Bike Paths, Walking Trails and Real Estate

Have you ever wondered if bike paths or walking trails have an impact on home values? Think the impact is favorable or not? Based on numerous studies conducted nationally, the preference for both walking and bike paths are favorable and do tend to increase home values.

The findings are proving that buyers are willing to pay more for the convenience of living near these types of paths. A few excerpts from the studies:

From the National Park and Recreation Association May 2020 magazine “…any added value derives from access to the linear trail. It is a trail’s functionality or activity potential that is likely to confer added value, not the panorama of attractive open space.”

New research from Portland State University finds advanced bikeways [defined as on-road bicycle lanes demarcated by painted lines] have a significant positive effect on home values.

Studies have shown that having a walking/bike path near your home is a great way to increase the selling price of the house. In fact, one study of homes in and around the Monon Bike Trail in Indianapolis revealed an 11% increase in the prices of homes with the trail near them.

Maintaining Good Health Through Biking and Walking

The interest and demand for biking and walking paths increased when Americans became more aware of the importance of exercise as a way to maintain good health. During the 1970s and 1980s, 25 million Americans took up running while many more engaged in regular walking. The most recent survey by the National Association of Homebuilders reported that walking/jogging trails ranked third or fourth among all homebuyer age groups as most desired local amenities on a list of 19. This reflects the growing prominence of trails in both the commuting and leisure dimensions of people’s lives.

The experts agree, the benefits to staying active through walking or biking strengthens your knees, legs, ankles, hips, and arms as well as your heart, lungs, and mind. These forms of exercise boost your creativity and imagination as you observe nature and the ever-changing scenery around you.

When you live minutes from a nearby path, there are fewer excuses for not getting outside and exercising regularly. It’s so easy to meet up with friends on the paths or create a family activity around walking or biking regularly. The socialization factor of these amenities is attractive to buyers wanting to connect with their community and neighbors.

Nearby Trails to Check Out

To help you get started visit my blog post, Let’s Hit the Nearby Parks, Trails, & Hikes, where you’ll find a listing of several of my favorite places. Have a favorite path you enjoy? Share it in the comments.

Ask Me About Living Near a Bike Path or Walking Trail

Are you a cyclist who would desire living minutes from a bike path or a walker who enjoys getting in your daily steps? Let’s talk. It’s my pleasure to help you find a home near the things you enjoy.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.