The results of the National Association of Realtors' 2013 Community Preference Survey are in, and the findings are definitely worth
talking about.
Here are a few highlights:
- 60 percent of respondents prefer a neighborhood with a mix of houses, stores and other businesses that are easy to walk to
- 52 percent want a single-family home with a large yard
- 78 percent believe the neighborhood itself is more important than the house
- 57 percent would trade a larger yard for a shorter commute to work
- 55 percent for forego a large yard for walkability to schools, stores and restaurants
What are the takeaways from these numbers? The key factor to
a successful community is walkability. Today's homeowners are putting a much
greater emphasis on being able to walk from their new home to their favorite
shops, restaurants, parks and schools. Americans are even willing to give up
their treasured yard space to ensure they have an easier, faster commute to
their workplace and local businesses. They don't want a community with just
homes, they want a community that offers them a complete lifestyle; one that
they very seldom have to leave, and when they do, they don't want to have to
travel far.
While some homeowners
will still fall in love with a single-family home in a community filled with
just homes or homes and an amenities package, builders need to make sure that
even these communities are readily accessible to shops, restaurants,
entertainment, recreation and transportation. The other solution is to plan
mixed use or traditional neighborhood developments, which incorporate a mix of
homes, businesses and amenities all within one community.
What are your thoughts on the findings from this year's
survey? I'd love to hear your opinion in the comments section below.
Until next time,
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