Walkability
Learn about walkability in Canadian real estate — how it’s measured, why it matters to buyers, and how it enhances neighbourhood value.

June 23, 2025
What is Walkability?
Walkability refers to how friendly an area is to walking, measured by the accessibility of amenities, safety, sidewalk infrastructure, and overall urban design.
Why Walkability Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, walkability enhances neighbourhood desirability and supports higher property values, particularly in urban centres or transit-adjacent communities.
Factors that influence walkability:
- Proximity to stores, schools, and transit
- Safe pedestrian crossings and sidewalks
- Mixed-use development and street connectivity
- Lighting, landscaping, and traffic calming measures
Walkability scores, such as those provided by Walk Score®, are increasingly used in property listings and development marketing.
Understanding walkability helps homebuyers, renters, and investors evaluate lifestyle, transportation savings, and resale potential.
Example of Walkability in Action
The condo’s high walkability score is a major draw for buyers seeking a car-free lifestyle close to downtown restaurants and transit lines.
Key Takeaways
- Indicates how pedestrian-friendly an area is
- Linked to property value and livability
- Influenced by access to services and transit
- Common in real estate marketing
- Favours car-free or low-commute lifestyles

A rendering of Frame in East Vancouver. (Peterson)
The Tesla facility set for 908 Raymur Avenue in Vancouver. (Beedie)
Phase One of Sen̓áḵw in Summer 2025. (OPTrust, Nch’ḵay̓)
(QuadReal Property Group, Westbank)
The two-tower Cascades project under construction in mid-2025. (Ledcor)
A rendering of Perla near Central Park. (Polygon Homes)
Phase One of Concord Metrotown is located at the corner of Kingsway and Nelson Avenue in Burnaby. (Concord Pacific)
Myriad will complete Concert Properties’ Heart of Burquitlam community. (Concert Properties)
SOCO 2 (left) in Coquitlam. (Drew Powell, LinkedIn)
King George Hub in Surrey. (Submitted by PCI Developments)







The Yonge Corporate Centre at 4100-4150 Yonge Street. (Europro)
Jon Sailer













Pennyfarthing's The Capstone, Langley (pennyfarthinghomes.ca)
Rendering for MAKE Projects' Smith Campus Middle and Secondary School (makeprojects.ca)
Rendering for STRYKE's Innovation District 