All Walks of Life
We increasingly are being asked by clients about looking for homes in areas that provide walkability. This prompted us to explore what exactly is the notion of walkability and what is available in the Dayton area.
Why do people want a community that provides walkability?
According to WalkScore.com, walkability offers surprising benefits to our health, the environment, our finances, and our communities.
Health: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.¹
Happiness: Cities with good public transit and access to amenities promote happiness.²
Environment: 87% of CO2 emissions are from burning fossil fuels.³ Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.
Finances: Cars are the second largest household expense in the U.S.⁴ One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,250 of value for your property.⁵ Read the research report.
Communities: Walkability is associated with higher levels of arts organizations, creativity, and civic engagement.⁶
What makes a neighborhood walkable?
A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a main street or a public space.
People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
Mixed-income, mixed-use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, and parking lots are relegated to the back.
Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.
The combination of these features in various forms are more appealing to some than to others. Often our clients are amenable to working in a larger commercial/retail environment, as long as their home is located in an area that provides the walkability to recreation and social activities. Others are looking for all facets of their lives to be centered around a couple of mile radius. Whatever the desire, the Dayton area provides a diverse cross-section of communities that are walkable.
Dayton Communities for All Walks of Life?
Downtown Dayton: With the increase of residential condos being built in the downtown area, we are seeing a migration of people coming back to the downtown area. Residents enjoy the array of dining establishments, shopping, and the strong arts scene. The revitalization of the downtown area can be attributed to a strong community that is dedicated to making the downtown area a great place to work, live and visit through the efforts of the Downtown Dayton Plan.
Yellow Springs: Offering an eclectic assortment of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Yellow Springs is like walking back in time. This hippie-minded community provides a laid-back vibe that truly lets you release your worries. While it is situated a bit east of Dayton in a more rural setting, the Village of Yellow Springs allows for a quick commute to the east side of Dayton, Springfield and Xenia, and WPAFB. The community abounds with color...both businesses and homes alike. Not far from town, you can find miles of hiking trails. Learn More About Yellow Springs.
Tipp City: This quaint small town, located just north of Dayton and near the Dayton International Airport gives you a feeling of small-town USA. This community provides boutique shops and great eats. A favorite in the Dayton area is Coldwater Cafe, enjoy premium dining in this converted bank setting. Offering affordable housing located near the downtown area only increases its walkability. Learn More about Tipp City.
Oakwood: Located in the heart of the region and just minutes from downtown Dayton, Oakwood is the area's premier residential community. Home to notable public figures over the years, such as the Wright Brothers and John Patterson, founder of NCR. Exclusive shops, fine dining, and local favorites are what you will find in this vibrant community. Oakwood offers plenty of places to gather and play from neighborhood parks to the local favorite Graeter's Ice Cream shop. You will find a wide range of housing offerings making this a pleasant cross-section of neighborhoods. Learn More about Oakwood.
Miamisburg: Committed to preserving its historic character, Miamisburg is undergoing a revitalization with lots of new shops, restaurants, and services. Situated along the Miami River, this community has a rich history dating back over 200 years, while offering a fresh look towards the future. Offering a relaxed atmosphere of micro-breweries, restaurants, ice cream shops, and parks, this community continues to see growth. A must-see is the Miamisburg Mound, one of the largest conical Indian burial mounds in the eastern U.S. Learn More about Miamisburg.
Troy: You will find a true balance of business and residential living in this economic center north of the Dayton area. As one would expect from a town that offers walkability, Troy's downtown area encompasses a fountain surrounded by a rotary traffic pattern that creates a center crossroad with lots of stores, restaurants, and businesses. Well-known for its Strawberry festival each June, you will find options you would never have imagined in how to serve strawberries. Learn More about Troy.
Whether it is urban life you are looking for or suburban or rural options you desire, the Dayton area has numerous options to consider.
