This study explores the relationship between neighborhood design and social capital, emphasizing the importance of walkable neighborhoods in fostering social connections and community engagement. Social capital, defined as the networks and interactions that promote trust and reciprocity, is linked to better health outcomes, political participation, crime prevention, and economic development. Research indicates that individuals living in walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital compared to those in car-dependent suburbs. These neighborhoods encourage social interaction through proximity, enabling residents to know their neighbors, participate in community activities, and trust others. The study, conducted in Galway, Ireland, surveyed 750 households across different neighborhood types, including city center neighborhoods, older mixed-use suburbs, and modern car-dependent suburbs. Respondents were asked to assess the walkability of their neighborhoods, with higher scores indicating greater accessibility to local amenities without a car. The results showed that neighborhoods with higher walkability scores were associated with increased social capital, including better knowledge of neighbors, higher political participation, greater trust in others, and more social engagement. The study highlights the negative impact of car-dependent suburban designs on social interaction, as these neighborhoods often lack sidewalks, local shops, and community spaces, limiting opportunities for spontaneous social encounters. In contrast, walkable neighborhoods, characterized by mixed-use development and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, promote social ties and community cohesion. The findings suggest that pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhoods are more likely to encourage social capital than car-dependent suburbs. The study also notes that factors such as suburbanization, long commutes, and television usage contribute to the decline of social capital. To improve public health, it is essential to promote walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that support social interaction and community engagement. The study underscores the need for policy changes that encourage sustainable urban development and reduce reliance on cars, thereby fostering a more connected and healthier society.This study explores the relationship between neighborhood design and social capital, emphasizing the importance of walkable neighborhoods in fostering social connections and community engagement. Social capital, defined as the networks and interactions that promote trust and reciprocity, is linked to better health outcomes, political participation, crime prevention, and economic development. Research indicates that individuals living in walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital compared to those in car-dependent suburbs. These neighborhoods encourage social interaction through proximity, enabling residents to know their neighbors, participate in community activities, and trust others. The study, conducted in Galway, Ireland, surveyed 750 households across different neighborhood types, including city center neighborhoods, older mixed-use suburbs, and modern car-dependent suburbs. Respondents were asked to assess the walkability of their neighborhoods, with higher scores indicating greater accessibility to local amenities without a car. The results showed that neighborhoods with higher walkability scores were associated with increased social capital, including better knowledge of neighbors, higher political participation, greater trust in others, and more social engagement. The study highlights the negative impact of car-dependent suburban designs on social interaction, as these neighborhoods often lack sidewalks, local shops, and community spaces, limiting opportunities for spontaneous social encounters. In contrast, walkable neighborhoods, characterized by mixed-use development and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, promote social ties and community cohesion. The findings suggest that pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhoods are more likely to encourage social capital than car-dependent suburbs. The study also notes that factors such as suburbanization, long commutes, and television usage contribute to the decline of social capital. To improve public health, it is essential to promote walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that support social interaction and community engagement. The study underscores the need for policy changes that encourage sustainable urban development and reduce reliance on cars, thereby fostering a more connected and healthier society.