What Is a Walk Score? A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Walkability

If you’ve ever browsed home listings and noticed a small number labeled “Walk Score,” you’re not alone in wondering what that actually means and whether it matters.

In short: Walk Score measures how walkable a location is, based on how easily you can reach everyday necessities (or nice-to-haves) like grocery stores, coffee shops, parks, and schools without hopping in your car.

But like most parts of homebuying, there’s a little more to the story.

The Basics: How Walk Score Works

Walk Score uses a scale of 0 to 100 to rate how friendly an area is to pedestrians. The closer the score is to 100, the more convenient it is to walk to nearby places.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• 90–100: Walker’s Paradise – Daily errands don’t require a car.

• 70–89: Very Walkable – Most errands can be done on foot.

• 50–69: Somewhat Walkable – Some errands can be done on foot.

• 25–49: Car-Dependent – Most errands require driving.

• 0–24: Very Car-Dependent – Almost all errands require a car.

These scores are calculated using public maps and data about what’s nearby. Things like stores, schools, parks, and transit stops, plus how long it would take to reach them on foot, are all factors.

Why Walkability Matters for First-Time Buyers

When you’re buying your first home, location is everything. But how that location fits your day-to-day life matters just as much as the ZIP code.

A higher Walk Score can mean:

• Shorter commutes and less gas spending.

• Easier access to essentials (no more driving 15 minutes for milk).

• A more active lifestyle just from running errands or walking your dog.

• A stronger sense of community, since you’re more likely to meet neighbors on foot.

If you’ve been dreaming of a neighborhood that feels connected (where coffee runs, yoga studios, and weekend farmers’ markets are all nearby), a high Walk Score might be your green flag.

What Walk Score Doesn’t Tell You

Walk Score is a helpful starting point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

It measures proximity, not quality. That means it doesn’t account for:

• Sidewalk conditions or crosswalk safety.

• Hills, weather, or accessibility barriers.

• Crime rates or lighting at night.

• Whether those “nearby” places are actually ones you’d want to visit.

So while a 90 Walk Score looks great on paper, always pair it with a real-world test: visit the neighborhood, walk around, and see how it feels. When it comes to something as personal as home, apps and numbers can’t replace your lived experience.

The Value of Walkability

Interestingly, studies have shown that homes in more walkable areas often hold their value better — and sometimes even sell for more. It’s not just lifestyle; it’s economics.

Walkable neighborhoods tend to have stronger local economies, better access to transit, and lower transportation costs — all of which can make them more appealing to future buyers.

That said, higher walkability often means higher price tags upfront, so it’s about finding the right balance for your priorities. For some, that’s trading a longer commute for a quieter cul-de-sac. For others, it’s choosing a slightly smaller space for the convenience of a walkable downtown.

The Bottom Line

Walk Score is one of those small details that can make a big difference — especially when you’re narrowing down homes in a new city or comparing neighborhoods.

Use it as a starting point, not a deciding factor. A high score can highlight lifestyle perks and long-term value, but only you can decide what “walkable” really means for your life.

Still not sure what a good Walk Score looks like for your budget? Wondering if you should prioritize walkability over square footage? Or how walkability might impact your resale value later?

That’s exactly the kind of thing you can ask Entitled, and we’ll help you make sense of it all with clear, unbiased guidance at every step of your journey.