Take a Walk in Elevon: A Pedestrian Paradise
According to WalkScore, a metric that measures a neighborhood’s desirability by what’s available within walking distance, walkable neighborhoods with access to public transit, better commutes, and proximity to the people and places you love are the key to a happier, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
The current trend towards walkable cities reflects a growing desire among potential home buyers for healthier, more connected, and sustainable living environments. Coincidentally, the desirability of walkable communities often leads to higher property values. Homes located in walkable neighborhoods often retain their value and a home’s ROI may even appreciate over time.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
A community with a high walkability score promotes physical activity, reduces reliance on cars, encourages community engagement, and prioritizes environmental sustainability. Elevon, a charming master planned community in Lavon, located just outside of Dallas, features many miles of nature trails and open green spaces. Residents can walk to any of the many upscale amenities – a swimming complex, dog park, sports courts, or fishing ponds - offered to the families that live there. People out walking are more likely to meet and interact with their neighbors, improving social connections and a sense of belonging. Walkable areas promote a sense of community – another highly desirable feature that today’s homebuyers say they want.
Sustainable Neighborhoods
Sustainable neighborhoods are a pedestrian paradise, offering safe and convenient pathways that encourage walking as a primary mode of transportation. The development of sustainable, walkable cities calls for residential neighborhoods that offer a mix of housing, retail spaces, office buildings, and public buildings like schools or libraries. Mixed-use communities always rate high on walkability scores by creating a convenient and diverse environment where people can live, work, shop, and socialize, a practice that is gaining in popularity all around the world.
This type of mixed-use community model is planned for Elevon, highlighted by proposals for two elementary schools, a business park, and a retail center.
Keep Your Feet Moving!
There are myriad reasons why you might choose walking over driving. First, walking benefits both our physical and mental health. Daily walks improve heart health, help to manage weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and support joint health. Mentally, a walk lifts your spirits, reduces stress, improves cognitive function, provides opportunity for social connection, and promotes mindfulness. Adding a walk to your daily routine offers a holistic approach to well-being.
At Elevon, the hiking/biking trails also incorporate periodic fitness stations that step up a walk a notch or two. If you’d prefer to take a stroll, you can follow along the meander of the creek that runs throughout the community.
Saving Dollars Makes Sense
From health benefits to fuel expenses, walking saves money.
By incorporating a daily walk into your routine, you can save on the typical healthcare costs associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Another reason walking is considered cost-effective is that you save money on fuel, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance. In addition, daily walks in your neighborhood don’t require an expensive gym membership.
Trailblazing Tips
According to the route and navigation app, Kamoot several hiking trails branch out from nearby Lake Lavon, located just minutes from the Elevon community. Rated by difficulty, walkers can hike the Lake Lavon Trinity Trail, an intermediate trail, or opt for the Wood Duck or Hoot Owl and Sycamore Loop. Both trails are rated easy and include a must-see stop at the Heard Natural
Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Northeast Texas Trail (NETT) can be accessed from its East Fork Trailhead in Wylie, not far from Lavon. This trail spans 133 miles from just northeast of Dallas to Texarkana. Passing through small towns and scenic landscape, the trail follows old railroad rights-of-way and preserves Texas’s railroad history. Efforts are underway to designate the trail as a state park to ensure its preservation and maintenance.
Not to be outdone, Lake Ray Hubbard is just a short drive away from the Elevon community. Here, walkers can take advantage of nature trails that include Joe Pool Lake State Park, Cedar Hill State Park, and Garland Lakeview Park. Other locations close by include Murrell Park and East Fork Park. With something for everyone, these trails range from an easy walk to a more challenging hike – all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery around Lake Ray Hubbard.
A 15 - Minute City
A 15-minute city is an urban planning concept where all essential services and amenities are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from residents' homes. This development model aims to create more sustainable, equitable, and livable environments.
The residents of the Elevon community are already experiencing community public spaces and social engagement, a focus on active lifestyles, and the pedestrian-friendly design of their walkable community. Future planning for a mixed-use development that includes both commercial and retail prospects will augment the already high walkability score that the Elevon community has achieved.
It's About Lifestyle
By moving to a walkable neighborhood, you're not just buying a home, you're investing in a lifestyle. At Elevon, convenience meets sustainability, and every amenity is just a short stroll away. Make the move today and step into a better way of living. Schedule an appointment today.