Healthy Communities
What is a Healthy Community?
The way that we design and build our communities impacts how we live.
Healthy communities provide safe places to recreate and easy access to a variety of healthy foods.
Healthy Communities Promote Physical Activity
Building communities that encourage walking and biking can increase physical activity.
People are more likely to walk or ride a bike if safe, accessible walkways and pathways are available.
Healthy Communities Promote Healthy Eating
Building grocery stores and establishing local farmers' markets close to residential areas helps to provide easy access to fresh healthy foods to all community members including those who do not have cars.
- In neighborhoods with square blocks, people walk up to three times more
- People are more likely to be active if they have recreational facilities close to home
- People are more active in neighborhoods that are perceived as safe
