The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently announced the results of their 2017 National Community and Transportation Preference Survey, which polls U.S. adults about what they’re looking for in their ideal community. What they found was common ground that connects millennials and the silent generation (those born before 1944). 

According to the study, 62 percent of millennials and 55 percent of silent generation adults surveyed said that they preferred walkable communities and short commutes, even if that meant living in a smaller residence such as an apartment or townhome. By contrast, 55 percent of both Gen Xers and baby boomers said they had a preference for the sprawling suburbs, even if that meant longer commutes because they preferred the option to live in a single-family or detached home. 

When all of the surveyed results were put together, NAR found that 53 percent of Americans preferred living in a community with houses and small yards that were within walking distance of amenities. They chose that over the option to have a larger property but have to drive to community amenities. That number rose from 48 percent back in 2015, signaling a move towards community-driven living. 

The one factor that seemed to flip this trend was school-aged children. Sixty percent of responders with kids in school preferred a larger home and yard that required a drive in order to reach amenities. For millennials with kids in school, that number rises to 63 percent. 

As for what they’re prioritizing when buying a new home, a whopping 86 percent of respondents said sidewalks were a positive factor and 80 percent said being within a short walking distance of amenities and other places was important. Specifically, 54 percent of young women noted that sidewalks and places to take walks were a leading factor in choosing a new home.

Read about more findings and details in the survey here.