Examining Walkability and Social Capital as Indicators of Quality of Life at the Municipal and Neighborhood Scales

Walkability has been linked to quality of life in many ways. Health related benefits of physical exercise, the accessibility
and access benefits of being able to walk to obtain some of your daily needs, or the mental health and social benefits of
reduced isolation are a few of the many positive impacts on quality of life that can result from a walkable neighborhood.
In the age of increasing energy costs and climate considerations, the ability to walk to important locations is a key component
of sustainable communities. While the health and environmental implications of walkable communities are being extensively
studied, the social benefits have not been investigated as broadly. Social capital is a measure of an individual’s or group’s
networks, personal connections, and involvement. Like economic and human capital, social capital is considered to have important
values to both individuals and communities. Through a case study approach this article argues that the generation and maintenance
of social capital is another important component of quality of life that may be facilitated by living in a walkable community.
Residents living in neighborhoods of varying built form and thus varying levels of walkability in three communities in New
Hampshire were surveyed about their levels of social capital and travel behaviors. Comparisons between the more walkable and
less walkable neighborhoods show that levels of social capital are higher in more walkable neighborhoods.