September 23, 2025 - Sonic Loans

When it comes to choosing where to live, work, or open a business, one of the most overlooked but increasingly important factors is walkability. A community’s walkability score doesn’t just measure how easy it is to get around on foot—it reflects quality of life, access to amenities, and even economic potential. For Garden City, Michigan, evaluating its walkability offers valuable insight into the city’s future growth, resident satisfaction, and competitiveness compared to neighboring communities like Dearborn, Livonia, and Canton.

In this article, we’ll break down what walkability scores mean, how Garden City performs, how it stacks up against nearby cities, and why improving walkability could transform the city’s appeal for residents and businesses alike.

What is a Walkability Score?

Walkability scores, popularized by platforms like Walk Score, measure the pedestrian-friendliness of a location. The score is typically based on proximity to essential services, public spaces, and recreational areas such as:

Grocery stores and restaurants
Schools and libraries
Parks and green spaces
Healthcare facilities
Shopping centers and retail corridors
Transit access

The scale runs from 0 to 100:

90–100: Walker’s Paradise (daily errands do not require a car)
70–89: Very Walkable (most errands can be accomplished on foot)
50–69: Somewhat Walkable (some errands can be accomplished on foot)
25–49: Car-Dependent (most errands require a car)
0–24: Car-Dependent (almost all errands require a car)

Beyond convenience, higher walkability scores are often associated with healthier lifestyles, stronger community engagement, and higher property values.

Garden City’s Current Walkability

Garden City is a suburban community in Wayne County with a population of just under 30,000 residents. Known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, schools, and central location near major highways, Garden City has long appealed to those seeking suburban life with access to nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor.

According to Walk Score data, Garden City’s overall score falls within the 40–50 range, indicating that it is somewhat walkable. This score suggests that while certain areas offer convenient walking options, most residents heavily rely on vehicles for daily errands.

Strengths:

Ford Road Corridor: The city’s busiest commercial strip offers a concentration of restaurants, stores, and services within walking distance.
Parks & Recreation: Garden City Park and other local parks provide walkable access to green space for many residents.
Schools & Libraries: Families often find schools and the public library within a short drive or walk from residential areas.

Weaknesses:

Limited Sidewalk Connectivity: Some neighborhoods lack continuous sidewalks, which reduces safety and walkability.
Car-Centric Layout: Many residential areas were designed with cars in mind, resulting in limited pedestrian pathways.
Transit Access: Public transit is limited compared to larger cities like Dearborn, which lowers the overall walkability score.

How Garden City Stacks Up Against Neighboring Cities

When evaluating Garden City’s walkability, it’s helpful to compare it with other nearby cities in Wayne County.

Dearborn

Walk Score: Around 60–65 (Somewhat to Very Walkable)
Highlights: Dearborn’s downtown and cultural districts offer dense clusters of shops, restaurants, and public spaces. With the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Ford Motor Company headquarters, the city benefits from robust infrastructure and an extensive public transit system.
Comparison: Dearborn scores notably higher than Garden City, thanks to its urban-style downtown and more compact development.

Livonia

Walk Score: Around 45–50 (Somewhat Walkable)
Highlights: Livonia is similar to Garden City in terms of suburban layouts, but it benefits from more retail clusters and larger shopping centers, such as Laurel Park Place.
Comparison: Livonia and Garden City are comparable, though Livonia edges ahead with larger commercial developments that attract foot traffic.

Canton

Walk Score: Around 35–40 (Car-Dependent to Somewhat Walkable)
Highlights: Canton is a rapidly growing suburb with newer developments, but its sprawling design makes it heavily car-dependent.
Comparison: Garden City scores slightly better in walkability than Canton, offering more compact neighborhoods and established community hubs.

Allen Park

Walk Score: Around 50–55 (Somewhat Walkable)
Highlights: Allen Park’s neighborhoods near Southfield Road and shopping centers offer easier walking access compared to Garden City.
Comparison: Allen Park ranks slightly higher, especially near its commercial areas, but both cities face similar suburban challenges.

Why Walkability Matters for Garden City

Improving walkability isn’t just about convenience; it has tangible benefits for residents, businesses, and city planners.

Health & Lifestyle: Walkable cities encourage daily physical activity, which promotes healthier lifestyles.
Community Engagement: Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods foster stronger social ties, as residents are more likely to interact with one another.
Economic Growth: Businesses thrive in areas with higher foot traffic, making local shopping centers more vibrant and dynamic.
Property Values: Studies show that homes in walkable areas often command higher resale values.
Environmental Impact: Walkability reduces dependence on vehicles, cutting emissions and traffic congestion.

For Garden City, focusing on walkability could enhance its reputation as a family-friendly and forward-thinking community.

Opportunities for Improvement

Garden City has the potential to improve its walkability score with targeted investments and strategic planning. Here are a few opportunities:

Expanding Sidewalk Networks: Filling in sidewalk gaps ensures safe, continuous walking routes across neighborhoods.
Enhancing Ford Road: Revitalizing the Ford Road corridor with pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, bike lanes, and streetscaping would make the city’s commercial hub more vibrant and inviting.
Transit Integration: Partnering with SMART bus services to increase access and frequency would benefit commuters and non-drivers.
Mixed-Use Development: Encouraging developments that combine residential, retail, and office space fosters a more walkable community fabric.
Greenway Trails: Connecting parks and neighborhoods with walking and biking trails would create safe recreational routes for families to enjoy.

Looking Toward the Future

Garden City may not rival the walkability of a dense urban center, but it has the foundations to become more pedestrian-friendly. Compared to Canton and Livonia, the city already offers slightly better walkable access in some areas, though it lags behind Dearborn and Allen Park. By strategically investing in sidewalks, public spaces, and mixed-use development, Garden City could improve its score and attract new residents and businesses seeking a balance between suburban comfort and urban convenience.

As walkability continues to influence real estate markets and lifestyle choices, cities that prioritize pedestrians will stand out. For Garden City, embracing this shift could mean not only a higher score but also a healthier, stronger, and more connected community.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article and want to explore more content on similar topics, check out our other blogs at Sonic Loans, Sonic Realty, and Sonic Title. We have a wealth of information designed to help you navigate the world of real estate and finance. Happy reading!

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