For those of us in real estate, we know walkability is a big buzzword right now, and for those of us living in the city, we know just how important it is. Let's take a closer look at what walkability means for DC homeowners.

Why Walkability Is Important:

1. Not only are you near stores and amenities, but you are also most likely near where many community and neighborhood events take place. Hate trying to find parking at the farmers market? Problem solved.

2. Public transportation tends to follow along business districts and denser areas, so being walkable to those areas also means being walkable to the best public transit options.

3. Watch your trips to the gas station dwindle when you are in a walkable neighborhood. In fact, you may even be able to reduce the number of cars your family owns. These savings add up over time!

4. Accessibility, especially during winter weather, is much better in walkable areas. Roads are plowed quickly, sidewalks are salted often, and with stores nearby, there's no need to drive in the snow.

5. The exercise adds up! A five minute walk to the store may not seem like a real calorie-burner, but keep an eye on your Fitbit and see what a difference a day of errands on foot can make!

6. Walkability is an asset to your home's value that you will be grateful for when the time comes to sell. No matter a buyer's taste in architecture or opinion on the yard, walkability is always a perk.

How to Find Walkability:

Obviously, staying within city limits is a great way to ensure walkability. However, that location comes with a price tag, so lucky for us, suburban town centers are a booming development trend. In the DC area, check out Chevy Chase, Clarendon, Tysons Corner, and Silver Spring.