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Jay Ha

Accessibility and Real Estate Prices: 15 Minute-City

When it comes to real estate prices, one of the most critical factors influencing property value is accessibility. In urban planning and real estate markets alike, accessibility is a measure of how easily residents can reach essential destinations and amenities. It goes beyond the physical convenience of getting from point A to point B; accessibility shapes the desirability of neighborhoods, impacts quality of life, and ultimately drives demand in the real estate market.


Accessibility plays a crucial role in determining real estate values. Homebuyers and renters often prioritize neighborhoods that provide easy access to amenities that enhance their daily lives. The proximity to major employment centers, healthcare facilities, quality parks, shopping districts, and cultural attractions can significantly impact property prices. The logic is simple: areas that offer reduced commute times, convenient access to healthcare and entertainment, and opportunities for recreation tend to command higher property values.


For instance, properties near major employment hubs or efficient public transit systems are particularly attractive to those who wish to minimize time spent commuting. Similarly, homes close to hospitals or high-quality healthcare facilities are especially desirable for families and older adults. On the other hand, properties that are isolated from these key destinations or lack efficient transportation options often see lower demand and, consequently, lower prices.


The 15-minute city has emerged as a powerful concept in urban planning, aiming to create urban areas where residents can meet most of their daily needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This idea promotes a more sustainable, equitable, and community-oriented lifestyle. By designing neighborhoods where people can easily access work, school, healthcare, shopping, parks, and cultural destinations, the 15-minute city reduces the need for long commutes and dependence on cars, which in turn contributes to lower carbon emissions and healthier living environments.


The 15-minute city framework is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for improving social equity. People from all backgrounds should have access to opportunities that support their well-being. When city planners prioritize this model, they help create more inclusive neighborhoods where residents enjoy a higher quality of life, regardless of socioeconomic status.


From a real estate perspective, neighborhoods that embody the 15-minute city principles are likely to see increased demand. As urban dwellers continue to prioritize convenience and lifestyle quality, these areas become more attractive and valuable. Investors and developers are also taking note, incorporating mixed-use developments and enhancing walkability to align with the desires of modern city residents.


When evaluating real estate prices or considering a property investment, it’s important to think about the types of destinations that contribute to a neighborhood’s accessibility and desirability. Here are some of the key destinations:


  1. Major Employment Centers: Properties located near large business districts or corporate hubs are in high demand. Access to employment opportunities without a long commute is a significant factor for many homebuyers.


  2. Healthcare Facilities: The presence of reputable hospitals and healthcare centers is vital. Quick access to medical care is particularly valued by families and older adults, and properties near these facilities often see a premium in price.


  3. Parks and Recreational Areas: High-quality parks and green spaces provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and socializing, making them a highly desirable amenity. Proximity to nature and outdoor recreation enhances the appeal of a neighborhood.


  1. Shopping Centers and Malls: Easy access to shopping amenities, including grocery stores and retail complexes, is a must for convenience. Properties near these destinations often command higher prices due to the convenience they offer residents.


  1. Cultural Attractions: Museums, theaters, concert venues, and other cultural institutions enrich a community and increase its desirability. These attractions contribute to a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to many homebuyers.


  2. Airports: Proximity to a major airport is crucial for professionals who travel frequently. However, it is important to balance convenience with the potential downsides, such as noise pollution.


  3. Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: Proximity to grocery stores, especially those that offer a wide variety of fresh produce and essential goods, is crucial for homebuyers. Access to popular grocery chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or large supermarkets increases the convenience and appeal of a neighborhood, thereby raising property values.


  4. Water Bodies: Living near a water body, such as a lake, river, or the ocean, is often associated with a premium in real estate prices. Properties with views of or easy access to water provide recreational opportunities and a serene environment that many homebuyers find desirable.


  5. Retail Corridors: High-density shopping streets or retail corridors with a mix of clothing stores, specialty shops, and restaurants attract both residents and tourists. These areas often serve as the economic heart of a neighborhood, contributing to the vibrancy and convenience of urban living. Being located near a bustling retail corridor can significantly boost property values due to the easy access to shopping and dining options, as well as the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.


  6. Brand-Name Retailers and Cafés (e.g., Starbucks, Whole Foods, Chipotle): Proximity to popular, well-known retailers and restaurant chains is often seen as a sign of an upscale or rapidly developing neighborhood. For example, having a Starbucks, Whole Foods, or Chipotle nearby is known to increase property values because these establishments cater to middle-to-upper-class consumers and are often located in thriving, walkable areas.


By the end of this year, our product will empower users to evaluate accessibility to these 10 key destination types, both for walking and driving scenarios. This feature will provide valuable insights into how easily people can reach essential and desirable locations from any given area, helping them make informed decisions about living, investing, or planning in specific neighborhoods. We are committed to ensuring that our tool covers the most relevant and impactful destinations, and we invite you to share any additional destination types that are of interest to you. Your input can help us refine our product to better serve the diverse needs of our users and communities.


Q & A?


Jay Ha

Head of Urban Research 

Doctoral student in Urban Planning at USC


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