One of the best-selling points for any home or apartment in a major city is its “walkability” factor. Buyers and renters want to know: what businesses and cafes are within walking distance? Is the neighborhood safe? Are there tree-lined avenues? What places can residents get to without a car?

Phil Langdon, author of the new book Within Walking Distance, traveled across the U.S. to find the country’s most walkable and bikeable communities. 

Only a handful of neighborhoods made the cut, including Chicago’s Little Village. Morning Shift talked to Langdon about how “walkability” adds to a neighborhood’s identity, and what makes the West Side’s Little Village so pedestrian friendly.