What Does 'Walking Distance' To The Metro Light Rail Mean

In creating the property searches near the Phoenix light rail stations I was given to bouts of doubts about what 'walking distance' means since I'm sure lots of people buying along the light rail will have this in mind.  

In addition what is within walking distance also had  better then normal appreciation in some cities that have newer light rail system, so it's quite an important measure.

So what does it mean, this 'walking distance? For one thing there is no set definition and I thing it would be something malleable depending on certain factors.  The city of Phoenix has some redevelopment corridors along the rail and it seems from those reports that about 2,000 feet is within walking distance.

Some say 7 blocks, some say 1 mile others say about 3-4 blocks or half a mile.  I've heard it noted by minutes: each minute equalling 80 meters.  For some 15 minutes may be a reasonable walk to a station.

There is also the 'Walk Score' which shows by a defined measure how walkable a neighborhood is: how close transit, stores, schools and other amenities are: the closer the higher the score, but it's still subjective.  By the way when viewing property details you can see the Walk Score for each property.

So that is why the prepared property searches along Phoenix light rail are up 7 blocks away from the light rail system which means  some places will have a greater distance to a station then others, buy you can view the properties on a map to see which are closer then others.  Also I bet your attitude and willingness to walk to a station will depend on the weather: a few dozen meters in the summer may be too much for some.

You don't have to view properties only by these defined searches, you can also create your own custom map searches within the distance comfortable to you and near the station(s) you want to be and get e-mail updates of them automatically: that feature is exclusive to inPhoenix.com