I dissed WalkScore, which claims to assess the walkability of a given neighborhood,when they launched a few years ago. I didn’t believe it gave you the real flavor of a home’s location – for example, you might find yourself being able to walk to such wholesome entities as sex clubs and pot dispensaries. Where’s the WalkScore for that?
Today, though, I check the WalkScore (which can run as high as 100) for all of my listings and boast when it runs into the “Walker’s Paradise” range. I have to use caution here, though – it can get a little dicey when the algorithims throw strip clubs and seedy bars into the entertainment category, or list a 24-hour liquor store as a great place to buy groceries. (When was the last time you got terrific produce from the local convenience store?)
Another issue with WalkScore is that it doesn’t account for topography. The top of Nob Hill can have a great walkScore, but you may have to walk two blocks up and down a nearly vertical cliff face to get a quart of milk.
Even so, the graphics that pop up when you put in an address can make a property with a high WalkScore look great when the map is thick with little dots representing all the things that are just a quick walk away. The secret is in figuring out exactly what those things are and the mountains you may need to climb to get there.
Inman News recently posted an interview with WalkScore CEO Josh Herst. Not surprisingly, Josh is going to give you the upside of his company, but it’s worth a watch. After all, I don’t know it all – or do I?
Dreaming of San Francisco? Cece Blase offers local advice to San Francisco buyers, sellers and owners-- and feeds the dreams of those who wish they could live in Tony Bennett's 'City by the Bay.' Call 415-577-0809 or email cblase@paragon-re.com. www.ceceblase.com
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