Ann Arbor makes Top 15 list for people who hate long commutes

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 | Source: U.S. News & World Report

Is it any surprise that the people who live in the college town known for walkability and bicycles also hate long commutes?

Excerpt:

Even though the recession has made it hard to move, many Americans are still trying to flee their cul-de-sacs and long freeway commutes for walkable neighborhoods closer to public transportation and their jobs.

Patrick Lashinsky, chief executive of real estate website Ziprealty.com, says that demand for homes in these types of neighborhoods has soared during the recession. And although city housing may come at a premium, it is becoming more affordable because of the decline in housing prices. "Condos that are closer in to the city have come down in price a lot," says Lashinsky.

Moving closer in might also be a good investment. "Clients believe that gas prices will spike again, and that this will drive up the value of what they're buying," he says. The lifestyle might also be especially appealing in a recession. "In difficult times, people really re-evaluate what they do with their time. You can't be productive when you're just sitting in your car," Lashinsky says. For example, biking to work is a way to be active while commuting.

Read the rest of the story here.