City’s efforts rewarded by walkscore.com: Somerville ranked ahead of Boston, Santa Monica, and just behind the 2008 national winner San Francisco.
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Among communities nationwide with a population of 70,000 or more, Somerville was recently rated the 5th most walkable community by walkscore.com, a website that measures the ease of car-free living in communities nationwide using a “Walk Score” algorithm, awarding points based on the distance to amenities in several categories.  Amenities within .25 miles receive maximum points and no points are awarded for amenities further than one mile.  Somerville ranked 10th overall, just behind San Francisco, California, who took the top score in 2008.

According to the website, 100% of Somerville residents received a walk score of at least 70:  “Very walkable – most errands can be accomplished on foot.”  Similarly, 0% of residents were found to live in a car-dependent neighborhood.

“Over the last several years we have made significant improvements to our infrastructure, particularly bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure, to reinforce our commitment to creating a community that supports and encourages walking, biking, and other forms of active transportation,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.  “I am so proud that our efforts have been recognized, however this does not mean we will become complacent.  We painted 10 miles of bike lanes and sharrows in 2010, 11 miles in 2011, and we’re looking forward to continuing to add or improve upon our existing infrastructure in the months and years to come.”

Of the cities numerous neighborhoods, Davis Square, Union Square, and segments of Broadway appear to have the highest walk scores, while Ten Hills and portions of Ward 7 tend to be more car dependent.

“Coincidentally, one of the neighborhoods in West Somerville with the lowest – but still ‘very walkable’ – score is one that would serve as the final stop on the Green Line Extension.  Furthermore, according to analysis by our SomerStat staff, there is a slight correlation between walkability and residents’ satisfaction with their neighborhood.   This is further evidence of how important this project is to the Somerville community, and a testament to how dedicated our residents and stakeholders are to brining the Green Line to Somerville on time,” Mayor Curtatone said.

For more information on walk score, or to learn more about your neighborhood’s walkability, visit walkscore.com.