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In 2016, a clear trend emerged in U.S. real estate development: new homes were increasingly being built in highly walkable urban centers. Philadelphia led the nation, with a remarkable 91% of its new homes constructed in neighborhoods boasting a higher Walk Score—a measure of a location's walking convenience to amenities—than the city's average. This analysis of cities with populations over 200,000 reveals which metropolitan areas are prioritizing pedestrian-friendly development and which are expanding into more car-dependent suburbs.
A Walk Score is a widely recognized index, from 0 to 100, that evaluates the walkability of a specific address based on its proximity to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and parks. A higher score indicates that daily errands can be accomplished on foot, reducing reliance on a car. For homebuyers, a high Walk Score can translate into lower transportation costs, increased physical activity, and often, stronger long-term property value appreciation. This metric has become a critical factor in real estate decisions, especially for urban buyers.
The top ten cities were distinguished by the percentage of new homes built in areas exceeding their city's average Walk Score. Following Philadelphia, major urban hubs demonstrated a strong commitment to infill development—building on vacant or underused land within existing urban areas—rather than expanding outward.
| City | Percentage of New Homes with Above-Average Walk Scores |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 91% |
| Chicago, IL | >80% |
| Cleveland, OH | >80% |
| St. Petersburg, FL | >80% |
| Boston, MA | >80% |
| Seattle, WA | >80% |
According to a real estate agent familiar with the Philadelphia market, the city's boom was driven by high demand from buyers priced out of markets like New York and Washington D.C. Neighborhoods such as Northern Liberties and Fishtown saw significant new construction, often in the form of mixed-use buildings (structures combining residential and commercial spaces), which inherently enhance walkability by placing residents near shops and services.
Conversely, several cities predominantly built new homes in areas with lower-than-average Walk Scores. Cities like Greensboro, NC; Corpus Christi, TX; and Albuquerque, NM, appeared at the bottom of the list. This pattern typically reflects a development focus on suburban peripheries, where builders can offer larger lots, bigger yards, and more spacious single-family homes. While these properties appeal to buyers seeking space and privacy, they often necessitate car ownership for most daily activities.
The development of new homes is not just about responding to current walkability; it can actively create it. As noted in the data, building new residences, especially mixed-use projects, introduces more people and economic activity into an area. This, in turn, can attract new services, shops, and schools, creating a positive feedback loop that makes a neighborhood more inviting for pedestrians. Therefore, strategic new construction projects have the potential to lift the Walk Score of an entire district over time.
Based on our experience assessment, the 2016 data underscores a significant divergence in development patterns across the U.S. Homebuyers should prioritize Walk Score as a key metric if a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle is important to them. The data confirms that in leading cities, new construction is closely tied to enhanced urban walkability, offering opportunities for living with less reliance on a car.
