Classic Towns News

Only a few decades ago, walkable school districts were plentiful. These days they’re few and far between. Recent studies show that less than 16% of students between the ages of 5 and 15 walk or bike between school and home, compared to 42% in 1969. Why the shift? Many believe that safety, distance, and traffic and weather-related challenges are all responsible.

Walkable school districts may be a thing of the past, but they could also be an essential part of our future. Locally, a number of schools, parents’ associations, and community groups are working together to promote walkable school districts realizing the benefits of reduced traffic, improved health, a better environment, and enhanced livability in their communities.

Daniel R. White, Jr. of Daniel White Realtors in Haddon Heights sees walkable school districts and communities as definite selling points. “Walkable communities increase revenue on main street, encourage children to ride their bikes and walk to after-school activities, and negate the need for rides from parents.”

Homebuyers seeking walkable school districts need not look far. Ambler and Bristol Borough in Pennsylvania, and Collingswood and Haddon Heights in New Jersey are prime examples of communities where students walk and bike to school.