The resource that I'm sharing with you today works for US, UK and Canadian readers and could prove increasingly useful as you get older...
If you're thinking about a change of location in retirement or you're keeping an eye open for a suitable location that will serve your needs as you get older, check out Walk Score.
Walkable neighborhoods offer many benefits to their residents with regard to better health, reduction in greenhouse gases, increased public transportation options, increased community activity and face-to-face interaction with neighbours, and stronger local businesses.
Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live by calculating the 'walkability' of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. The Walk Score of an address is shown as a number between 0 and 100 and the general guidelines for interpreting your score are as follows:
90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!
It's a brilliant idea but, before you rush out and buy a new property based on its Walk Score, you do need to bear in mind that Walk Score is just an approximation of walkability and that the strength of an address's Walk Score is no substitute for spending time on the ground in your chosen location and really checking it out before you commit to the move. You can check out the known issues with the system here
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