A 2004 American Community Survey sponsored by NAR and Smart Growth America shows that a commute time of 45 minutes or less is a top priority for 79 percent of Americans when deciding where to live. Other important decision-making criteria include easy access to highways (75 percent) and having sidewalks and places to walk (72 percent).
When asked to choose between two communities, six in 10 respondents chose a neighborhood that offered a shorter commute, sidewalks and amenities like shops, restaurants, libraries, schools and public transportation within walking distance over a sprawling community with larger lots, limited options for walking and a longer commute.
The survey also found that minorities are more likely than other Americans to choose a neighborhood that has a shorter commute, with 59 percent of women, 57 percent of Hispanics and 78 percent of African Americans selecting such communities over those with bigger lots and longer commute times.