How walkable is the place you live?:

Looking for something to do on Anzac Day after the commemorations? Take a walk around the city.

According to a website established to help renters and home buyers choose housing which is pedestrian-friendly, Australia’s most walkable city is Sydney with a ‘walk score’ of 63. Second on the list is Melbourne with 57.

But both cities are a long way behind some North American cities. One of the biggest – and most exciting – cities in the world, New York, is ranked a little ahead of another beautiful American city, San Francisco, as the best in the world with scores hovering around 85.

But within Australian cities there are some ‘Walker’s Paradises’ according to CEO of Walk Score, Josh Herst. These are localities that have a walk score of 90 or above. Mr Herst said there are more than 50 Walker’s Paradise suburbs throughout Australia with 31 in Sydney alone.

Australia’s top walking suburb is Haymarket in Sydney with an almost perfect 99.

"Australia's most walkable cities and suburbs make it easier for residents toleave their cars at home more often which is great for your wallet, health, environmental impact, and quality of life,” Mr Herst said.

Walk Score is also being used by real estate agents. "Adding Walk Score to our real estate research products resulted in a significant uplift in our site usage.  The thirst for relevant and useful local information, from buyers, sellers and agents alike, cannot be overlooked and Walk Score provides this in spades.  We especially appreciate the insight Walk Score brings to consumers looking to lower the cost of their transportation by selecting locations that suit their preferred transport options,” added Tom White, CEO of Pricefinder.com.au

Walkable neighbourhoods and suburbs offer a number of health and economic benefits.  A 10-year longitudinal study of by the University of Melbourne found that walkable neighbourhoods with proximityto shops, parks and public transit improve people's health and wellbeing. Over the past decade, homevalues in Sydney's walkable neighbourhoods have outperformed the rest of the city and can attract a 20%premium.

Australia’s top 10 city walk scores and their top suburbs.

Look up the Walk Score of your suburb or town, as well as other cities and locations in North America at Walk Score.