Church Street Station is a historic train station and commercial development in Orlando.

MIAMI—Most cities are designed for driving first and walking second—a trend that holds true in Orlando. Orlando ranked last—30 out of 30—in a study by Smart Growth America for walkability.

Although Orlando is home to a few areas with better walkability than others, like the Winter Park and Lake Eola neighborhoods, even those areas aren't entirely walkable. With the rising economic impact of Millennial homebuyers and consumers, who tend to gravitate toward walkable areas, is it time for Orlando to act and increase the city's ranking? And what can be done?

Here's what we know: Orlando's SunRail system helps commuters get through the City of Orlando. With its expansion, it will continue to be a reliable source of transportation for Orlando residents.

If people aren't using cars in the city as main modes of transportation, there will be a need for places to shop and eat in the surrounding areas. New stops could also take cars off Interstate 4 and resolve some of the congestion due to continued construction.

“The SunRail expansion will help reduce the need to utilize the stressful drive on Interstate 4 while getting from point A to point B,” Josh Korshak, associate director at Cite Partners, tells GlobeSt.com. ”It's going to take some time for the surrounding areas to catch up and create the infrastructure needed to be sustainable.”

It may seem difficult to increase walkability within surrounding satellite cities like Lake Mary, Ocoee and Maitland, but providing those residents with access to a more walkable downtown where they work and play isn't out of the realm of possibilities. In downtown's neighborhoods, adding a larger variety of retail and restaurants, like the Walgreens at Church Street and Orange Avenue that recently opened for business, gives residents and commuters access to more convenience.

“Another exciting addition to Downton Orlando that offers residents and commuters all-natural food options is Earth Fare, a grocer that offers products free of genetically modified ingredients,” Billy Rodriguez, managing director of retail sales at Cite, tells GlobeSt.com. “Crescent Lucerne, a new six-story project, will house Earth Fare along with several apartments and additional shops.”

MIAMI—Most cities are designed for driving first and walking second—a trend that holds true in Orlando. Orlando ranked last—30 out of 30—in a study by Smart Growth America for walkability.

Here's what we know: Orlando's SunRail system helps commuters get through the City of Orlando. With its expansion, it will continue to be a reliable source of transportation for Orlando residents.

Instant Insights /

Should Florida Metros Act on Walkability Faster?

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