Bethesda's Neighborhoods Walk the Talk

Some of Bethesda's neighborhoods are a walker's paradise -- at least according to Walkscore.com.

The site recently posted their list of ’10 Most Walkable Cities’ in the U.S. The site, which provides the walkability ratings of 2,500 U.S. cities, is a great source of information. Just plug in a zip code or an address, and you’ll get a rating of that location’s walkability, along with a map marking the location of nearby stores, coffee shops, restaurants, libraries and other amenities. 

Cities with high walkability ratings are ranked from 0-100 as a "Walker’s Paradise" (90-100), "Very Walkable" (70-89), or "Somewhat Walkable" (50-69). Cities with a ranking of 24-49 are "Car Dependent" with some amenities within walking distance, and cities with a ranking of 0-24 are "Car Dependent" with almost all errands requiring a car.  Take a look - it's a handy tool.

A Range of Walkability Among Bethesda’s Neighborhoods
How does Bethesda stack up when it comes to walkability?  According to the ratings on Walkscore.com, Bethesda has a rating of 50, which ranks Bethesda as a ‘Somewhat Walkable’ city.  That’s right along with Rockville (59), Silver Spring (63) and Takoma Park (67), and above Potomac’s ‘Car Dependent’ rating of 29. 

But that’s not the whole story for Bethesda.  There are 13 zip codes that comprise Bethesda and there is a range of walkability among them.  Many are high on the walkability scale.  This adds to the city's sustainability and also the bottom line - the value of Bethesda's real estate. In a recent post on Bethesda Actually, Raj Purohit of Weichert Realtors mentions that the walkability of many neighborhoods in Bethesda adds to the strength of the city’s real estate market. 

Bethesda’s Most Walkable Zip Codes – Stores, Shops and Entertainment Within Easy Reach
Which are Bethesda’s best areas for walking to work, errands and entertainment?   

Bethesda zip codes 20810 and 20811 each received a "Walker’s Paradise" rating of 95 out of 100 from Walkscore.com. These zip codes do not require a car to run daily errands, and are the areas of downtown Bethesda and near Bethesda Row. 

Anyone who spends time in these neighborhoods will attest to the number of shops, stores and restaurants within easy walking distance. 

Bethesda zip codes 20824 (89) and 20813 (80) are ranked as "Very Walkable" areas where most daily errands can be accomplished on foot.  If you live in these zip codes and don’t normally do a lot of walking, test them out one day with a walk and see for yourself how many amenities are just a short walk away!

Moderate Walkability in Most of Bethesda - Some Amenities Within Easy Distance
Bethesda has five zip codes that fall within the "Somewhat Walkable" range on Walkscore.com’s scale. 

Zip codes 20894 (69), 20825 (66), 20816 (58), 20892 (58) and 20889 (52) have some stores, shops and restaurants within walking distance.  For these, let’s focus on "some." If you live in those zip codes – or spend time with someone who does -  try taking a 20 minute or 30 minute walk when you have a few minutes to spare, or in place of a trip to the gym. You might be surprised at how much is nearby. 

Please think of these places the next time you head to your car to go to the stores or out to eat. Walking and staying right within your neighborhood might give you a new perspective on what’s right in your backyard.

Car Dependent Sections of Bethesda
There are several zip codes in Bethesda that are ranked "Car Dependent" with just a few amenities within walking distance or requiring a car for almost all errands.  These zip codes are 20815 (49), 20814 (42), 20827 (29) and 20817 (18).  For these, walking to work or for errands is a challenge – unless you tend to walk more than the average individual. 

However, it’s possible there are one or two places within walking distance – a store, a library or a coffee shop. Find them and walk to them when you can instead of getting into your car. It’s good for your health and for local business.

Feel like a longer walk than usual?  Check out your destination on Walkscore.com and see what’s just beyond your immediate area.  You’ll find exact distance, a map, and other area amenities labeled clearly with address and phone number. Enjoy exploring.

Walkable Cities are Sustainable Cities
Why is a city’s walkability important?  Walkability benefits individuals and the cities where they live. For individuals, the health benefits of walking are widely known. Walking is often touted as the healthiest form of exercise. Just about anybody can do some walking no matter what their physical condition. 

Walking doesn’t require a membership or fancy equipment, just a good pair of shoes or sneakers. The benefits of walkability to a city? A walkable city has fewer fuel burning vehicles compared to the number of residents and less pollution. Walkable cities also have more parks and outlying open spaces preserved for current residents and future generations.  

So, America’s most walkable cities are also our most sustainable cities. They are cities where walking is a way of life for getting to work, school, shops and leisure activities. They have community gathering points for farmers’ markets and outdoor entertainment.  So, take advantage of the walkability of Bethesda and enjoy what you experience!