The 20 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.
A sedentary lifestyle is responsible for most chronic diseases we experience as a nation. The CDC recommends about 2.5 hours of modest aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week for adults. But unfortunately, less than half of the U.S. population meets these guidelines. One of the best ways to get your recommended daily dose of exercise. Living in a walkable city and walking for several minutes every few days can keep you fit and healthy. According to Better Health, walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type II diabetes.
However, not all cities are created equal when it comes to walkability. In this post, we have compiled a list of the 20 most walkable cities in America for 2022. To create this ranking, we looked at data from various sources, including Walk Score, the U.S. Census, and local news outlets. All the cities on this list have a Walk Score of 65 or higher, indicating they are “Very Walkable.” If you’re looking for a place to call home that will encourage you to get out and about on foot, one of these 20 cities might be the perfect fit.
20. St Louis, Missouri Walkscore: 64.5
St Louis is one of the most livable cities in the United States. It has a Walk Score of 64. The city is full of great parks and green spaces. This kind of environment supports a host of outdoor activities. As a result, the quality of life in this place is excellent. You can also find many types of housing, from apartments to single-family homes. And if you need to get around without a car, the city has a great public transportation system. The most walkable neighborhoods in St Louis include Downtown, Central West End, and Tower Grove.
19. Honolulu, Hawaii Walkscore: 66
Honolulu is a beautiful city with a Walk Score of 66. It’s perfect for people who love the outdoors, as there are plenty of parks and beaches to explore. And if you enjoy hiking, you’ll be happy to know that Diamond Head State Monument is located just outside the city. Honolulu is also known for its diverse culture and cuisine, so there’s always something new to try. But most importantly, this city is highly walkable.
18. Sant Ana, California Walkscore: 66.1
Santa Ana, California, is an incredibly beautiful city in the Southern California area. The Santa Ana Mountains create a stunning backdrop to the town, and there are many places to enjoy the great outdoors. The city has a Walk Score of 66.1, making it suitable for anyone who prefers walking or hiking. There are also plenty of public transportation options to get around without a car. Santa Ana is a great place to live if you want to experience all that Southern California offers. The ideal neighborhoods for walking in Santa Ana include Downtown, Willits, and Floral Park.
17. Portland, Oregon Walkscore: 67
If you have considered living without a car or at least driving less, you will be happy to know that Portland is one of the most walkable U.S. cities. This metropolis boasts one of the best public transport systems. Also, it is not an enormous city. Furthermore, Portland has small city blocks. Some of its most walkable sections include Goose Hollo and Hawthorne district. And since Portland has a homeless people problem, you want to avoid china town.
16. Buffalo, New York Walkscore: 67.8
Buffalo is a densely populated city in New York State’s Niagara Frontier region, along Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara River. The city is well known for its strong industrial and blue-collar presence. However, Buffalo is also a great place to live if you’re looking for an affordable yet walkable city. With a walk score of 67.78, you run most of your errands without a car. You can also explore the city on foot, especially in downtown Buffalo which is quite vibrant. The most walkable neighborhoods in Buffalo include Allentown, Elmwood Village, and Larkinville.
15. Oakland, California Walkscore: 68
Oakland is a perfect choice if you’re looking for an alternative to San Francisco that’s still highly walkable. The California city has a Walk Score of 68, making it one of the most walkable cities in America. Oakland is also a great place to live if you want to experience all the Bay Area offers without breaking the bank. According to AAA, the most walkable neighborhoods in Oakland include Piedmont Avenue, Oakland Hills, and Jack London Square.
14. Arlington, Virginia Walkscore: 69
Arlington, Virginia, is located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., making it a great choice for commuters. The city has over slightly over 60 neighborhoods. And according to World Population Review, it has a population of about 245,000. With a low crime rate and incredible climate, it is no wonder that it has been ranked one of the best places to live in the United States. It also boasts a Walk Score of 74.
13. Hialeah, Florida Walkscore: 69
Hialeah’s excellent street grid system makes it a great walking city. It is also one of the most diverse cities in America. You can find people from all walks of life here. The city’s population is about 233,000, and the average Walk Score is 69. Hialeah is pretty safe, with a low crime rate. And it has a great public transportation network. The Metrorail runs through the city, making it easy to get around without a car. This city is also cycling-friendly. You can find several bike lanes throughout Hialeah.
12. Baltimore, Maryland Walkscore: 69.4
Baltimore is known for having exquisite crab cakes. But away from that, it is a gorgeous city with a lot of character. It is one of the most walkable U.S. cities, with a Walk Score of 69.4. The streets are well-maintained, and there is an elaborate public transportation network. You can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses in the downtown area. And if you love the outdoors, you will be happy to know that Baltimore has plenty of parks. Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park are two of the most popular ones. If you relish walking, the ideal neighborhoods in Baltimore are Downtown Baltimore, Fells Point, and Canton.
11. Washington, D.C. Walkscore: 70
Besides being the capital where all the political action happens, Washington DC is an exciting place to live. With a Walk Score of 76, it’s easy to get around on foot or by public transportation. Recently, the city’s concerted effort to become more pedestrian-friendly has paid off. Today, you don’t need a car to get around D.C. as the city’s public transportation system is one of the best in the country. If you want to live in a walkable neighborhood, consider Adams Morgan or Dupont Circle.
10. Long Beach, California Walkscore: 72
Long Beach is a popular holiday destination for Californians and people from all over the world. However, this city has much more for those who prefer walking. For instance, the average Walk Score is 72. The town has a beautiful coastline, and the downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly. You can find plenty of public transportation options, as well. The Blue Line light rail runs through the city, making it easy to get around without a car. Long Beach is also a pretty safe city, with a low crime rate.
9. Seattle, Washington Walkscore: 74
The Emerald City is a great place to call home if you enjoy walking or cycling. It is marked by lush green forests, parks, hilly streets, and scenic views. With a Walk Score of 74, this city is pretty walkable. The city’s design is pedestrian-friendly, and plenty of public transportation options exist. Security is also not an issue in this city as it is one of the safest cities in America. So if you want to exercise your legs and improve your overall health, Seattle could be ideal. The most walkable neighborhoods in Seattle are Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and Downtown. If you plan to move here with your family, these areas would be ideal since they offer a quality of life.
8. Miami, Florida Walkscore: 76.7
The magic city is a fun place to live year-round. It has some of the finest beaches in the country, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a Walk Score of 76.7. You can find everything you need without having to use a car. And if you do own a car, you can take advantage of the excellent public transportation system. From the Metrorail to the Tri-Rail, getting around Miami is a breeze. Most streets in this city are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to get around on foot. In terms of security, Miami is a pretty safe city. However, you should be aware of your surroundings when walking at night. Little Havana, Downtown, and Wynwood are some of the most walkable neighborhoods in Miami.
7. Chicago, Illinois Walkscore: 77
Sometimes a lifestyle change is all you need to lead a quality life. If you live in a crowded city and can’t stand it anymore, a move to Chicago may be just what you need. The Windy City has a Walk Score of 77. From the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, there’s plenty to explore on foot in Chicago. According to Lerner & Lowe, Gold Coast, River North, and the Loop are the most walkable neighborhoods in the city.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Walkscore: 79
Philadelphia is another great option for walkers and cyclists. The City of Brotherly Love has a Walk Score of 79. Philly is also home to plenty of historical landmarks, so you can get your fill of American history while getting some exercise. If you visit this city, you will notice a ton of Philadelphians walking or biking to work every day. An efficient public transport system makes it easy to get around without a car. Moreover, there is plenty to see and do on foot, especially in the city’s vibrant downtown area.
5. Newark, New Jersey Walkscore: 80.4
According to Politico, Newark is the largest city in New Jersey with a population of more than 300,000 people. However, this city is quite organized. It has a well-coiffed public transport system that makes it easy for people to walk. Moreover, it is also home to many historical landmarks and cultural institutions. The city also has vibrant nightlife. And with an impressive walk score of 80.4, you can run most of your errands in this town on foot.
4. Boston, Massachusetts Walkscore: 82
If you want to walk a lot more when running your errands or going to work, consider a move to Boston. The capital of Massachusetts is the most walkable city in America, with a Walk Score of 82. It’s also the fifth-largest city in the Northeast and has plenty to offer residents regarding culture, nightlife, and restaurants. Its pedestrian friendliness might be partly due to the city’s investment in making itself more walkable in recent years. In 2016, Boston launched a $17 million initiative to improve the safety and accessibility of its sidewalks. Its most walkable neighborhood is the Leather District, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
3. San Francisco, California Walkscore: 87
San Francisco is another extremely walkable city with a Walk Score of 86. The City by the Bay is also one of the most densely populated cities in the country, so there’s always something to do and see. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island, there are endless opportunities for exploration in San Francisco. The Fog City transit system also makes getting around town a breeze, whether on foot or using public transportation. If you’re looking for an apartment in a walkable neighborhood, check out Union Square or Nob Hill.
2. Jersey City, New Jersey Walkscore: 87.3
Just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, you’ll find Jersey City – another great option for walkers and cyclists. It is a historic city with a Walk Score of 87.3. And like Manhattan, Jersey City is densely populated. For this reason, there’s always something to do. The city also has excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around without a car. If you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood in Jersey City, check out Downtown or the Waterfront. It is also a great place to live if you want easy access to New York City without the high cost of living.
1. New York, New York Walkscore: 89
Of course, New York City had to make a list. With a Walk Score of 89, the Big Apple is one of the most walkable cities in the world. And according to Value Penguin, this city has the lowest car ownership rate of any major metropolitan area in the United States. So, if you don’t own a car or want to get rid of your car, New York is a great place to do it. Additionally, it is home to some of the country’s best museums, theaters, and restaurants. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, there’s no better place to live than NYC. And most importantly, it’s safe to walk around thanks to the city’s extensive law enforcement and surveillance presence.
