Walk This Way: Favorite Pedestrian-Friendly Communities

Post provided by guest contributing blogger, Leslie Mann, Real Estate Professional with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in the Boston suburbs.

Rumor has it that the settlers of Boston suburb of Wellesley, Massachusetts were so taken with the community that they originally dubbed it Contentment. As one of the few truly walkable suburbs west of Boston, Wellesley is home to a wealth of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and wonderful outdoor spaces. The community is sought after among those looking for high ranking public schools and an easy commute into the city.

On a fine spring afternoon, you’ll find families hiking along the Charles River, taking a stroll through the whimsical Wheesie’s Garden at Elm Bank Reservation, or exploring Wellesley’s Grand Tour, a spectacular 10-mile trail loop. The town green hosts many community events, including outdoor movies, summer concerts, and family fun days.

Across the U.S. and beyond home buyers can find charming communities, such as Wellesley, that are nestled in and around metropolitan areas and have a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. Here are some of my favorites.

Seattle, Washington, USA

Seattle is undergoing many exciting development projects, including the new “waterfront for all” park that will forever link the city to Elliott Bay. The community’s varied eateries and fashionable shops are part of the reason Travel + Leisure called Seattle the #1 “hipster” city. The city is attracting young families from diverse backgrounds drawn to the area’s vibrancy and job growth. In fact, the city center population has increased nearly 25 percent in the past decade, according to the Downtown Seattle Association.

One sparkling example of the city’s housing offerings is this two-bedroom Seattle penthouse residence just steps from Pike Place Market. The uniquely designed residence features a custom kitchen, stunning views; a community garden, gym, and yoga studio; and 24-hour concierge service.

$1,765,000 USD / Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Back in the 1800?s, the visionary leaders of Minneapolis sought to preserve the natural beauty of the area’s lakes for all to enjoy. The city fortuitously purchased land joining these lakes, turning them into public parks. This led to the creation of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, ensuring no home in Minneapolis is far from a city park. Residents enjoy summer concerts and other traditions in this beautiful locale. The city is also home to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the 17-acre Walker Art Center, considered one of the nation’s “big five” modern art museums. Today the neighborhoods of Linden Hills, Lynnhurst, and Fulton are coveted locations by buyers with access to walking and bike trails, kayaking and sailing.

This magnificently renovated five-bedroom home in Minneapolis‘ Lake Harriet area is a short stroll to the Lyndale Park Rose Garden, two swimming beaches, the Lake Harriet Pavilion with live music on summer nights, the Bread and Pickle restaurant at the Lake Harriet Refectory, and the Linden Hills Village.

$1,895,000 USD / Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Known for its greenways, Vancouver’s beautiful parks make it easy for residents to walk to the city’s most popular destinations past lush landscaping, public art, and fountains. Runners and cyclists also flock to walkable neighborhoods, such as Yaletown, Kitslilano, West Side, Downtown, False Creek, Mount Pleasant, and Commercial Drive.

$2,704,703 USD, $2,778,000 CAD / Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Many thanks to our guest blogger, Leslie Mann with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, greater Boston’s luxury real estate company with eight offices located Back Bay, two offices in the South End, the Waterfront, Charlestown, Savin Hill, Westwood and Weston.