Skip to main content
Phone Number +1 701-515-9159
   
a green background with the logo for the pádra apartment homes
a brick building with blue awnings
a green background with the logo for the pádra apartment homes

The Five Main Advantages of Walkable Apartment Neighborhoods

When choosing a new apartment, the neighborhood matters just as much as the number of bedrooms and community amenities. Unfortunately, finding the right neighborhood can take a ton of time and research. The good news is that identifying what you want your ideal neighborhood to look like can help narrow down your options considerably.

For instance, do you want to live in a more rural area away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or do you want to live in an apartment within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, and businesses? If you're unsure what type of neighborhood you want to call home, there are many reasons to consider living in an apartment in a walkable neighborhood. Here at The Plaza, Minot, North Dakotas favorite apartment community, we want to help you identify walkable neighborhoods so that youre able to access more of the city you call home. Lets dive in.


Convenience

Walkable neighborhoods make it easy to get around without a car, as you can quickly pop into the grocery store, a restaurant, or your favorite coffee shop on foot. In fact, in some cases, it may be quicker to walk to the store than it would be to get in your car, drive there, and find parking. It is this convenience that makes living in walkable neighborhoods so attractive to many people, as running errands is as simple as popping outside and visiting your local store or restaurant without having to worry about traffic or waiting for public transportation.
A man and a woman walking with plastic bags in their hands.

Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle

Since going everywhere on foot is often the most convenient option in walkable neighborhoods, you'll likely find yourself getting more physical activity than if you lived in a suburban or rural area. Living in a walkable neighborhood can then help promote a healthier lifestyle, which can help reduce your risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Additionally, getting more exercise and spending more time outdoors when running errands can also help improve your mental health, as exercise is known to increase

oxygen and blood flow to the brain, triggering the release of endorphins and serotonin. In fact, walking even a few minutes a day can help significantly reduce depression symptoms.



Encourages Social Interaction

Maintaining an active social life is another way to promote good mental health, as loneliness can lead to feelings of isolation. Fortunately, living in a walking neighborhood can help reduce your feelings of isolation by fostering a sense of community. This is because people who live in walkable neighborhoods are often more likely to encounter (and befriend) their neighbors, participate in local events, and establish a social network. Living in a walkable neighborhood then has the potential to give you a support network and improve your overall well-being by helping you feel connected to your community.

A group of people walking on a road in the woods.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Of course, living in a walkable neighborhood isn't just good for your well-being; it's also better for the environment. By reducing your reliance on your car or public transportation, living in a walking neighborhood can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. By doing your part to promote sustainability by reducing vehicle emissions and traffic congestion, you will be helping contribute to a greener future.



Walkable Communities Can Save You Money

Perhaps one of the best things about living in a walking neighborhood is that this can help save you money. In particular, being able to get to most places you need to go on foot can significantly reduce your transportation costs. The fact is that transportation costs, such as gas for a vehicle or a bus/subway pass, can add up, meaning that being able to walk most places can save you between 9 and 16% of your income compared to living in a car-dependent neighborhood. All you need in a walkable neighborhood is a good pair of shoes, and you'll be able to get to most places you need to go. As an added bonus, with all of this walking, you may even be able to cancel your gym membership!

A man and a woman jogging in a park.

Choose a Walkable Neighborhood in Minot

Given the physical, mental, and financial benefits of living in a walkable neighborhood, it's no wonder that apartments in these areas are so popular. While many people think that such neighborhoods can only be found in major cities, walking neighborhoods are growing increasingly common in smaller towns, like Minot, ND, due to their popularity. At The Plaza Apartment Homes, residents are just a brief walk away from the Dakota Square Mall, which offers residents quick access to groceries, outlet shopping, restaurants, a movie theater, a water park, and more— it’s all accessible on foot. While residents will likely still want a car (which you can park in the heated underground garage), many errands can be done without a car with so many businesses in walking distance. If you’re looking for your next home in Minot, schedule your tour at The Plaza Apartment Homes.

Testimonials