I have two different carts to carry my groceries home. The only times I paid for delivery were at the beginning of the pandemic and when I was too sick or contagious to go outside myself (maybe 3 times in 5 years).
My address gets an 83 for walkability.
It can be nice to walk from house TO various services (though likely I’d drive to grocery store even if closer). But a requirement form me that I can safely take a walk near the house. Currently that means walking on sidewalks. Probably a wide shoulder on not-busy roads would be ok too. Some days I just take off with the mail key in my pocket and take a circuitous mile walk around the neighborhood to get to the mailbox, which is actually only about 100 feet from my front door.
The only time I ever drive to the grocery store is if I need cat litter. I love being able to grocery shop every couple of days since I live so close. I don’t have to stock up on produce and can buy it fresh when I need it.
Many people in my neighborhood have carts they can carry their groceries in. One day when I can no longer carry a couple of grocery bags home I’ll get a cart too. I especially love not having to find a parking space at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods 
Not to get off track but I don’t know why all the angst for Zillow. Zillow is ONE format for real estate. It is not Google Maps. It’s not going to update an address and it’s pics/description unless that property goes up for sale/rental. It is not a government or municipality website.
“ Zillow is a real estate marketplace that helps people buy, sell, rent, and finance homes. It offers a website and mobile app that allows users to search for properties, view estimated property values, and apply for rentals.”
I had an idea that I might start that habit in retirement, since Safeway grocery store is only a mile away. There are sidewalks, and to help cross the two wide/busy streets there is an underground tunnel and a pedestrian crossing light. But retiring summer 2020/Covid prevented that plan. Usually DH and I shop together, either at Sam’s (further away) or Safeway. But on my own I sometimes shop other stores.
I think my point was that what works for one person, isn’t what works for another.
I want to drive to the grocery store. I want to be close to hiking trails. I’m all for walking. Just probably not for all my errands.
I think this isn’t the place for me, because I’m happy with living in the suburbs or rural area that I live in.
You can update pics/info yourself on your own property. I keep ours updated for both places.
My neighborhood’s walking score is a 4.
I agree with it (too far to walk for groceries, etc.).
But, with a car, we are in an amazing location. Would never want to live in our city if we didn’t live where we do.
Out S’s DC apt gets a 99 walking score. I completely agree with the score. It’s amazing. He has SO many things so convenient to his location.
Every time we visit him we are like, this is a great city. (Maybe right now less so, but….its been wonderful for S the last 4 years.)
Sure - but Zillow will not do it! They aren’t your property gatekeepers!
But are we helping OP?
Affordable places that meet the need?
Good reminder.
Good point. I wanted both and that’s what we have. A $500K budget is possible but that would be a small house, likely needing some upgrades. We are in a city so we have city lots which are narrow and not large.
ETA: We have 2 cars but really could do fine with one. The first year we lived here we only had one car for awhile. H traveled (drove) out of town several times and I was fine home alone for a week with no car. Shopped, ate out, saw movies, went to the lake,ran errands, etc. all on foot.
Like the idea of walkability. But…. we’re not ready to give up a car/garage (at least Not Yet). It’s a fun discussion, even if we do meander.
Consider Swarthmore, PA. Very walkable cute small town. Easy access to a train that takes you into Philly as well.
I would definitely investigate Swarthmore, PA. It really does tick all of those boxes!
I googled “walkable college towns” and who’da figured….it’s a CC thread!!! 
Okay, some possibilities you may want to consider include:
I’m in MA. Between Worcester and Boston. Average home price is $590K. The more walkable the house, the lower the price. The new houses on the outskirts of town are going for 1.5 million+. It’s almost like you can make rings of walkability. I’m an easy 1 mile walk to the center of town and our neighborhood is going for high 800s to mid 900s.
Just looked at MLS. There are two (smaller 2,000/2,400) older (1930s/1950s) homes, .5 to town center, slightly updated for 550s-580s.
Three condos in the heart of downtown. 2BR/2BA 1,100 sq ft. (55+ community). 380s-390s.
A huge thank you to all for the great suggestions, insights, and perspectives on this topic! So helpful and I’m continually adding to my research document.
@ChoatieMom - my friend and I added the neighborhood you suggested to our upcoming AZ Culdesac trip (only 30 minutes away).
In response to some of the great follow-up/nuance questions:
Walkable (to me) includes the ability to get to some daily necessities without a car - but is also a stand in for a community where I could see people regularly while going about daily activities at coffee shops, restaurants, gyms etc (vs current, physically isolated suburban neighborhood that requires appointments to connect). Nearby trails and walking paths would be a delightful bonus.
The ‘room for husband to build stuff’ could be finessed. He doesn’t build much at our house now (very strict HOA) but has a dream of building a Cobra. I really love the idea of a shared workspace somewhere (off homesite) - had no idea that existed and could really expand our options. He’d still want a garage or shed filled with all the tools.
Thanks again! I can wait to research all the info posted here…
