As cities and suburbs across the U.S. face a growing housing shortage and rising living costs, there’s a renewed focus on creating dense, walkable communities that offer not only more housing but a better way of life. These neighborhoods promote sustainability, affordability, and multigenerational living, allowing families to stay connected while reducing their environmental footprint. At the heart of this movement is the growing use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), small secondary homes built on existing properties that foster density without disrupting the character of neighborhoods.
Bob Waun, co-founder of DIRT Realty, is an outspoken advocate for building more walkable, high-density communities. “Density isn’t just about solving the housing crisis—it’s about creating better places to live,” Waun explains. “When we build walkable, sustainable neighborhoods, we improve quality of life for everyone. And we do it in a way that’s greener, more efficient, and more affordable.”
The Lifestyle Benefits of Density and Walkability
Walkable, high-density neighborhoods offer a lifestyle that’s hard to match in sprawling, car-dependent areas. These communities allow people to live within walking distance of shops, restaurants, parks, and schools, creating a sense of connection and convenience that’s missing in many suburban developments. With more people living in close proximity, it’s easier to develop the kind of vibrant, diverse communities that support local businesses, reduce transportation costs, and foster social interaction.
“Living in a walkable community means you can leave your car at home,” says Waun. “You can walk to the store, take your kids to school, and grab dinner at a local restaurant, all without getting in a car. That’s not only convenient—it’s a better way of living.”
Greener and More Efficient: The Environmental Value of Density
In addition to the lifestyle benefits, density and walkability offer significant environmental advantages. Dense communities use land more efficiently, reduce urban sprawl, and make better use of existing infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity. This means fewer emissions, less energy consumption, and a smaller overall carbon footprint.
Walkable communities also encourage the use of public transportation, biking, and walking, reducing the reliance on cars and cutting down on traffic congestion and pollution. By building more housing in walkable areas, cities can reduce the strain on transportation systems and lower greenhouse gas emissions, making these neighborhoods not only more livable but also more sustainable.
“Density is key to creating greener cities,” Waun explains. “When people live closer together, they drive less, waste less energy, and make better use of public resources. Walkable communities are the future if we want to tackle climate change and build a more sustainable society.”
Affordability: Density Makes Housing More Accessible
With housing costs soaring in many parts of the country, affordable housing is a critical issue for millions of Americans. High-density developments, such as ADUs, duplexes, and apartment buildings, allow for the construction of more units on the same amount of land, reducing costs for developers and making housing more affordable for renters and homeowners alike.
ADUs, in particular, have become a popular solution for increasing housing supply without the need for major new developments. By allowing homeowners to build small, secondary units on their property, cities can increase density in existing neighborhoods, providing more housing options while keeping costs lower than traditional single-family homes.
“ADUs are a smart way to add affordable housing,” Waun says. “They allow people to live in desirable, walkable neighborhoods without the high costs associated with buying a large single-family home. It’s a win for affordability and sustainability.”
Multigenerational Living: Keeping Families Close
Another major advantage of higher-density, walkable communities is the opportunity for multigenerational living. As housing costs rise and families become more dispersed, many people are looking for ways to bring their families closer together—without everyone needing to live under the same roof.
ADUs and other forms of multigenerational housing offer a flexible solution, allowing older parents to live near their children or grown children to return home temporarily without sacrificing independence or privacy. This kind of housing arrangement can reduce costs for families, provide a built-in support network, and keep multiple generations connected within the same neighborhood.
“Multigenerational living is becoming more and more important,” Waun explains. “Families want to stay close, but they don’t always want to live together. ADUs and high-density housing allow families to live in the same neighborhood, maintain their independence, and share in the benefits of community.”
Breaking Through NIMBYism: Why We Need Density Now
Despite the clear benefits of walkable, high-density neighborhoods, many communities are still resistant to the idea, citing concerns about overcrowding, parking, and changing the character of their neighborhoods. This NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) attitude has slowed the adoption of ADUs and other forms of density in many cities.
Waun believes it’s time to rethink our approach to housing and embrace density as a solution that improves quality of life for everyone. “We need to get past this NIMBY mindset,” Waun says. “Density doesn’t have to mean high-rise buildings or overcrowded neighborhoods. We can build gentle density—like ADUs—that fits right into existing neighborhoods. It’s about making better use of the space we already have.”
By allowing for more housing in walkable areas, communities can reduce their dependence on cars, make better use of urban infrastructure, and create more inclusive, affordable neighborhoods. Walkable, high-density communities aren’t just about solving the housing crisis—they’re about building a better lifestyle for the future.
“Density brings so many benefits,” Waun concludes. “It’s greener, more affordable, and it creates neighborhoods where people actually want to live. By embracing walkable communities, we can build a future that’s better for our families, our environment, and our cities.”
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