Most walkable cities in the us– A walkable city is a treasure trove for travelers to explore. Explore these ten world-class destinations, all located in America!
The wonderful thing about small towns around the United States is that they’re often packed with history and culture, as well as some of them being so close you can get there on foot if necessary.
There’s no doubt that the way we get around is changing. Cities across the country are investing in new, innovative ways to make it easier for people to walk and bike.
If you’re looking for a city that’s welcoming to pedestrians and bicyclists, check out this list of the most walkable cities in the USA!
10 most walkable cities in the us
The 10 Most Walkable Cities in the USA, and Why They’re Great
When choosing a place to live, many people consider how walkable the city is. After all, who wants to spend their time stuck in traffic?
Luckily, there are a number of walkable cities in the USA that have plenty to offer residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the most walkable cities in the country.
1. New York, New York
Most Walkable Cities in the US: New York
New York City is another one of the most walkable cities in the world. It’s also known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” and while that may be true for people who work there or who have lived there full-time, it certainly doesn’t apply to everyone.
With a population of over 8 million people, it’s one of the most densely populated cities in the United States. That means there’s always something to do, and there are always people on the street, even late at night.
But that also makes it a great city for walking. The sidewalks are always crowded, and there are so many people in the streets that it’s hard to drive at times.
Rent is high, so not everyone can afford a car, and taxis aren’t too easy to come by either. That makes public transportation another option for residents of New York City, but it also means that there are even more people on the sidewalks than ever.
But New York is also very walkable due to the level of activity on its streets. There are more than 1,000 restaurants and bars throughout the city, as well as countless places of historical interest or modern distraction.
Residents and tourists alike can enjoy almost anything they want without having to get into a car, so long as they’re willing to walk.
There are also numerous parks and green spaces, which make great places to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So if you’re looking for a city that’s always alive and always walkable, New York City is definitely it. Just be prepared for the crowds.
2. Washington, D.C.
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Washington, D.C
Washington, D.C. is one of the most walkable cities in the USA. There are plenty of sidewalks, crosswalks, and parks throughout the city, making it easy and safe to get around on foot.
In addition, Washington, D.C. has a great public transportation system, so you can easily take a bus or the subway if your destination is beyond walking distance.
On foot, Washington, D.C. offers many attractions to experience. Some examples are the National Mall, the White House, and numerous monuments that commemorate important historical events in U.S. history.
These sites can be seen in about a day’s worth of exploring by simply strolling down the National Mall. The Kennedy Center is another great attraction to check out, as it features performances by world-class artists on a regular basis.
Washington, D.C.’s climate is fairly moderate throughout the year (with the exception of some hot days in summer), so there are few weather-related reasons why you wouldn’t be able to walk around.
In fact, walking is a great way to explore the city while also getting some exercise. So if you’re looking for a walkable city to visit in the USA, Washington, D.C. should definitely be at the top of your list!
3. Seattle, Washington
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, is known for being one of the most walkable cities in the USA. With its many hills and narrow streets, Seattle is a perfect city for pedestrians.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and other businesses located close to each other, making it easy for people to get around on foot. In addition, Seattle has a great public transportation system.
The best thing about Seattle is that it’s never boring. There are many events, activities, and other things to do in the city that attract people from all over.
These attractions include numerous art galleries, professional sports games at CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field, the Fremont Sunday Market, Pike Place Market, hiking and biking trails in the nearby Cascade and Olympic Mountains, and much more.
If you’re looking for a city that’s both walkable and interesting, Seattle is a great choice. You’ll never run out of things to do here!
4. San Francisco, California
Most Walkable Cities in the US: San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California is in the news: apparently, it’s the most walkable city in the USA. The study was released by Walk Score, a company that compiles and analyzes “walkability” rankings for hundreds of cities across America.
This recent compilation ranked nearly 1,500 cities and combined their scores with other factors such as pedestrian infrastructure and public transportation options.
San Francisco came out on top with a perfect score of 100 points, meaning that just about everything in the city is accessible on foot.
The runner-up, New York City, scored 89.5 points. Rounding out the top five were Boston , Seattle , and Chicago. The least walkable city in America was Memphis, Tennessee, with a score of just over 26 points.
The study didn’t measure the actual walking experience or safety of different cities; it evaluated each place based on several factors associated with pedestrian activity.
So, San Francisco’s perfect score doesn’t necessarily mean that residents are walking around like zombies, totally unaware of their surroundings.
San Francisco ranks high on Walk Score’s list because it has a relatively compact 2.7-square-mile downtown area that is packed with key destinations like museums, restaurants, shopping centers, and other focal points.
It also factors in the number of businesses within walking distance (which you’ll find here is way above average, given the city’s small size).
Beyond the downtown core, San Francisco also has a highly accessible public transit system that includes subways, street cars, and buses.
To help people get around without cars, it has an extensive network of bike trails as well as designated bike lanes along most major streets.
Walk Score doesn’t try to measure safety, but there is a high correlation between unsafe neighborhoods and low walkability.
So, the safest cities generally score higher on the list, which may be why San Francisco was given a safety score of 97 out of 100 by Sperling’s Best Places.
In order to help increase safety, Walk Score doesn’t just endorse buildings being near sidewalks; it also recommends that streets have sidewalks on both sides, crossings every block, and lots of trees.
5. Oakland, California
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Oakland, California
Oakland, California is one of the most walkable cities in the USA. It has a walk score of 89, which means that most errands can be completed on foot.
There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops located close to each other in Oakland, making it an ideal city for pedestrians.
Additionally, Oakland’s public transportation system is one of the best in the nation; this makes it easy for people to commute to work without a car.
It is well known that Oakland has historically had a high crime rate. It is important, however, to acknowledge that crime rates have dropped significantly over the past ten years.
According to CityRating.com, which provides data on safety and quality of life in cities across the USA, Oakland is now one of the safest big cities in the country.
If you’re looking for a city that’s walkable, safe, and has plenty of things to do, Oakland is a great choice. With its vibrant culture and excellent public transportation system, you’ll never be bored in this city.
So, if you’re looking for a new place to call home, consider Oakland, California. You won’t be disappointed!
Oakland is one of the most walkable cities in the USA, with a Walk Score of 89. According to CityRating.com, Oakland is now one of the safest big cities in the country.
With its vibrant culture and excellent public transportation system, you’ll never be bored in this city.
With its vibrant culture and excellent public transportation system, Bay Area News Group (BANG) reports that Oakland is now one of the safest big cities in the country.
If you’re looking for a city that’s walkable, safe, and has plenty to offer, consider Oakland.
6. Miami, Florida
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Miami, Florida
If you’re looking for a city that’s easy to get around on foot, look no further than Miami, Florida. With its balmy weather and gorgeous coastal scenery, it’s no wonder Miami consistently ranks as one of the most walkable cities in the United States.
Thanks to its extensive network of sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as its flat terrain, you can cover a lot of ground very easily when walking the streets of Miami.
Miami is most famous for its beaches, so it’s no surprise that most people visit this city by car or public transportation. However, Miami boasts more than 400 miles of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, be sure to check out Miami’s amazing walkable neighborhoods, such as Coconut Grove, Brickell, and Wynwood.
With plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore, these neighborhoods are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Thanks to Miami’s walkable vibe, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost in this vibrant city.
7. Long Beach, California
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Long Beach, California
About 1,000 people a day move to California, and most of them go to the coast. But while Californians love their cars, coastal cities are increasingly forcing newcomers out of theirs.
Los Angeles isn’t just America’s smoggiest city it also has the nation’s worst traffic and highest housing costs relative to incomes.
It is part of a statewide trend: the cost of housing is now more than 50 percent higher in coastal California counties than in the state’s interior.
In Southern California, only a few cities remain affordable for newcomers. These include Fontana, east of Los Angeles; Lancaster, north of Los Angeles; and Victorville, east of Santa Barbara.
But even these affordable cities are starting to change. Fontana’s population is now 35 percent immigrant, and the schools are struggling with bilingual education.
At Victorville’s two high schools, enrollment jumped almost 30 percent in one year after a new Walmart opened nearby.
Newcomers seeking an affordable coastal lifestyle have to look east, into California’s interior or north into Central California. Or they can look across the country to other walkable cities, such as Portland, Seattle, or Boston.
Housing in Long Beach is only about 25% more expensive than in inland Los Angeles County.And while the city has its share of traffic problems, it’s still much more walkable and livable than LA.
For more than 60 years, the city was ruled by a Republican-leaning business elite. But in 2014, the Democratic Party won the mayor’s office and complete control of City Hall. In November, Long Beach elected its first openly gay mayor, Robert Garcia.
It didn’t take long for him to get results. In April 2015, his administration approved a plan to make the city more walkable by converting its South Pine Avenue thoroughfare into a pedestrian mall.
Long Beach has also become one of the most bike-friendly cities in America, with nearly 200 miles of bike lanes throughout the city.
The new political leadership is even moving Long Beach toward electric vehicles: Garcia’s administration persuaded local utility Southern California Edison to install 1,000 electric-vehicle charging stations around Long Beach.
In June, Garcia also endorsed a proposal by Tesla Motors Inc. to ban internal-combustion cars from the streets of downtown Long Beach as part of a plan to turn a small stretch of Pine Avenue into a pedestrian mall focused on green businesses and electric-vehicle charging.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, is the most walkable city in the USA. The report released by Walkscore.com analyzed data from more than 40,000 cities in America and provided a list of the top 30 most walkable cities in the USA.
The rankings were determined by taking into account an average score for each city’s walkability across several factors, including:
The article goes on to present the list of all 30 walkable cities in the USA (which includes Chicago, Illinois in first place).
Through this report, it can be seen that Walk Score has successfully identified the most walkable cities in America.
A city’s overall walkability is calculated by taking into account the Walk Score of its neighborhoods.
The report found that, on average, the most walkable neighborhoods in America are dense, urban neighborhoods with plenty of amenities and public transportation options.
The Walkscore of a city is also determined by how walkable its streets are. A street’s walkability is based on the distance people have to travel to the nearest supermarket, coffee shop, restaurant, bar, or park.
Transportation also plays a role in determining a city’s walkability. The report found that cities with an efficient public transportation system have more sidewalks and outdoor spaces people can use as alternative ways of commuting.
Additionally, the availability of affordable parking options has been seen to improve a city’s walkability.
9. Boston, Massachusetts
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most walkable cities in the USA. The city has a Walk Score of 89, which means that most errands can be completed on foot.
Boston residents and visitors can explore the city’s neighborhoods on foot without having to worry about finding parking or fighting traffic.
In addition to its walkability, Boston is also a bike-friendly city. The city has more than 300 miles of bike lanes and trails, and it offers residents and visitors a number of bike-sharing programs.
Boston’s public transportation system is also one of the most efficient in the country, making it easy to get around the city without a car.
If you’re looking for a city that’s walkable and bike-friendly, Boston is a great choice. The city has plenty of restaurants, bars, and other attractions that can be enjoyed on foot or by bike.
Plus, Boston is home to some of the most historic neighborhoods in the country, which are well worth exploring.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Most Walkable Cities in the US: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one of the most walkable cities in the United States.
According to Walk Score, a website that ranks cities based on their walkability, Philadelphia scored 88 out of 100, making it the 8th most walkable city in the country.
What makes Philadelphia such a great walking city? For starters, the city has an extensive network of sidewalks, trails, and bicycle paths that allow pedestrians to easily navigate the whole city.
You can walk from one end of Philadelphia to the other without ever having to cross a street because there are so many bridges over the Schuylkill River.
Philadelphia’s history is tied closely to its walking infrastructure. After all, the city’s roots are in the age of rail travel, when people depended on trains to get around.
Even now, public transportation is important to residents, especially those who live outside the Center City District.
According to TransPulse, a real-time transit information system, over half of all trips taken in Philadelphia during rush hours were taken by public transportation, and over a third were taken on foot.
The city has several historic neighborhoods that are known for their architectural significance and picturesque streetscapes, including Old City and Society Hill.
Along with these neighborhoods’ charming buildings, they also have sidewalks lined with trees. In some areas of the city, such as Rittenhouse Square in Center City, the sidewalks are so wide that pedestrians often prefer to walk on them instead of the street. Many streets have a brick or cobblestone surface, which makes walking even more enjoyable.
Walking is not only used for transportation in Philadelphia; it’s also a way to get exercise and socialize with friends.
In fact, according to LISC, a community development organization, Philadelphia has more public parks than any other city in the US. Many of these parks are located at street intersections and act as de facto gathering places for pedestrians.
One example is Logan Square, which is surrounded by the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and several museums, including The Franklin Institute.
Philadelphia’s walkability is not perfect, however. The city has a high concentration of narrow streets and busy intersections, which can be difficult to navigate on foot.
Additionally, the city’s winters can be cold and windy, making it unpleasant to walk outside for long periods of time.
Despite these drawbacks, Philadelphia is still one of the most walkable cities in the United States. If you’re looking for a city to explore on foot, Philadelphia is a great place to start.
Conclusion
When it comes to walkability, the cities that are most easily navigable on foot have a lot of factors working in their favor.
Whether or not you’re interested in moving to one of these places for your next home, at least you know what makes them so desirable.
These ten American cities offer everything from being affordable and family-friendly to historic architecture with pristine waterfronts and they all rank highly when it comes to walkability. ‘Have any other suggestions? Share them below.
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