More Evidence for a Link Between Transit and Home Values

Judging from a statistical analysis by Redfin, there is in fact a positive correlation between home values and transit access. But that only applies in areas where transit and walking are already common modes.

1 minute read

April 8, 2017, 11:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Atlanta streetcar

Central Atlanta Progress: Lauren Holley / Flickr

Pulling from a Redfin report, Joe Cortright discusses the relationship between home value and Transit Score. "What they find is that, after controlling for these other observable characteristics that we know influence home values, that each additional point of Transit Score is associated with an average of about $2,000 in higher home value."

But it's difficult to distinguish between the effects of walkability and transit access. "As a result, given the overlap between walkable neighborhoods and transit-served ones, its probably difficult, and maybe impossible, to tease out the separate contribution of the two factors."

Cortright concludes, "Measures like Walk Score and Transit Score (and a third sibling, Bike Score) are actually alternate ways of measuring a home's accessibility: how easy it is to reach a range of common destinations."

Another finding: the positive correlation grew more pronounced in places where transit, walking, and biking were already prevalent. But in places dominated by automobile travel, (relatively) high Transit Scores can actually decrease home value. 

Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in City Observatory

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

A coal power plant in Iowa billows smoke into the air.

Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand

For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.

September 17, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the planned bridge over a large river. The bridge has two main support beams that form diamond shaped arches over the bridge.

Alabama scores up to $2.5 billion federal loan for largest infrastructure project in state’s history

The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project aims to ease congestion at Alabama’s worst bottleneck.

6 hours ago - NBC 15

Public land in Idaho. Most of the photo is a green field, with mountains and a forest in the distance.

Trump is considering data centers on 6 states' public land — some state officials say they had no idea

If the administration approves the proposed projects, data center and data center-related developments will cover 17,600 acres of public land.

7 hours ago - The Washington Sun

Two construction workers on a wind turbine, with two more in the background against a pink sky.

Despite court ruling, Trump is keeping nearly all wind projects in the US on hold

At least 110 wind energy projects have not heard from the government since a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's freeze on wind turbine clearances was likely illegal.

September 20 - Heatmap