Remember when granite countertops were the holy grail of rental listings? Tenants would swoon over polished slabs of stone like it was kitchen couture. But guess what? Times have changed, and renters now want something even more valuable than a shiny surface. They want walkability.
That’s right. The ability to walk to your morning coffee, a yoga class, or a taco truck is becoming the gold standard. It’s not just a lifestyle preference. It’s a deal breaker. Walkability is the new amenity flex, and if you’re a property owner or manager, it’s time to lace up and catch up.
What Is Walkability?
Let’s clear it up: walkability doesn’t mean you can walk, it means you want to. It’s about having daily essentials within a 5 to 10-minute stroll. Think groceries, public transport, parks, cafés, and other life-savers.
It’s also measured. Ever heard of the Walk Score? It ranks locations on a scale of 0 to 100 based on pedestrian access to services. Cities like New York (Walk Score: 88), San Francisco (Walk Score: 89), and Boston (Walk Score: 83) are walker paradises.
Even medium-sized cities are getting in on the action. In fact, 76% of Millennials say they want to live in walkable places. Gen Z? They’re on the same sidewalk.
Why Walkability Sells (Even Better Than Fancy Fixtures)
Granite is nice. Stainless steel is shiny. But tenants can’t take those to brunch. Here’s what walkability offers instead:
1. Saves Money
With a walkable location, renters often ditch the car. No car = no gas, no insurance, no parking drama. The average American spends $10,728 a year on car ownership. That’s almost $900 a month, gone.
2. Reduces Stress
Less traffic, fewer errands behind a windshield, more Vitamin D. Walking helps improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. Basically, it’s cardio for your happiness.
3. Better Community Vibes
Walkable areas buzz with life. Sidewalk cafés, chatting neighbors, street musicians, it’s the ultimate social upgrade. And yes, it gives major Instagram energy.
4. Eco-Friendly Appeal
Younger renters care about the planet. A walkable neighborhood = a smaller carbon footprint. Walkable rentals practically advertise themselves on sustainability.
The “Location, Location, Walkability” Factor
Real estate agents used to chant “location, location, location.” Now, it’s more like “location, walkability, good Wi-Fi.” In fact, according to National Association of Realtors research, homes in highly walkable areas are worth up to $34,000 more than similar homes in less walkable ones.
Rentals in walkable neighborhoods tend to lease faster and keep tenants longer. People stay where their feet are happy.
What This Means for Property Managers
Property managers are really important when it comes to walkability. Here’s how they can step up and come up with creative approaches in advertising:
- Highlight walkability in listings. Don’t just list “2BR/1BA, includes washer/dryer.” Add “5-minute walk to Trader Joe’s and the best bagels in town.”
- Use Walk Score in marketing. It’s a free stat with major bragging rights.
- Partner with local businesses. Give tenants a welcome guide featuring nearby coffee shops, dog parks, and farmers markets. It builds community and boosts retention.
An experienced property manager knows: it’s not just about the roof over their head, it’s about what’s around it.
Can You Improve Walkability? Yes, Kinda.
You can’t move your property closer to the cool spots, but you can improve the perception of walkability. Here’s how:
- Add bike racks and benches outside your building.
- Keep sidewalks clean and well-lit.
- Host a walking tour for new tenants to show them hidden gems nearby.
- Use maps or signage in common areas to highlight local attractions.
Smart property managers don’t wait for walkability, they build experiences around it.
Trends to Watch
If you think walkability is a passing trend, think again. Cities are actively redesigning neighborhoods to be more pedestrian-friendly. Mixed-use developments, car-free zones, and “15-minute cities” are on the rise.
Renters are voting with their feet, and their rent checks.
Final Step (Pun Intended)
Granite countertops still have their place, but they don’t build loyalty. Walkability does. It’s sticky. It creates lifestyle, convenience, and happiness, all wrapped into one low-emission package.
So if you’re managing rentals, start thinking beyond the interior. What’s on the outside is pulling just as much weight. Walkability isn’t a bonus anymore, it’s a must-have amenity with serious curb appeal.
Your tenants don’t want to drive to life. They want to walk to it. And if you help them do that? You’re not just managing a property, you’re managing an experience.