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Creating Walkable Communities in Texas

Fueled by a growing awareness of its benefits, communities are increasingly embracing the design of walkable neighborhoods. These neighborhoods foster community, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce reliance on cars. Instead of a long drive to work or to find basic amenities, residents choose places where they and their children can walk to schools, restaurants, markets, and activities.

For all these reasons,we at Hillwood intentionally build communities that are designed to be walkable, with extensive walking trails, onsite schools, parks for playing or gathering with friends, planned social events, and open spaces to enjoy alone or with friends.

We take community seriously and provide features and amenities that promote connection between residents. That’s why each of our new home communities features the Lifestyle by Hillwood℠ approach to placemaking which means there is a dedicated lifestyle manager who plans events, workshops, clubs, and classes to bring residents together for fun and learning.

What Defines a Walkable Community?

The EPA created a walkability index showing the country’s most walkable areas.  It evaluates how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is by considering factors of the built environment that influence walking, such as street intersection density, proximity to transit stops, and the diversity of land uses (like residential, commercial, and employment).

By analyzing these elements, the index provides a score that reflects the walkability of a specific location, allowing for comparisons across different communities and supporting efforts to create more walkable and livable environments. In Texas, the most walkable areas are in major urban locations. However, there are also standalone areas located outside the city center.

Top Walkable Cities & Towns in Texas

Smart Growth America ranks the 35 largest cities from the most to least walkable communities in the United States. Austin was number 14, the most walkable city in Texas, and Houston was number 18 – thanks to the recent creation of walkable communities inside the big cities. Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio were rated as less walkable but are improving because of rail transit in DFW and the River Walk in San Antonio.

Other walkable cities Texas features are smaller towns such as McKinney, Fredericksburg, and Georgetown, which exemplify a walkable lifestyle. Their convenience and historic charm have attracted homebuyers, making these some of the fastest-growing cities in Texas.

Benefits of Living in a Walkable Community

Healthy lifestyle information today indicates that physical activity and strong community bonds lead to a healthier, happier, longer life. Walkable communities offer casual social opportunities to say hello to a neighbor or attend a gathering with friends, fostering a sense of belonging. Shops, schools, and recreational options close by provide ways to incorporate physical activity into the day.

With the expanding trend toward walkable communities, buyers searching for “walkable communities near me” have increased, so purchasing a home in such a location has a high potential for property appreciation. While you might buy a home for the lifestyle, you may also potentially reap the benefits of higher property values when selling.

Here are the benefits that walkable communities can provide:

  • Healthier Lifestyle: Hillwood’s master-planned communities are intentionally designed to promote wellness with hike and bike trails, fitness centers, pools, and open green spaces, all contributing to a healthier way of life for residents of all ages.
  • Convenience: Whether it’s on-site schools, nearby retail, or community events just steps from your front door, Hillwood’s communities offer an everyday ease that minimizes errands and maximizes your time.
  • More Family Time: Thoughtful design, walkable layouts, and built-in amenities mean less time spent driving and more quality time spent with the people who matter most, right at home or within the neighborhood.
  • Social Connections: Front porch living, community events, and resident-led clubs encourage meaningful interactions and friendships, making it easy to meet neighbors and feel connected.
  • Stronger Community Bonds: Placemaking is at the heart of Hillwood’s vision, creating spaces that naturally bring people together, strengthening the sense of belonging and shared purpose across the neighborhood.
  • Reduced Reliance on Cars: With trails, pocket parks, and amenities within walking distance, residents can bike or walk to much of what they need, reducing car usage and increasing sustainability.
  • Potential Property Value Increases: Well-maintained neighborhoods, thoughtful planning, and beautiful new construction homes can create long-term property value, making Hillwood’s communities a smart investment in your future.

We design Hillwood Communities for just this way of life. Amenities are nearby, wide sidewalks are plentiful, and convenient mixed-use planning provides nearly everything you need within walking distance.

Healthier lifestyle

Convenience

More family time

Social connections

Stronger community bonds

Reduced reliance on cars

Potential property value increases

Hillwood’s Approach to Walkable Neighborhoods

Every aspect of Hillwood’s walkable neighborhoods is thought through in advance to provide the most convenient community-based lifestyle possible. We oversee the entire development process, from extensive market research to selecting homebuilders and executing lifestyle programs.

We build our communities in excellent school districts and secure agreements to build schools within our neighborhoods. Parks pepper the neighborhoods, and entertainment venues, fitness facilities, and trails are nearby. Some of our communities offer co-working spaces and spots to stop for coffee, buy a gift, or grab a snack right in their centers. And the site plans for all our mixed-use communities include adjacent commercial spaces to make essential services and shopping easily accessible by foot, bike, and car.

FAQs About Walkable Communities in Texas

What are the most walkable cities in Texas?

Houston and Austin are considered the most walkable big cities in Texas. Smaller Texas cities such as McKinney, Fredericksburg, and Georgetown are also regarded as walkable.

What defines a walkable community?

A walkable community offers well-lit streets with short blocks, and well-maintained sidewalks. Typically, there are good schools, shops, entertainment, and family activities all within safe walking distance.

What are some up-and-coming walkable towns in Texas?

New home communities such as those developed by Hillwood are intentionally designed as walkable. They are gaining popularity and are considered an up-and-coming community design in Texas.

Ready to Walk into Your New Neighborhood?

Hillwood intentionally builds communities for walkability to encourage interaction with neighbors, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage a healthy physical lifestyle. Schools are nearby, there are multiple places to gather, and lifestyle programs create genuine connections. Start your walkable lifestyle—find your perfect Hillwood Community and tour our model homes today!

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