A city's pedestrian-friendliness impacts its economy, according to a report done by Christopher Leinberger and Patrick Lynch of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at George Washington University School of Business.
According to the report, walkable communities have a higher GDP, greater wealth and higher percentages of college grads (see table below). Moreover, there is a “74 premium in rent per square foot in office buildings in walkable areas.”
And the report is not only talking about cities. According to Leinberger, the traditional dichotomy of “walkable urban” and “drivable suburban” is falling out of use. Many urban areas are car-oriented and many suburbs are developing into walker-friendly spaces.
Currently, the top five cities based on the percentage of their "WalkUPs" (walkable urban places) from the total metro area and population are Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Click here to read the whole report and learn more.
Screenshots from Foot Traffic Ahead report
© The George Washington University School of Business 2014
Related Stories
| Jun 7, 2012
Waterline exhibition displays visions for re-thinking the Chicago River
The designs of Waterline showcase why the Chicago River should once again be considered the city’s most important asset and sets the stage for increased awareness, education and reinvention of the River.
| Jun 7, 2012
WDMA and FMA to affiliate and integrate operations
Over the coming months both organizations will begin the process of formalizing the details of the agreement for final approval by both organizations, with the formal change expected to take effect in January 2015.
| Jun 7, 2012
Craig joins Cannon Design as associate principal
Craig will work closely with the firm's Corporate/Commercial Interiors leadership to help facilitate initiatives that strengthen awareness around workplace innovation and offer counsel on strategic workplace decisions.
| Jun 7, 2012
Stantec publishes 2011 corporate Sustainability Report
Stantec's fifth annual Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the internationally recognized G3.1 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, developed by the Global Reporting Initiative.
| Jun 6, 2012
KPF designs tower for Yongsan IBD
The master plan, created by Studio Daniel Libeskind, is a dynamic urban environment containing contributions from 19 different architects practicing in diverse locations around the globe.
| Jun 6, 2012
SOM urges Chicago tenants to partner with landlords to cut energy use
Tenants can exceed building energy challenge targets recently announced by Mayor Emanuel.
| Jun 6, 2012
KLMK Group awarded contract with Parkland Health & Hospital System in Texas
KLMK will also provide planning guidance in all aspects of the project related to facility activation.
| Jun 5, 2012
Cannon Design joins forces with Peter Ellis New Cities
Peter Ellis will now lead Cannon Design's urban planning and city design practice in collaboration with the firm's executive leadership.
| Jun 5, 2012
Walker Parking opens office in Abu Dhabi
Walker has been in Abu Dhabi since May 2011 but in a temporary office suite.
| Jun 5, 2012
Glumac hires Drit Shoemaker as new director of business development
Shoemaker will research, connect, and forge new client relationships with architects, developers, owners and brokers while strengthening relationships with current clients.
