Demands for Walkable Neighborhoods among Middle-aged and Older Adults: Do They Differ by Community Settings and Age Groups?

Walkable communities are increasingly promoted for their health, social, and environmental benefits. However, the extent to which the demand or preference for walkable communities accords with various other housing demands across different populations is still questionable. Using data sets from two research projects focused on nonmetropolitan communities in Texas, this study examined to whom neighborhood walkability and safety are important when selecting a residence. It further explored environmental attributes that explained the differences in neighborhood preferences of older versus middle-age and urban versus rural home buyers. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that race/ethnicity, adiposity, personal attitudes, regional home locations, and residential experiences explained the odds of considering walkability and safety in residential selection. Environmental characteristics such as land uses, destinations, and perceived safety were differently valued among the subgroups of home buyers. Further efforts are needed to better understand diverse residential demands within the larger context of the community environment and demographic shift.