With its relatively flat landscape and great weather, walking is a popular pastime in Florida. Fortunately, the state has plenty of highly walkable cities and neighborhoods. One can easily head to a shop or restaurant, while students have the option to skip the bus to go to school, in such places.
The increased mobility, in addition to long-term health benefits and convenience, are some of the reasons why more homebuyers nowadays prefer searching for homes in communities with high walk scores. If this is also on your priority list, consider the following neighborhoods.
- Miami Beach: Flamingo Park and South of Fifth
Being the central hub of Miami Beach, Flamingo Park is perhaps the most walkable area in Florida. Condos are a short walk away from nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and the ocean. Since it is a dense neighborhood, parking can be hard to come by, but if you are walking from one place to another, it shouldn’t be an issue. Flamingo Park also has car-free streets on certain times and days.
If you want a similarly walkable area but prefer a quieter lifestyle, South of Fifth might be the place for you. It has restaurants and cafes aplenty, but the nightlife scene is comparatively more laidback and less busy than other areas in Miami Beach. In addition to condos, townhomes can also be found throughout the neighborhood.
- Fort Lauderdale: Las Olas, Colee Hammock, and Flagler Village
Fort Lauderdale as a whole is a highly walkable city, best known for Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, shopping at Las Olas Boulevard, and its plethora of art galleries. Las Olas in particular is compact; the entire street, which stretches for two-and-half miles, is easy to navigate on foot.
Colee Hammock, located south of East Broward Boulevard, is another walkable neighborhood. Within this small community, residences are a short walking distance away from a wide array of local restaurants, shops, as well as parks. There is easy access to the beach, as well as medical facilities and other essential services.
Flagler Village is a joy to explore on foot. The neighborhood, apart from being highly walkable, is home to a mélange of art spaces, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment options. Should you need to head to other parts of the city, major roads are nearby.
- Key West
Key West, located on the southernmost tip of Florida, is popular for its tropical vibe. It is closer to the Cuban capital of Havana than Miami and may feel like it’s worlds away at times. The entire island only covers 4.2 sq. mi. and walking around the city is a breeze.
Duval Street is the typical starting point for on-foot explorations of the city; it stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. If you plan to walk the street end-to-end, you will find no shortage of restaurants, bars, and locally owned shops along the way. Though highly walkable, you can opt to take the Key West Trolley, which is a bus that is used to get around the island.
- West Palm Beach: Downtown, Pleasant City, Flamingo Parks
South Florida is not usually known for being walkable, but a few neighborhoods in West Palm Beach beg to disagree. Downtown West Palm Beach is easily navigable on foot whether you are out to do errands or meeting friends for food and drinks. Furthermore, the neighborhood is served by several public transit options, including a free trolley service, for those who prefer walking and commuting instead of driving.
Pleasant City, as its name implies, is also a pleasant neighborhood to explore on foot. The neighborhood has a rich African-American heritage, showcased by a bevy of historical buildings and attractions. Parks, schools, shops, and most essential services are within walking distance from each other. Best of all, trolleys serve the area— helpful if you spent the day shopping in the area.
West Palm Beach is home to its own Flamingo Parks, which is not only walkable but bikeable as well. Located between El Cid and Pineapple Park, the neighborhood has wide sidewalks that connect homes, restaurants, schools, and grocery stores with each other. Flamingo Parks is also a historic district, with plenty of cultural events scheduled throughout the year.
The Telchin Group is your guide to The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, from homes for sale to the lifestyle you can live. Learn more about your real estate options in the Ibis community with Eric Telchin. Get in touch with him today at 561.301.0249 or send an email to start.