White Papers

Walking to Wellness

The value of walkability in low-income urban communities

This study explores the relationship between walkability and neighborhood wellness in low-income neighborhoods, using Pittsburgh, PA as a case study. While previous research has linked walkability with wellness, few (if any) have explicitly looked at the physical, mental, social, and environmental benefits of walkability for low-income neighborhoods. Understanding the impact of walkability in low-income areas could provide much-needed insight into how urban designers and architects can promote neighborhood wellness. The findings inform design strategies for community-based planning and broaden the understanding of walkability to include a more holistic picture of the neighborhood environment, its community members, and their wellness.