The other day, we came across a NY Times Article that showcases the importance and value of urban, walkable neighborhoods. Over the past 6 years, the Tampa Bay area has worked publicly and privately to provide a better lifestyle for its residences. The idea of improving downtown, increasing residential homes, retail, with better modes of transportation have always been in the mix. The new History Museum, Art Museum, River Walk, and Channelside District are evidence of sectors pulling together to showcase a vision of Tampa’s future. Tampa Bay is actively pushing for a high speed rail system, a project which Tampa Downtown Partnership has been greatly involved in. The area of Downtown St. Petersburg including Vinoy Park, Central Avenue, and 4th Street has walkability that is 4% higher than the top 10% walkable areas in the United States at a rating over 90% . Hyde Park Village in Tampa scores an 85% rating, which competes with the very best in the Country. The homes that are located in walkable neighborhoods are typically higher in price/value than homes in lower rankings. The distant suburbs had the largest declines in home values.  Typically prices in those neighborhoods that are the most walkable, held up or in a few cases, increased.

Here is a fun link, Walk Score, for you to view just where your current or future home ranks with the rest of Tampa Bay in terms of walkability. You will find important links that show why it is important to walk, how the ratings work, and an explanation to how the score is factored.

So why this is important? Better health, Reduction in greenhouse gas, More transportation options, Increased social capital, Stronger local businesses

What makes a walkable neighborhood? A Center, Density, Mixed income/Mixed Use, Parks and Public Space, Pedestrian-center design, Nearby Schools and workplaces.

Streets Designed for Everyone: Accessible, well-connected, built for the right speed, comfortable.