Studies in different parts of the United States have shown that trails in urban areas significantly increase the market value of the properties within one half mile of the greenbelt or trail site. Recreational pathways are highly valued for pleasure walking, jogging, bicycle riding and for getting from place to place".

In Alaska, the residents put overwhelming importance on outdoor recreation. Nearly 95 percent consider outdoor activities "somewhat" or "very" important to their lifestyles. Residents enjoy walking, jogging, and bicycling as their most frequent outdoor activity as well as their second favorite activity (after fishing).

In Washington State, the Seattle Engineering Department, Office for Planning, completed an in-depth study of the popular Burke-Gilman Trail to determine what effect, if any, the trail has had on quality of life, property values and crime rates experienced by property owners near and adjacent to the trail. As few, if any, similar studies had ever been done to answer such concerns, Seattle decided to investigate how the trail had impacted by the neighboring residents.

Constructed in 1978, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a 12 mile, multipurpose, non-motorized path that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. It passes through residential, industrial, commercial and University of Washington properties and links six different public parks. One hundred and fifty-two single-family homes and 607 condominiums sit immediately adjacent to the trail and 320 single-family homes are situated within one block. The trail is not patrolled, has no lighting, and has no enforcement of trail regulations. Over 750,000 users per year are drawn from the

immediate and greater Seattle Area; 80 percent are bicyclists, 20 percent pedestrians, 80 percent recreationists, and 20 percent commuters.

The City surveyed seven sources: residents near and adjacent to the trail (72 percent of all the property owners were interviewed), real estate agents, police officers who patrol the affected neighborhoods, and real estate advertisements in newspapers and magazines. Results of the surveys were significant.

The study found that property near, not immediately adjacent, to the trail, is significantly easier to sell and sells for an average of six percent more as a result of its proximity to the trail. Property immediately adjacent to the rail sells for zero to one-half percent more. Residents who bought their homes after the trail was opened see the trail as a positive factor that increases the value of their home. Longtime residents who bought their homes prior to the opening of the trail are less likely to view the trail as an economic asset. Real estate advertisements consistently use the presence of the trail as a selling point.

Less than three percent of the homeowners said there were any problems associated with the trail that were serious enough for them to consider moving. The three percent who would consider moving as a result of the trail seek greater privacy and are not motivated by crime or other problems.

Almost two-thirds of the residents felt the trail increased the quality of life in the vicinity. Not a single resident surveyed felt the trail should be closed. Two residents surveyed indicated that they had been leaders in the group opposing the Burke-Gilman trail, but now believe the trail is the best thing that has happened to the neighborhood.

Colorado State Parks conducted a similar study in the metro-Denver area. In the area's extensive trail system, three two-mile, non-motorized trail segments were studied by surveying property owners, police, real estate agents, etc. The segments run along natural waterways, through neighborhood, commercial and retail areas, and are used by recreationists, commuters, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Seventy-three percent of the real estate agents interviewed thought that the properties adjacent to or within one block of a trail would sell faster and for more money than an equivalent property further away from the trail. Twenty-nine percent of the single-family homeowners located adjacent to a trail thought their property value had increased and fifty-seven percent thought that the property would be on the market for a shorter time period. Forty-two percent of the owners of multi-family housing thought their property had increased in value and none thought that the

property value had decreased. Most of the owners who had bought their property since the trails were constructed had considered the proximity to the trail as a positive attribute. The study concluded that the effect of a trail on the neighboring property is beneficial rather than detrimental, and that trails are considered an amenity, increase the desirability of property and provide space for recreation.

Other studies have shown that property owners often recognize the benefits of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and are generally showing a preference for properties close to those facilities. According to a 1994 study by American Lives, a research firm serving the real estate industry, "walking and biking paths" ranked third among 39 features identified by home buyers as crucial factors in their home-purchasing decisions. This ranked after "low traffic and quiet streets" and "lots of natural open space".

Heightened salability of property has also been experienced near the Northern Central Rail-Trail in Baltimore County, Maryland. A 1994 study performed for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources showed that between two identical properties for sale (one near a trail and the other not), the property near the trail is has a significantly reduced time on the market.

Finally, according to Alaska State Park's 1992 Recreation Preference Survey, nearly 95 percent of Alaska residents rate hiking and walking among their favorite outdoor activities. Other trail-connected activities such as bicycling and cross-county skiing are also very important to residents and visitors. With such a demand for these activities, homes near trails would logically be desirable for many Alaskans.