by Russell Waldron

Created on: July 11, 2010

Eye catching, big red ‘For Sale’ signs fighting the wind, rain and harsh sun are deemed the ‘tumble weeds of the era.’ They signal much more than the present day economic crisis. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that these significant signs of market disasters are not solely due to predatory lending and lax standards, another cause for the high foreclosure rates is said to be car dependency. Researchers behind the Location Efficiency and Mortgage Default Report noted that the rate of mortgage foreclosure actually decreased in neighbourhoods which were relatively compact, connected to public transport and were walkable.Those residing in location efficient areas were far less likely to default.

When one is less dependent on cars, living in scenic walkable, friendly connecting neighbourhoods one stays put. If one can ditch the car, walk to the stores, school, places of interest and so forth, your house is location efficient. Not everyone wants a plethora of roads and parking lots. Perchance you are fortunate enough to be involved in the designing of a walkable neighbourhood. If so, this article is for you. Careful consideration to the planning process will lead to a successfully designed walkable neighbourhood. A walkable neighbourhood is one in which there are areas which have no allowances for vehicles other than bicycles, stroller or mobility scooters. Of course some types of vehicles will need access to the homes in the neighbourhood such as emergency vehicles, removal trucks and service vehicles for powerlines etc.

Walkable neighbourhoods allow developers to fit as many housing units into one area as possible. Cars, roads, take up so much valuable space. Alternatively, walkable neighbourhoods allow for larger homes to be constructed as well. Walkways, buildings and a host of other design features must be welcoming as well as practical. While houses which all face the same way look relatively neat and tidy, with lovely straight paths running through the centre of a strip of grass, reality states otherwise. Neighbours will be able to look right into your back yard, watch you as you entertain guests etc. There will certainly be a lack of privacy. Therefore a range of assorted housing styles, facing in different directions is the better option.

 Houses need to be of assorted levels as well for better comfort impact. One also needs to note that too many straight line houses become unbearable to the eyes after a while.

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