Curbed.com, a website detailing neighborhoods and cities, recently published an article on “Why building walkable cities is the key to economic success.”

In the article, the author references a new report from Foot Traffic Ahead on the impact of walkable urbanism on U.S. real estate, and that “…On nearly every metric, walkable developments perform better for their citizens, especially economically… On nearly every level, the analysis shows the benefits of denser, human-scale development. High walkability often correlates to improved social mobility.”

The entire article, which you can read HERE, continues on an in-depth study as to why these new walkable setups are increasing across the country as well as the advantages. In Arlington, we’re no stranger to the convenience of walkability. In fact, Two Liberty Center (4075 Wilson Blvd), located across from Ballston Quarter, 4040 Wilson Blvd. and The View Luxury Apartments, has one of the best “Walk Scores” around at 94.

But what do we mean by “Walk Score?”

According to www.walkscore.com, a “Walk Score measures the walkability of any address based on the distance to nearby places and pedestrian friendliness.” The scores are:

• 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 = Car-Dependent: Almost all errands require a car

Arlington, Virginia as a whole has a walk score of 69, meaning some errands can be accomplished on foot. However, when you drill down to neighborhoods, such as Ballston-Virginia Square, the walk score gets much higher at 93, meaning a “Walker’s paradise.” This is the 2nd most walkable neighborhood right behind Clarendon-Courthouse, which also has a score of 93.

As Ballston continues to grow, so does its offerings and the walk score will only become higher. The Shooshan Company is proud to be a part of this neighborhood’s development and continues to partner with local and national businesses to create the best place to live and work.

Other Shooshan owned/developed and Kodiak managed buildings with their respective walk scores include:

• Two Liberty Center, 4075 Wilson Blvd: Walk Score 94
• The View at Liberty Center, 4000 Wilson Blvd: Walk Score 93
• 4040 Wilson Blvd: Walk Score 94
• Marymount University, 1000 N Glebe Rd: Walk Score 90
• 675 North Randolph St: Walk Score 92
• One Liberty Center, 875 N Randolph Street: Walk Score 94
• Quincy Street Station, 4001 N. Fairfax Dr.: Walk Score 95

References:

Why building walkable cities is the key to economic success. (2019). Curbed. Source:
https://www.curbed.com/2019/6/24/18715939/real-estate-development-walkable-urbanism

Walk Score. (2019). Walk Score. Source: https://www.walkscore.com/