What Makes a Neighborhood Truly Walkable?

It’s no wonder there is a growing interest and desire for more walkable neighborhoods. Residents of truly walkable neighborhoods are better connected to their community and enjoy overall better health and prosperity. People want to live in welcoming communities where they can easily (and safely) walk to parks and shops.

According to the Congress for New Urbanism, compact, walkable communities like Union Village improve health by encouraging physical activity, lowering risks for obesity and chronic disease.

Creating a truly walkable neighborhood requires more than just pouring sidewalks; it involves thoughtful planning and street design that focuses on the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, not just easy access for automobiles. It also requires incorporating green spaces and public places that people want to visit within neighborhoods.

Union Village is a great example in using these and other principles or New Urbanism to create a truly walkable neighborhood.

Truly Walkable Neighborhoods are Intentionally Designed

Union Village is designed around a central town square that you can walk to from any of the neighborhoods in about five minutes.

Street designs invite you to walk along them. Hundreds of trees have been planted to provide a beautiful canopy and buffer as they grow. Benches are positioned along the streets so you can sit and rest if needed, or just take a break to relax and enjoy the moment. Walkways lead directly from the sidewalk to the large, welcoming porches of the homes in the neighborhood so you can engage with neighbors out on their porch as you stroll by.

As you walk along the streets at Union Village, what you won’t see front and center are driveways packed with cars. Driveways and garages are purposefully built at the back or side of homes. This is aesthetically appealing but also serves as a point of pedestrian safety so you don’t have to dodge cars pulling in and out of driveways.

Pictured: Ginkgo, maple, oak and other native Ohio speciess line the streets of Union Village. Benches are nestled throughout the neighborhood. A couple (along with their dog) enjoy a stroll along Allen Street at Union Village.

INSPIRATION FOR SIMPLY LIVING
Get going! Our map shows a one-mile walk through the existing neighborhood.

Truly Walkable Neighborhoods Have Green Spaces and Public Places to Enjoy

To create a truly walkable neighborhood there have to be places within walking distance that people want to visit. The inclusion of green spaces and public places is a fundamental piece of the award-winning Union Village town plan.

In addition to the main town square which features a playground and stage for live performances, each neighborhood centers around a smaller neighborhood green space with their own landmarks like a fountain and historic bell. Union Village Square is the site of future village shops and restaurants. As the neighborhood grows it will include more destinations in walking distance to homes.

Within walking distance of Union Village you can also visit Armco Park Lake, Shaker Run Golf Course, or the Warren County Sports Park for a par-three golf course, lake, tennis courts, basketball courts, sports fields, and picnic shelters.

Pictured: Union Village neighbors can walk to the town square to enjoy live music and other activities. Nearby, Armco Park offers more miles of exploration and activity. The historic bell at Bailey Square was used at a Shaker schoolhouse on site.

INSPIRATION FOR SIMPLY LIVING
Are you looking to build a home in a truly walkable neighborhood? Learn about homebuilding options at Union Village Ohio.

About Union Village

Union Village is a unique village under construction in Turtlecreek Township (Warren County) Ohio. Designed on the principles of new urbanism, Town Architect Michael Watkins earned the Urban Planning John Russell Pope Award for the Union Village master plan. Touting charming front porches, masterfully crafted homes, beautiful park spaces and tree-lined streets, the Village will grow to include restaurants, shops and amenities in walking distance to homes. At completion, the 1,230-acre Village will have up to 4,500 homes and 10,000 residents while also preserving over 200 acres of open space, woodlands, and meadows.

Interested homebuyers can complete a brief questionnaire or call (513) 409-3190 to schedule a private showing.