What Is a Walk Score? Why Do I Need to Know?
A Walk Score is an easy way to determine how accessible a neighborhood or city is and a great way to find a location that fits your lifestyle. Researchers base the scores on a 0-100 scale, where numbers closer to 100 have a high walkability score, and those closer to 0 have a low walkability score. This score is calculated by pulling data points about the area and the ease of moving from one neighborhood to another. It also considers nearby amenities, from grocery stores to restaurants to entertainment.
City and neighborhood walkability scores have become of interest, not only in figuring out where you want to live, but also from an environmental perspective. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses Smart Location Mapping and walkability scores to determine land use and land density, and it can inform where additional transportation is needed in a given area.
In thinking about where you live and work, choosing a location with a high score means that you can access shops, restaurants, and events without a car or public transportation. These conveniences mean that you could choose to not own a car and still run all of your errands each week. This score also indicates the density of the population; a high score means places sit closer together. If you prefer living somewhere with stretches of landscapes and acres of land, a lower score is the way to go. It does mean you will rely on a car for your errands, but the rural views out your window might make all the difference.
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Chicago’s Overall Walkability Score
Sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago represents the best of both the natural and urban worlds, with beautiful views of the lake and a high walk score. The walkability score of Chicago as a whole is 77, which makes it a highly walkable city. This score equates to a density of amenities and public transportation, with the El and the Metra Rail systems providing rides to and from most neighborhoods and even some suburbs.
A score in this range, coupled with cultural amenities like parks, theaters, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, makes Chicago a great option for living and working without a car. Additionally, Chicago is considered a very bikeable city, so when public transportation is not an option, riding your bike or renting a scooter is a great way to get around. Chicago’s walkability score and its access to transportation can help balance your cost of living in the city.
Chicago’s Neighborhood Walkability Scores
Chicago’s overall walkability score fluctuates as you zoom into neighborhood-specific locations, particularly in the downtown area. Essentially, where the population density increases; the scores also increase. Check out these neighborhood walkability scores around Chicago to find a fit for your lifestyle and preferred walkability score.
Bronzeville: A walk score of 70, an area full of historical architecture and the birthplace of Black History Month
Fulton River District: A walk score of 94, a centralized location within the Near West Side community with a revitalized feel
Gold Coast: A walk score of 89, full of luxury homes, high-end boutiques, and picturesque street
Hyde Park: A walk score of 87, characterized by museums and history right outside your door
Lincoln Park: A walk score of 94, greenery all around, with gardens, parks, and the lake a short walk away
New East Side: A walk score of 95, high-rise homes and luxury condos line the streets in this neighborhood
Old Town: A walk score of 98, an historic neighborhood known for its nightlife and comedy clubs
Printer’s Row: A walk score of 98, residential condos in the heart of the city and near the Loop
River North: A walk score of 96, an urban artist’s haven, full of art, design, galleries, and more
South Loop: A walk score of 92, known for Chicago’s Museum Campus, history and culture await you here
Streeterville: A walk score of 94, home to Navy Pier, entertainment and lake activities shape this neighborhood’s character
The Loop: A walk score of 93, the Chicago you see in movies and the heart of downtown
West Loop Gate: A walk score of 96, loft and high-rise living, with public transportation right outside your front door
West Loop: A walk score of 96, a former warehouse district turned into a trendy place for an evening out
Want an Apartment in a Walkable Neighborhood?
AptAmigo can find you a great luxury apartment in any of these Chicago neighborhoods without the stress and hassle of researching it all yourself. Let AptAmigo do all the hard work, and soon you will walk into your new home and start living out your dream life.
