for each tool.

While the average walkscore can give you a general idea, it's crucial to understand that walkability varies at the neighborhood and block level. Look beyond the city's walkscore and explore the walkscore of specific housing options to get a more accurate representation of the area's walkability. Also the homebuying site Redfin allows you to filter a search for home listings based on the walkscore.

To assess the quality of local transit, the transit score is an excellent tool. It provides a concise overview of the transit options available in a particular area, helping you determine the ease of commuting and getting around without a car.

In larger cities, assessing the bike-ability of neighborhoods can be highly beneficial. While it is block by block dependent, organizations like PeopleForBikes have ranked cities based on their bike-ability, giving you a useful starting point to explore two-wheeled transportation options.

To gain insights into the diversity and desegregation of a community, the Diversity Score from BestNeighborhood.org can be an insightful resource. Understanding the demographic makeup of a neighborhood can help you find a community that best fosters inclusivity.

To find a safe haven For LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, it's important to consider the LGBTQ+ friendliness of a city. The HRC Municipal Equality Index provides rankings to understand the LGBTQ+ inclusivity of various cities and metro areas. Additionally, you’ll want to review recent and planned changes in state laws using the ACLU's State Rights Tracker for LGBTQ+ rights to ensure comprehensive protection.

Considering the minimum wage of a city and state is crucial if either you or someone in your family is a minimum wage worker. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and the U.S. Department of Labor offer minimum wage trackers that provide up-to-date information on the standards across different states.

If you're a first-time homebuyer or seeking public assistance for homeownership, many homebuying sites like Zillow and Redfin will list all of the assistance programs specific to the area where a home is located. Exploring these programs can provide valuable financial support and incentives.

Checking the weather between cities is essential for those who have specific climate preferences. Weatherspark is a great tool that provides detailed weather information for numerous cities worldwide, helping you understand the local climate and plan accordingly.

Expanding Your Options Considering regional transit connectivity is crucial, especially if you anticipate traveling frequently between cities. Utilize tools like Wanderu Explore to quickly find intercity transportation options, making it easy to explore nearby areas once you make a new city home.

When searching for the perfect neighborhood, it's important to take a comprehensive approach and consider a range of factors. By exploring all the different details that are important for you and your family through these tools, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision. Find a city and neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and aspirations. Happy house hunting!