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


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
