Most Americans say they want to live within an easy walk of shops, parks, and other neighborhood amenities, yet some real estate agents fear that discussing an area’s “walkability” may run afoul of the law.
Their concern, in short, is that not everyone can walk. Touting a neighborhood as “walkable” may unintentionally violate fair housing laws by excluding people who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, some advocates warn.
This poses a dilemma for agents: Almost 8 in 10 Americans say walkability is “very” or “somewhat” important when choosing a neighborhood, and nearly as many report a willingness to pay more for it, according to a 2023 survey…