What does a walk score measure?

A walk score measures the walkability of an address by analyzing various factors related to walking routes and amenities within a certain distance. This includes evaluating the proximity of essential services, such as grocery stores, schools, parks, and restaurants, as well as the presence of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly pathways. A higher walk score indicates that residents can easily access daily needs without relying on a car, promoting healthier lifestyles and encouraging more active forms of transportation. Understanding walkability is crucial for assessing urban development, community planning, and how the built environment impacts physical activity levels among residents.

The other options focus on different aspects of urban planning. For example, public transportation accessibility evaluates transit options rather than walkable routes, while parking availability concerns car-related convenience, and distance to recreational facilities pertains specifically to non-transportation amenities. Each of these factors plays a role in overall community planning but does not directly define how easily one can walk to essential destinations from a given address.