A substantial number of Americans desire a lifestyle centered around walkability, a preference not fully met by the current urban and suburban landscape, according to multiple surveys. While a majority may state a preference for larger homes on more distant lots, a considerable percentage also express a desire for smaller, closer homes within walking distance of amenities.
A Pew survey of 8,512 respondents found that 55 percent prefer larger, more spread-out homes with amenities several miles away. However, a significant 44 percent indicated a preference for smaller, closer homes where schools, stores, and restaurants are within walking distance. This 44 percent represents a larger share of the population than currently lives in walkable communities, which an analysis from Smart Growth America estimates at 6.8 percent in the 35 largest metro areas. A 2025 study further estimated that only 10.8 percent live in areas designated "most walkable" by the EPA.
Other data points to a similar, if not stronger, preference for walkability. A National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey of 2,000 adults in the 50 largest US metro areas found that 59 percent prefer smaller yards and easy walkability to daily destinations, while 41 percent would choose larger yards and a reliance on driving. The NAR survey also revealed a near even split on housing type and location: 52 percent would opt for an apartment or townhouse with a short walk to shops and a shorter commute, compared to 48 percent who would choose a detached single-family house requiring driving to amenities and resulting in a longer commute.
An earlier survey analyzed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 55.7 percent of adults favored community designs that offer walkable access to destinations, even if it means homes are closer together. While public opinion polling has limitations, and some surveys indicate a tension between preferring walkability and also preferring detached single-family homes or suburban living, the consistent presence of a large segment of the population favoring walkable environments is notable.
Researchers suggest that the appeal of walkability stems from a desire for a more human-scaled environment. Walking is described as the "native scale of human life" and conducive to well-being. However, the supply of housing in such environments is limited, as much of America's existing walkable urban fabric predates World War II.
The practical implementation of creating more walkable communities faces challenges. Building compact, mixed-use developments often requires a shift away from car-centric design, which can include making driving and parking less convenient. Public opinion on measures like congestion pricing or changes to parking availability indicates resistance to such trade-offs, even among those who desire walkability.
Nevertheless, the high real estate prices in existing walkable areas signal strong demand. Experts suggest that enabling more housing in desirable, walkable cities and suburbs could help meet this demand, alleviate housing affordability issues, and foster new developments compatible with modern life. This approach, they argue, would create more choices without diminishing the preference for lower-density, driving-oriented communities that other Americans favor.