What's Your Address' Walkability Rating?

Montclair's real estate agents say buyers are increasingly demanding houses in more densely populated "walkable" areas. And this, they say, makes Montclair very desirable. If you type your address into the rating Web site www.walkscore.com, you can find out your home's walkability rating. For example, the Township offices at 205 Claremont Avenue are a "walker's paradise" with a walk score of 91.

"The general trend is away from the exurbs and towards more urban areas," said Pauline Panza at RE/MAX Village Square.

Panza said that a two-acre plot in Bernardsville might be nice but that you still have to mow it, not to mention consider the gas prices associated with getting around in your car.

"Density used to be considered a bad thing but now people are moving towards more compact homes and more compact lifestyles," she said, adding that buyers increasingly see the value in knowing their neighbors.

Panza said she downloaded a walkability checklist from www.walkinginfo.org and walked through her own Watchung Plaza neighborhood.

She found that what makes Montclair walkable is:

• Lot's of large trees to keep the sun off your back
• Most streets not to wide to cross
• Most streets have sidewalks
• Streets and sidewalks are free of litter and debris
• No loose dogs
• Curb cuts in many sidewalks (for strollers and wheelchairs)
• Flat heading East toward the train station

Things to Improve…

• Many sidewalks uneven and cracked from tree roots
• Spotty lighting – some areas well lit, others not so much.
• Steep hill heading West toward the "Mont" of Montclair
• Tricky intersection at Park Street and Watchung Avenue

How walkable is your neighborhood? Check out Panza's blog Walkable Suburb.