Telling someone to “take a hike” may seem like an impolite thing to say, but according to a compelling new data obtained from the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Homebuilders and an independent 6,000-person, age-qualified national survey, Boomers and active adults selected walking paths as the most desirable lifestyle amenity.This preference may be an important factor contributing to the increasing popularity of high-quality maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities. These innovative, vibrant active adult communities not only frequently provide the perfect setting for walking paths and hiking trails, but are also offer the advanced social and functional infrastructures that promote the walking groups, exercise clubs and social gatherings that have made walking such a popular fitness option.

As a form of exercise, walking has a lot going for it. Walking provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout that is not only easy on the joints, but a great excuse to get some fresh air or spend some time with friends or family. Unlike some other sports, the cost of participation is minimal; with no expensive gear or exercise equipment necessary, walkers need little more than a pair of comfortable shoes to get started. Combined with the convenience, safety, social appeal and pet- and family-friendly exercise venues provided by maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style active adult homes, it is easy to see why walking has become such a cherished and high-priority activity for some many Boomers.

Convenience
It is tough to top the privacy, accessibility and convenience of private streets and walking paths that start right in your own community; sometimes right outside your own front door! Maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities provide a compelling combination of privacy, first-class facilities, and flexible convenience. Even the busiest residents can spare some time to get in some early-morning walking or an after-work stroll. In addition, the clubhouse facilities that so many of these communities provide makes an ideal meeting space and/or rendezvous point for walkers to meet before and after workouts, and a great place to meet for post-walk coffee and conversation without having to worry about cleaning house prior to guests arrival.  Perfect for the active adult lifestyle.

Safety
It isn’t just Boomers and active adults who appreciate the safety and sense of relaxation and well-being that comes from exercise conducted in comfortable and secure surroundings. What better way to engage in a healthy lifestyle than to hit the trail and get some fresh air and exercise without ever having to leave your own neighborhood?

Social
For residents of all ages and demographics, one of the most appealing aspects of high-quality maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style neighborhoods is the advanced social network provided by fellow residents and the sense of living in a true community setting. For new homeowners in these communities, activities like walking are a great social ice-breaker and an ideal mechanism to get to know your fellow residents; and, for long-time residents, the daily ritual of meeting friends, neighbors and fellow walkers is a much-treasured part of the community experience.

Pet-friendly
For more and more Americans, pets are an integral part of the family. People love their pets and what better way to spend some healthy quality time than to bring your pet along? Walking is a uniquely accommodating exercise regimen when it comes to pet participation, and residents of maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities are discovering that these neighborhoods are not only great places to live for pets and their owners who like to get out and get walking, but are places that can also help to facilitate a whole suite of active adult lifestyle options.