Millennials are entering the housing market in search of homes that allow walking to be their number one mode of transportation. 

According to the 2015 National Community and Transportation Preference Survey, those between the ages of 18-34 prefer walking by 12 percentage points over driving. This age group also prefers living in attached housing, within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and an overall shorter commute. 

They are also the age group that is most likely to rely on public transportation. Because of this, Millennials are more open to expanding public transportation, as well as creating different modes of transit such as biking. Many wish to both live and develop future neighborhoods where walking is the easiest form of getting from point A to point B. 

"While there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all community, more and more homebuyers are expressing interest in living in mixed-use, transit-accessible communities," said NAR President Chris Polychron. 

The survey also found that:

• 48 percent of respondents want to live in communities with small yards and within walking distance of community amenities. This is preferred over living in a place with a larger yard but having to drive to amenities.
• 60 percent of adults said they live in detached, single-family homes, but 25 percent said they would rather live in attached homes with better walking options. 
• 85 percent said sidewalks are a positive factor when purchasing a home, and 79 percent said being within walking distance of places is very important.

In terms of roadways to and from work and other places, 83 percent said maintaining and repairing them should be a high priority, while expanding them to alleviate traffic and other congestion came in second at 60 percent. 

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