Reducing speed limits in metro areas where there are large school districts or other heavy pedestrian traffic areas does seem to be reducing the number of serious accidents. However, there are also reasons for keeping speed limits low in major business district and downtown areas. I was recently at a presentation for a municipality during which they discussed how reducing the speed limit on a downtown artery from 45 MPH to 25 MPH has played a role in the increase of foot traffic of stores and restaurants on that street. Driving slower is giving more people the chance to see what is there, as opposed to whipping past without looking.
The below linked article discusses the residential side of doing this, in terms of making school districts safer. This all has plenty to do with real estate and how solid research can impact decisions and results.
Using the Milwaukee example, a real estate developer or investor can have data to show a location with increased safety and/or a better safety performance than other locations. Parents seeking a good location for their young kids would love to know that. On the downtown or business example, showing speed limit reductions along with traffic flow could influence a potential tenant to want to lease or purchase under those conditions. Being on top of this type of information can make you "first in" for a great opportunity.
In this challenging real estate market, the idea is to include as many potential advantages as possible. Just some of what you become capable of with a research person or team on your side!
https://www.planetizen.com/news/2025/09/136068-milwaukees-secret-reducing-speeding-27
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