Denser, more populated neighborhoods encourage people to walk more, according to research from Washington State University. The study, which analyzed data from around 11,000 twins, offers strong evidence that a neighborhood’s design influences physical activity, while controlling for genetic and familial factors.
Each 1% improvement in an area’s walkability corresponds to a 0.42% rise in walking within the neighborhood. Scaled up, a 55% increase in walkability could lead to 23% more walking—approximately 19 additional minutes per resident per week. For a sedentary U.S. population, this modest shift could yield significant public health benefits.
“Even small increases in walking could deliver real health advantages,” the researchers note.
What Makes a Neighborhood Walkable?
Walkable areas are characterized by high population density, well-connected roads, and proximity to amenities such as parks, shops, restaurants, and public transit. Urban neighborhoods like Seattle’s Capitol Hill exemplify this, offering numerous destinations and transit options. In contrast, suburban and rural areas often require driving to access basic services, reducing the likelihood of walking.
The study analyzed survey data from 5,477 pairs of twins between 2009 and 2020. Participants reported their weekly walking minutes—whether for exercise, recreation, or commuting—and researchers matched these with data on neighborhood walkability. The results showed that those in more walkable areas walked significantly more.
While walkable neighborhoods did not boost vigorous activities like running or weightlifting—which are less tied to the immediate environment—they did encourage walking as a simple, accessible form of exercise. The study also found that living in walkable areas reduced the likelihood of avoiding public transit altogether by 32%, though transit use among participants was generally low.
The Case for Walking
Walking is a low-cost, natural way to meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, the researchers emphasize. “You don’t need fancy gear. Just lace up your shoes and go,” they conclude.
By improving neighborhood walkability, urban planners and policymakers could help foster healthier communities while addressing the broader challenges of sedentary lifestyles in the U.S.
