What Is Walk Score?
Walk Score is a measure of how walkable a neighborhood is, rated on a scale of 0 to 100. It analyzes walking routes to nearby amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, schools, parks, and shopping to determine how many errands can be accomplished on foot.
Here's how the scores break down:
| Score | Classification | What It Means | |-------|---------------|---------------| | 90-100 | Walker's Paradise | Daily errands do not require a car | | 70-89 | Very Walkable | Most errands can be accomplished on foot | | 50-69 | Somewhat Walkable | Some errands can be accomplished on foot | | 25-49 | Car-Dependent | Most errands require a car | | 0-24 | Almost All Errands Require a Car | Minimal walkable amenities |
National Average Walk Score
48 / 100
Most of America falls in the 'Car-Dependent' category
Why Walk Score Matters for Home Values
Research consistently shows a correlation between walkability and property values. Homes in walkable neighborhoods tend to command premium prices because:
- Reduced transportation costs — Less money spent on gas, car maintenance, and insurance
- Health benefits — More walking leads to better physical and mental health outcomes
- Community connection — Walkable areas foster more social interaction
- Demand — Walkable neighborhoods are increasingly sought after, especially by younger buyers
Walk Score vs Transit Score vs Bike Score
Kurby reports three mobility scores for every neighborhood:
- Walk Score — Measures walkability based on distance to amenities
- Transit Score — Measures access to public transportation (bus stops, train stations, etc.)
- Bike Score — Measures bikeability based on bike infrastructure, hills, and road connectivity
| Metric | National Average | |--------|-----------------| | Walk Score | 48/100 | | Transit Score | 28/100 | | Bike Score | 32/100 |
A neighborhood with high scores across all three metrics offers true transportation flexibility — residents can choose how they get around based on their needs.
How Walk Score Affects Your Daily Life
Consider two hypothetical neighborhoods:
Neighborhood A: Walk Score 25
- Nearest grocery store: 2.5 miles (requires driving)
- Nearest restaurant: 1.8 miles
- Nearest park: 1 mile
- Typical household needs 2+ cars
Neighborhood B: Walk Score 82
- Nearest grocery store: 0.3 miles (5-minute walk)
- Nearest restaurant: 0.1 miles
- Nearest park: 0.2 miles
- Many households manage with 1 car or none
The financial impact is significant. The average American household spends over $10,000 per year on transportation. In highly walkable neighborhoods, this cost can be cut dramatically.
Check Your Neighborhood's Walk Score
Every Kurby report includes Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score with national average comparisons.
Finding Walkable AND Affordable Neighborhoods
The challenge is that the most walkable neighborhoods are often the most expensive. But there are hidden gems — neighborhoods with above-average walkability and below-average home prices.
To find them, look for:
- Up-and-coming neighborhoods near walkable urban cores
- Smaller cities with compact, walkable downtowns
- College towns — built for pedestrian life, often affordable
- Older suburbs with traditional grid street layouts near commercial areas
Kurby's neighborhood comparison tool lets you filter by Walk Score and compare affordability metrics side by side, making it easy to find that sweet spot of walkability and value.
The Bottom Line
Walk Score is more than a number — it represents the daily experience of living in a neighborhood. Whether you prioritize being able to walk to your morning coffee or want your children to walk to school safely, understanding walkability is essential for making the right housing decision.