How far have you walked today?

Besides the shuffle from your bed to your bathroom, or from your car to your office desk, how far have you really walked? Most people don’t spend enough time enjoying the world’s oldest cardiovascular exercise, shunning numerous opportunities to put one foot in front of the other and actually going out of their way not to walk (yeah, we know you’ve waited an extra 5 minutes for that close parking space at the mall to keep from walking an extra 20 feet).

But did you know there are those among us who actually enjoy walking and prefer living in a walkable community?

It’s true!

There are places, like the brand new Kai Ani Village in Kihei, Maui, where most of your daily needs are mere steps away and where you rarely need to use a car.

Not only are walkable communities good for your health (duh!), they are also good for the environment. Walkable communities:

• Reduce air pollution
• Reduce traffic congestion
• Conserve energy

In addition, walkable communities promote spending in local businesses, keeping local dollars local to enhance an area’s economic vitality.

When looking at new housing options, be sure to consider your new community’s walkability quotient.

Are there recreational areas within walking distance? What about shops, entertainment districts and restaurants? Are there opportunities to work near or in your new home?

And when evaluating costs, be sure to consider your reduced automobile costs – maintenance, insurance and gas – and time saved during commutes and errand runs.

Purchasing a new home in a walkable community can save your waistline, but it can also help protect the environment and add to your family’s bottom line as well.