Walk Scores in Kitchener-Waterloo

Do you love to get up in the morning and walk to a local coffee shop for your morning cup? Is it important to you to be able to step out your door and have amenities only a few steps away?

If you’ve purchased a property before, or are currently looking, you may have heard of the term “Walk Score”. 

What is a Walk Score?

“Walk Score measures the walkability of any address using a patented system. For each address, Walk Score analyzes hundreds of walking routes to nearby amenities. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category. Amenities within a 5 minute walk (.25 miles) are given maximum points. A decay function is used to give points to more distant amenities, with no points given after a 30 minute walk.

Walk Score also measures pedestrian friendliness by analyzing population density and road metrics such as block length and intersection density." - Walkscore.com

Image source: walkscore.com

Knowing a neighbourhood (or address’s) Walk Score is a good indication of the type of lifestyle you can expect to have while residing at that location. For example, if you are someone who loves to walk or bike to do all your errands, you’ll want to have a good understanding of the Walk Score before you commit to a property (especially if it’s a deal-breaker for you).

Walk Scores can be especially helpful if you’re moving to a new city and are unfamiliar with its areas. You can look at different neighbourhoods to get a good understanding of how many amenities are nearby.

A Walk Score can vary within a neighbourhood, so it’s more accurate to use an individual address to assess the Walk Score. But also keep in mind that some people are fine with walking a bit further than others, so a home slightly farther away from amenities may still be a distance you would enjoy walking!

Kitchener Walk Score

Kitchener’s Walk Score is 45, meaning most errands require a car. Of course, it’s much more relevant to know your individual address’s Walk Score. You can also look up a city or address’s Transit Score or how Bikeable it is. 

• Transit Score: 47
• Bike Score: 55

Waterloo Walk Score

Overall Waterloo’s Walk Score is 41, similar to that of Kitchener, where the average neighbourhood would require driving to get errands done.

• Transit Score: 45
• Bike Score: 64

Check Your Home’s Walk Score Here

Looking to make a move?

Is walkability one of the items on your wish list? Talk to me about what you’re looking for!