Opponents
to recreational trails often cite the negative impacts of trail users
on nearby properties as a reason for their objections. However, these
fears can be addressed by showing the positive effects of trails on property
values.
A 1995 study by the National Park Service cites many examples of how trails have increased values of nearby properties. These examples are noteworthy because they come from all over the country. They include:
- In Boulder, Colorado, housing prices declined by $4.20 per additional foot that a property was located from a trail.
- 61 percent of homeowners along the Luce Line Trail in Minnesota believed that the trail increased their property values.
- Homes located near the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle were found to sell for six percent more than comparable homes not located near the trail.
- Homes in Worcester, Massachusetts, next to parks sold for $2,700 more
than similar homes 2,000 feet away from parks.
