Orange County walkable neighborhoods have walkability scores. Here are some keys to understanding walkability scores.
What is a walkability score?
All Orange County walkable neighborhoods will have what is called a walkability score. These scores can range from 0-100 and they indicate how accessible local amenities are for residents who want to accomplish most errands on foot. In Orange County Real Estate For example, The city of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA currently has a walk score of 46 due to the fact that the city is spread out. Some neighborhoods are in close proximity of Art and Community facilities, Shopping, entertainment, health facilities and the like and others are car dependent areas where driving is more likely required. The Rancho Santa Margarita walkability score is not high even though there are areas within the city which are very walkable from certain neighborhoods.
Keep in mind that, of course, even within lower walk score cities you can still live in a neighborhood that is very walkable. Your location within the city will determine how walkable your lifestyle will be. But an overall score can help guide you to cities that are deemed more walkable if desired. The Rancho Santa Margarita walkability score is not high even though there are areas within the city which are very walkable from certain neighborhoods.
Below are walkability scores for Orange County walkable neighborhoods:
| City | Walkscore | Classification |
| Rancho Santa Margarita | 46 | Car Dependent |
| Mission Viejo | 54 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Lake Forest | 54 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Irvine | 54 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Laguna Niguel | 50 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Aliso Viejo | 55 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Laguna Hills | 55 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Foothill Ranch | 75 | Very Walkable |
| Dana Point | 61 | Somewhat Walkable |
| San Clemente | 47 | Car Dependent |
| San Juan Capistrano | 46 | Car Dependent |
| Capistrano Beach | 66 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Laguna Woods | 63 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Laguna Beach | 49 | Car Dependent |
| Newport Coast | 15 | Car Dependent |
| Trabuco Canyon/ Coto De Caza | 29 | Car Dependent |
| Ladera Ranch | 40 | Car Dependent |
| Tustin | 59 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Costa Mesa | 71 | Very Walkable |
| Orange | 59 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Villa Park | 46 | Car Dependent |
Why is it important?- Some buyers want to move from one high Orange County walkable neighborhood city to another so that they can maintain the lifestyle they want. Whether they like the proximity to save time and gas or whether they like to stay fit and walk to local establishments, they are looking for the proximity and convenience that high walk score cities have to offer.
Buyer benefits include:
- Overall higher probability and potential to lose weight and stay fit.
- Save Money with lower transportation costs.
- Higher level (on average) of community involvement.
Seller benefits include:
- Studies show that homes with above average walk scores are worth $4,000 to $34,000 more than similar but less walkable homes.
- An additional feature to attract potential buyers you may not have otherwise considered.
So when it comes time to sell your home in Orange County, know about Orange County walkable neighborhoods and you can better market your home to prospective buyers.It may just make the difference!
You can find the walk score for your city at www.walkscore.com