Walk Score Below Average for Chesterfield, New Baltimore

The Motor City mentality isn't far off from New Baltimore and Chesterfield Township, as the area claims an above average car dependency.

The area scored a 35 out 100 in terms of walkability. The average score is 49, according to www.walkscore.com. Sixty-six percent of the website users have a higher score.

The below average walk score essentially means there are few amenities within walking distance and traveling without a car could be time-consuming or inconvenient.

How Other Places Fall in Step

Out of the 50 largest U.S. cities, Detroit ranked 22nd for its walk factor (50 out of 100) while New York (85) , San Francisco (85), Boston (79), Chicago (74) and Philadelphia (74) took the top five spots in that order.

In Metro Detroit, Royal Oak and Shelby Township have been deemed "very walkable" with community walk scores of 74 and 72, respectively. Meanwhile, Macomb Township received a low walk score of 11 and Lenox Township got a meager 2.

The website cites less pollution, increased fitness and even better property values as benefits of walkable communities.

Recreation Plans Hit Pavement, Make Splash

In New Baltimore, the city's historic downtown overlooking by Anchor Bay has pedestrian-friendly infrastructure  but most of the city and Chesterfield Township is more frequently traveled by car. An annual promotes fitness as well as draws athletes and onlookers to the downtown.

Hike-bike paths have also been priorities in the region to boost recreation. The near and a project throughout Macomb County aim to increase walking options for area residents and visitors. The was also unveiled late last month in New Baltimore, providing a travel route for kayakers and canoers.