Walkability- What's Your Score?

Happy Friday! Today I started off my day on a mostly positive note, by meeting with my personal trainer. It's the third week that I've met with her and she has been really great. I'm definitely more motivated to exercise now and even am a little more conscious of what I'm eating. I didn't think that I was the type to get a personal trainer, but the few things that I knew how to do (walk/jog on a treadmill, elliptical machine) weren't cutting it. I was tired of doing work and not seeing results so I decided to consult a professional! I think I got to this point after seeing my fit friends who live in other cities and also other parts of town, not out of breath after walking just a block (j/k). Anyway, it got me thinking- they have more opportunities to exercise in little spurts throughout the day. They have places they can walk to that are actually feasible & fun. Where I live, it's not quite as easy, but there are a few good places to walk nearby.

For some of my more 'green-conscious' clients, or those who wanted a more active lifestyle, I have recommend the Walk Score website. This website gives you a walkability score for any address that you input. They base this off of how many parks, schools, theatres, grocery stores, businesses, etc are nearby. They don't take into consideration if there are sidewalks, safety, weather of the area, topography, etc but it's a good start for those who are considering moving to a new area and wondering what the day to day activeness would be like.

For example, one of my recent "Pick of the Week" properties showed up like this after inputting the address:

It gave this Irvington home at "very walkable" score of 71, not bad! If you're lucky and live downtown near Mass Ave, you'll get a high score of "Walker's Paradise". Sounds nice, right?

On their website, they also have info about public transit, rankings of neighborhoods in cities, and more. There's even an iPhone app! Just another handy tool to help keep you informed while making an important buying decision.

Pick of the Week- Updated Hip Cape Cod

Hope that everyone had a nice weekend. It seems like everyone is in good spirits this Monday morning, maybe because of the Colts victory last night? Anyway, it's nice to see everyone in a chipper mood.

New pick of the week- an updated cape cod style home in the Broad Ripple area. It's actually east of Keystone, which depending on who you talk to, is or is not still Broad Ripple, but it's close enough and you definitely get some more square feet for the money. This nice home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with over 3100 sq ft. Main floor opens up to a nice living room with fireplace, 2 bedrooms, full bath, dining room with sliding door that leads to the backyard, and kitchen area. Upstairs is a nice loft, master bedroom and full bathroom. The finished basement with large rec room features a half bath, laundry room, utility and workshop rooms.

Some of the major highlights of this house are the storage- lots of closets and different spaces to hide your junk, and also the fact that it's pretty much updated yet still has the character that people love about this area. Original hardwoods are in great condition, newer windows & roof. Large backyard featurse a privacy fence & nice deck. Currently listed at $179,900, this is a great home for those who need a little more space than the typical Broad Ripple 2BR/1BA bungalow.

Features-
• 3 Bedrooms with 2 Full and 1 Half Bathrooms
• Original Hardwood Floors
• Living Room with Fireplace & Picture Window
• Updated Bathrooms & Kitchen
• Recently Painted Throughout
• Formal Dining Room with Custom Lighting
• Large Master Suite with Private Bath & Two Closets
• Upstairs Loft with Extra Storage
• Finished Basement with Contemporary Modular Carpet Tiles
• Updated Plumbing & Electrical Work
• Basement has Workshop, Storage, &Updated Laundry Room
• Newer Windows Including Basement Glass Block Windows
• Custom Wood Deck in Backyard
• 1 Car Detached Garage with Attached Carport
• Professionally Landscaped Yard in Front & Back
• Rear and Side Access to Backyard
• Fully Fenced Backyard with Privacy Fencing
• Charming Cape Cod Architecture
• Great Location near Broad Ripple without Sacrificing Space!



If you would like more information or to schedule a private showing on this house, feel free to email me at rebecca.upton@century21.com

This listing is courtesty of Century 21 Scheetz

Pick of the Week- Undeniable Charm in Irvington

Hello again! Hope that everyone had a nice long Labor Day weekend. I got a rare chance to actually leave town and visit some some old college friends in Minneapolis. The housing market there seems to be okay, a little slow but there were some nice unique properties up for sale. I was pretty busy having fun so I did not get a chance to go to any open houses, which I enjoy doing in different towns.

Anyway, so I am a little behind in my pick of the week! My pick for this week is a 3BR/1.5BA charming arts & crafts style bungalow with tons of character. It is located in the near downtown community of Irvington and is also in the historic district. The house has almost 2200 square feet and has some great updates. There is a lovely front covered porch that leads you into the living room with wood burning fireplace. Dining room features beautiful wood work which leads you to the recently renovated kitchen. The kitchen was expanded a few years ago, allowing for more space in this all important room and adding a breakfast nook. There are also new hardwood floors in here, stainless steel appliances, and vaulted ceilings. Main floor master leads out to the back deck. Upstairs two bedrooms and full bathroom feature some great extra storage. Basement is unfinished but is a good size and has a workshop area. Probably one of the best things about this home is where it's located- just steps from Ellenberger Park. This home has a huge yard with storage barn and also just got a new roof. Currently priced at $164,900- this is a great price for a home of this size and condition located in this historic area. If you dislike cookie cutter homes and want a house that has beautiful woodwork, fun nooks & crannies, and is updated yet highlights the charming older character- this is the house for you!

The listing agent also let me know that there will be an open house held this Sunday, September 12th from 2-5pm so just send me a message if you would like more details on that.

*Listing info provided courtesty of Century 21 Scheetz*