Staying in shape is all about eating right and hitting the gym regularly, right? Yes, but there are other factors at play, too. Such as where you live. Dozens of studies over the past few decades have clearly shown that the type of town and neighborhood you live in make a difference when it comes to being physically active. For example, researchers have found a strong link between neighborhoods with connected streets laid out on a grid and physical activity. Which makes sense. In neighborhoods with lots of cul?de?sacs and streets that don’t connect, people are less likely to walk or ride a bike to do errands or go shopping, simply because there are fewer places to walk or ride to.