If you enjoy walking, then check out this website that calculates the "walkability" of a city. Walk Score measures how easy it is to get around town by walking. It doesn't weigh the most scenic walks in an area, but it does let you know if you can conveniently get to the grocery store or restaurants on foot.

My walking history

Walking. I used to do it all the time when I was a kid. I would walk to my friend's house rather than have my parents drive me. I would walk to the convenience store in our rural downtown to get the latest pre-teen heartthrob magazine and a slushie.

Walking was fun, and a primary mode of transportation.

Enter high school and my teenage years. It sooo wasn't cool to have anyone catch me walking. 

That would have scarred me for a week. My first choice would be to ride in a friend's car to wherever we needed to go. My last choice would be to have my parents drive and park far down the street from my destination, where spectators couldn't see me getting dropped off. Then I would get out of the car and walk the rest of the way.

Teenager plus walking equals one sour mix.

Walking and young adulthood: To check out the latest dance and music scenes in Chicago, walking was necessary. Parking at $10 per hour and high cab fees made walking an attractive option. It also was a great, safe way to go for me and my young friends.

My friends and I embraced walking as young adults.

My present love for walking

As a mom of three young children, I love walking--especially in the summer in Southeastern Wisconsin. I live a short distance from the lake, so my children and I walk downtown at night. It's an integral part of our schedule in the summertime and my favorite part of the day. Walking helps to keep my exercise routine in stride and is a great time for me to relax with my children.

Walking has become a family activity.

Walking is a great way to make a positive impact on your budget. Because my family can walk to most activities downtown that we enjoy, I have been able to stretch my gas dollars. The exercise benefits we get from walking are huge as well. 

Walking is a great, healthy way for you to save money and go green.

Real estate buyers: Check out the walkability of your future address by using the widget below. 

If you enjoyed this post, you might want to read:

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Posted by Rebecca D. Levinson

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