Choosing a new place to live is about more than just the number of bedrooms and the price tag. For many people today, walkability and bike-friendliness are just as important as square footage or school ratings. Walkability scores and bike infrastructure can dramatically shape your daily routine, commute, health, social life, and even your budget. Knowing how to read and use these scores can help you choose a neighborhood that truly fits your lifestyle—before you pack a single box.
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Whether you’re a daily commuter, a parent with a stroller, a weekend cyclist, or someone who just wants to ditch the car more often, understanding walkability scores and bike infrastructure will make your moving decision much smarter and more future-proof.
What Is a Walkability Score and Why It Matters
“Walkability score” is a shorthand way to describe how easy and practical it is to live your daily life on foot from a specific address or neighborhood. Several platforms calculate walk scores, but they all generally look at similar factors.
Key Factors That Shape Walkability
Most walkability scores are based on proximity and access to everyday essentials:
- Proximity to amenities: Grocery stores, pharmacies, cafes, restaurants, parks, gyms, schools, and libraries.
- Street connectivity: Smaller blocks, more intersections, and multiple routes make walking easier and more direct.
- Sidewalk quality: Presence, width, continuity, and condition of sidewalks.
- Pedestrian safety: Crosswalks, traffic calming, lighting, and lower speed limits.
- Transit access: Bus stops, train stations, light rail, and how easy they are to reach on foot.
Typical Walk Score Ranges (and What They Feel Like)
| Walk Score Range | Category | Daily Life Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | Walker’s Paradise | Almost all errands can be done on foot; you may rarely need a car. |
| 70–89 | Very Walkable | Most errands can be done on foot; car is optional, especially if transit is good. |
| 50–69 | Somewhat Walkable | Some errands can be done on foot; you’ll still use the car regularly. |
| 25–49 | Car-Dependent | Most errands require a car; walking is mostly for exercise or recreation. |
| 0–24 | Very Car-Dependent | Almost all errands require a car; few destinations are within a comfortable walk. |
For anyone planning a move, this quick snapshot tells you how often you’ll truly be able to leave the car parked and enjoy your neighborhood on foot.
What Is Bike Infrastructure and How Is Bike Score Calculated?
Bike infrastructure describes how friendly a city or neighborhood is to people on bicycles. This goes far beyond whether bikes are merely allowed on the road. High-quality bike infrastructure is about comfort, safety, and accessibility for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Core Components of Bike Infrastructure
- Dedicated bike lanes: Marked lanes on the road for bikes; can be painted or physically separated.
- Protected bike lanes: Separated from car traffic by curbs, posts, or parked cars—much safer for most riders.
- Shared-use paths and trails: Off-street routes for bikes and pedestrians, often through parks or along rivers.
- Bike parking and storage: Racks, covered parking, bike rooms in apartments, and secure storage at workplaces.
- Signalization: Bike-specific traffic signals, clearly marked crossings, and bike boxes at intersections.
- Bike share systems: Public bikes or e-bikes you can rent for short trips.
How Bike Scores Are Typically Rated
| Bike Score Range | Category | Cycling Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | Biker’s Paradise | Excellent bike lanes, flat terrain, and strong connectivity; cycling is a top choice for most trips. |
| 70–89 | Very Bikeable | Comfortable for most riders; many errands and commutes are reasonable by bike. |
| 50–69 | Bikeable | Decent for confident riders; infrastructure may be patchy but functional. |
| 25–49 | Somewhat Bikeable | Possible for short or recreational trips; less comfortable for regular commuting. |
| 0–24 | Not Very Bikeable | Few bike facilities; likely high-traffic roads and challenging conditions. |
When you’re weighing neighborhoods, comparing bike scores side by side helps you see where biking will feel easy and where it may be stressful or risky, especially if you’re planning to commute by bike.
Benefits of Living in a Walkable, Bike-Friendly Neighborhood
Walkability and good bike infrastructure have practical, day-to-day impacts that go far beyond “it’s nice to walk around.” They can transform your lifestyle.
Financial Benefits
- Lower transportation costs: Fewer miles on your car means less gas, maintenance, and potentially lower insurance.
- Possibility of becoming a one-car household: Many families in walkable areas safely drop from two cars to one—or none.
- Higher property value stability: Walkable neighborhoods often hold value better, especially near transit.
Health and Lifestyle Benefits
- Built-in daily exercise: Walking to the store or biking to work adds up to more consistent movement.
- Less stress: Replacing traffic jams with a 10-minute stroll or ride can dramatically improve your mood.
- More social interaction: You’re more likely to meet neighbors when you’re out on foot or on a bike.
Environmental and Community Benefits
- Reduced emissions: Fewer car trips mean a smaller personal carbon footprint.
- Quieter, safer streets: Less vehicle traffic typically leads to calmer, more pleasant neighborhoods.
- Stronger local businesses: Walkable, bikeable areas support thriving small shops and restaurants.
How Walkability and Bike Infrastructure Affect Your Daily Routine
When you look beyond the numbers, walkability and bike infrastructure are about how your life will feel in a new city or neighborhood. They determine how you get groceries, how your kids get to school, how you socialize, and how you spend your free time.
Errands and Everyday Tasks
In a high-walk-score area, a typical day might look like this:
- Walk 5–10 minutes to a local coffee shop for your morning drink.
- Pick up groceries on your way home from work without detouring in the car.
- Drop off or pick up kids from school via stroller, scooter, or bikes.
- Meet friends at a restaurant or park without worrying about parking.
In a low-walk-score neighborhood, those same activities usually require multiple car trips, time in traffic, and more planning.
Commuting and Travel Time
Bike infrastructure can convert your commute from a source of stress into your daily workout. Consider two scenarios:
| Commute Type | Car-Dependent Area | Walkable/Bikeable Area |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to work | 15–20 miles | 3–6 miles |
| Typical travel time | 30–60 minutes in traffic | 15–30 minutes by bike on a protected route |
| Daily experience | Stop-and-go driving, parking stress | Exercise, fresh air, consistent travel time |
If you’re moving for a new job, comparing walk and bike scores near the office can help you choose a home that makes commuting easier and more predictable.
How to Research Walkability and Bike Infrastructure Before You Move
Even from across the country, you can gather a clear picture of a neighborhood’s walking and biking conditions with a few smart strategies.
Use Online Tools and Maps
- Walk score and bike score websites: Enter the exact address you’re considering, not just the city name.
- Online maps with satellite view: Look for sidewalks, crosswalks, and recognizable bike lanes.
- Street view: “Walk” the streets virtually to check sidewalk width, traffic speed, lighting, and general feel.
- Transit maps: Check how close bus, train, or light rail stops are to your potential home.
Check City and Regional Plans
Many cities publish bike and pedestrian master plans online. These documents show:
- Existing bike lanes, trails, and sidewalks.
- Planned improvements and timelines.
- Key corridors prioritized for safety upgrades.
Even if a bike lane isn’t there yet, a funded project scheduled within a year or two can make the area much more attractive if you plan to stay long term.
Ask the Right Questions
When touring in person or speaking with locals, you can ask:
- “Can you comfortably walk to a grocery store or cafe from here?”
- “Are there safe bike routes to downtown or major employment centers?”
- “How do most neighbors get to work or school?”
- “Do you feel safe walking at night?”
If you’re planning a relocation and want a smooth move to a neighborhood that matches your walk and bike priorities, working with experienced movers makes the logistics much easier. You can focus on evaluating neighborhoods and let professionals handle the heavy lifting. For full-service support, packing, and local expertise, explore your options with United Local Movers and get a customized moving plan that fits your timeline and budget.
Comparing Neighborhoods by Walkability and Bike-Friendliness
Not every highly walkable neighborhood is equally bike-friendly—and vice versa. When you’re torn between two or three areas, a side-by-side comparison helps bring clarity.
Side-by-Side Evaluation Framework
| Factor | Neighborhood A | Neighborhood B | Neighborhood C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk Score | (e.g., 92) | (e.g., 75) | (e.g., 60) |
| Bike Score | (e.g., 80) | (e.g., 65) | (e.g., 40) |
| Transit Access | Subway + multiple bus lines | Bus line within 5-minute walk | Park-and-ride 10-minute drive away |
| Grocery Distance | 2–5 minute walk | 10–15 minute walk / 5-minute bike ride | 10–15 minute drive |
| School Access | Walkable K–8 | Bikeable middle/high school | Primarily bus or car |
| Perceived Safety | Well lit, slower traffic | Mixed; some busy streets | High-speed arterials |
Aligning Scores With Your Priorities
Different households value aspects of walkability and bike-friendliness differently:
- Young professionals: May prioritize walking to nightlife, restaurants, and transit hubs.
- Families with kids: Often care about safe routes to school, parks, and libraries more than nightlife.
- Remote workers: May value daytime walkability to cafes and gyms and bike trails for recreation.
- Retirees: Might focus on flat terrain, medical facilities, and quiet, well-maintained sidewalks.
Make a short list of your top 4–5 priorities, then “score” each neighborhood subjectively based on how well it meets each one, alongside the formal walk and bike scores.
Limitations of Walk and Bike Scores You Should Know
Walkability and bike scores are useful, but they’re not perfect. They don’t always capture the lived experience of moving through a neighborhood.
What Numbers Don’t Always Show
- Hilliness: A short walk that’s straight uphill can feel very different from a flat stroll.
- Weather patterns: Extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow can limit how often you walk or bike.
- Traffic speed and behavior: High-speed roads may technically be “bikeable” but feel unsafe.
- Lighting and visibility: Dark streets can make evening walks or rides uncomfortable.
- Sidewalk condition: Cracked, narrow, or blocked sidewalks are rarely reflected in scores.
How to “Ground-Truth” the Scores
If possible, visit the neighborhood at different times of day:
- Morning rush hour: Check traffic volume and driver behavior.
- Midday: See how busy sidewalks and bike lanes are.
- Evening: Assess lighting, noise levels, and how comfortable it feels.
If you can’t visit in person, look for local walking or cycling groups online, neighborhood social media pages, or forums where residents discuss their experiences.
Planning a Move Around Walkability and Biking
Once you’ve identified your ideal walkable, bike-friendly neighborhood, the next step is moving there without stress. The more urban and compact the area, the more planning matters—tight streets, limited loading zones, and apartment moves all require coordination.
Special Considerations for Urban, Walkable Areas
- Building restrictions: Many cities require elevator reservations, specific move-in times, and proof of insurance from movers.
- Parking and access: Narrow streets or busy bike lanes can limit where a moving truck can park.
- Stairs and elevators: Older walk-up buildings often need additional labor time.
Protecting Bikes and Gear During the Move
If you’re relocating specifically for better walking and biking, you probably have gear you care about:
- Commuter or road bikes: Should be padded, secured, and protected from frame scratches.
- Cargo bikes or e-bikes: Heavier and more complex; may need special handling or partial disassembly.
- Bike racks and tools: Pack small parts and tools in labeled boxes for easy setup at the new place.
- Helmets, locks, and accessories: Keep these in a clearly marked “first day” box so you can ride immediately.
Professional movers who understand urban moves can help navigate tricky building policies, coordinate parking, and ensure your bikes and other equipment arrive in perfect condition. United Local Movers has extensive experience handling moves to and from walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods, making sure your relocation matches the lifestyle you’re moving for.
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Making the Most of a Walkable, Bike-Friendly Life After You Move
The move is only the beginning. Once you’re in your new place, you can start building daily habits that take full advantage of your new surroundings.
Start With Simple Habit Shifts
- Pick one errand to walk or bike each week: Start with something easy like the coffee shop or a local park.
- Plan a “car-free day” once a week: See how many trips you can comfortably replace with walking or biking.
- Map safe routes in advance: Use online maps to highlight low-traffic streets and protected lanes.
Get Connected to Your New Community
- Join local walking or biking groups: A great way to meet people and learn the safest, most scenic routes.
- Support nearby businesses: Get to know the owners of your neighborhood grocery, cafe, or bike shop.
- Stay informed about infrastructure changes: City upgrades can quickly improve your daily routes.
Safety Tips for New Walkers and Cyclists in the Area
- Learn local rules of the road: Some cities have specific laws about bikes on sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes.
- Use lights and reflective gear: Especially important in darker winter months or early mornings.
- Lock your bike properly: Use a high-quality U-lock and secure both frame and wheels in high-visibility areas.
- Teach kids safe habits: Practice crossing streets, using helmets, and following bike lane etiquette.
Conclusion: Let Walkability and Bike Infrastructure Guide Your Next Move
Walkability scores and bike infrastructure are more than urban planning buzzwords—they’re powerful indicators of what your daily life will look and feel like after a move. Neighborhoods with strong walk and bike scores can help you spend less on transportation, enjoy better health, reduce stress, and build stronger connections with your community.
As you compare cities or neighborhoods, look past just the rental price or purchase cost. Ask how easy it will be to walk to the places you love, bike to work or school, and live the lifestyle you’re envisioning. Pair that research with a reliable moving partner like United Local Movers, and you’ll be well on your way to a home that truly fits how you want to move through the world—on two feet or two wheels.
United Local Movers
903 E Main St #210, Auburn, WA 98002
+1 877-379-1771
