Before you buy a new home, here's how to find out whether a neighborhood you're interested in will let you get out from behind the wheel.

A walkable neighborhood is one where you can get in and out of the neighborhood without a car. In Alpine Park, Calgary, this master planned community has access to Sidewalks, restaurants, and the neighborhood is designed to make minimal use of car except for long trips or commutes.

Find out more about Alpine Park! Developers have been long at work transforming this bare land into an urban multi use oasis.

Map the route to your workplace in public transit mode. Look on Google Maps to get a sense of how many everyday amenities are within walking distance. The more restaurants nearby, the more your neighbors will likely be out and about, too. This may give you a feel for the overall vibe of the community. Always spend some time walking around and exploring an area before making a move there!

Check out the neighborhood at different times of day to see what's open and active during the times you'd walk there.

Check out the area on evenings and weekends, and in the middle of a weekday. Remember that you can always prospect communities you are interested in even if there are no houses available to purchase on the market currently.

Pay close attention to how the streets and crosswalks are designed. Look for signals with buttons for walkers to push and wide, well-marked crosswalks. Was the space designed to be pedestrian friendly? Remember that even if amenities are nearby, if the community is not master planned with walkability in mind, things like a major road or large warehouse store parking lots may put a damper on your desire to walk to errands. Sirocco at Pine Creek is another example of a newer community where the developers have made sure that major walkways and amenities are user-friendly and inclusive to all e.g., those with mobility scooters or various disabilities.

While inner city neighborhoods are great for walkability, similar lifestyles can be found in thoughtfully master planned suburban communities.

When you're in the neighborhood, search Google Maps for "restaurants near me" or "coffee near me". Take some exploratory walks to the places you'd be likely to visit. If it feels right to you, it just might be the right place to call home.

Choosing your next community carefully is a move that will shape a portion of your life. Contact us for information on communities, home buying, selling, and more.