Here Are 12 of the Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.
Not only is walking great for your body and mind, but it also directly combats noise and air pollution, reduces the stress of planning your commute, and makes your home feel more alive. It also has tons of health benefits, you’ll save money on gas and insurance, and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know your city. In a country built with car owners in mind, though, where can you move to find this? We’re here to help you answer exactly that.
Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. — FAQs
Q: What is America’s most walkable city?
A: New York is often considered America’s most walkable city, but San Francisco has it beat out by one point on Walk Score.
Q: What is the most walkable city in the U.S. in 2024?
A: NYC — along with Chicago and San Francisco — are the top most walkable cities in the U.S. in 2024.
Q: What is the best state for walkability?
A: States in the northeast are by far considered the most well connected of any region in the U.S. With plenty of train lines and public transit dotting each metro, you’re going to find a lot of walkability in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Q: What cities are designed to be walkable?
A: Most coastal cities are designed to be walkable, along with cities that have compact city centers and college towns.
The 12 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.
Living in one of the most walkable cities in America can help you improve your overall quality of life and present opportunities to explore your community and engage with other residents. Walkable cities can also help you save on costs associated with purchasing a car or paying for public transit services. With some of the highest walkability and transit scores in the entire country (100 is the highest), here are 12 of the most walkable cities in the U.S.
Boston is known for its high quality of life and is ranked as one of the top cities in the country when it comes to big-city living.
1. Boston, MA
- Walkability score: 83
- Transit score: 72
- Cost of living: 50.8% higher than U.S. average
Boston is known for its high quality of life and is ranked as one of the top cities in the country when it comes to big-city living. There are plenty of things to do in the area, including catching a Red Sox game at the famous Fenway Park, going on historical tours, and learning about art through the Museum of Fine Arts. Because of its diverse neighborhoods, Boston can make it feel like you’re living in several places at the same time. Various areas — like Dorchester and Beacon Hill — have their own special charm and amenities.
Boston is a great choice for those who want to further their education, as the city offers several prominent universities and institutions, including MIT, Harvard, and Boston University. The city also has plenty of green spaces, offering easy access to places like the Boston Common and the Public Garden, which are perfect for a walk, a picnic, or a jog.
Public transportation is also ranked highly in Boston. The T (Boston’s subway) is designed to get residents around the city, though you can also choose from the commuter rail, bus routes, and even the ferry to get where you need to go.
2. Seattle, WA
- Walkability score: 74
- Transit score: 60
- Cost of living: 58.1% higher than U.S. average
Seattle is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but that’s no surprise since it has all of the best features a resident could ask for. Its residents enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest while also enjoying the amenities of a big city. There are also more than 100 bus lines and three light rail lines available to residents within the city, or you can get around by ferry to nearby islands.
Besides being a great place to live, Seattle also has plenty of artistic activities to keep you entertained. Some of these include art museums, a vibrant gallery scene, and music venues all within its various neighborhoods. Not to mention the Pacific Northwest offers plenty of nature to explore.
3. Jersey City, NJ
- Walkability score: 87
- Transit score: 70
- Cost of living: 39.5% higher than U.S. average
One of the most popular attractions in Jersey City is the Liberty Science Center, which is a four-story interactive museum that features a 3D theater and planetarium. Another popular attraction is the Liberty State Park, where you can spend time outdoors, walk the miles of tree-lined paths, take in the panoramic views of Manhattan, or spend time at the nature center — a small museum that features interactive exhibits and activities for children and adults.
And although Jersey City has a reputation for being walkable with plenty of sidewalks and biking paths, the city also has excellent public transit with the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and buses.
The Golden City of San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in California.
4. San Francisco, CA
- Walkability score: 89
- Transit score: 77
- Cost of living: 145.5% higher than U.S. average
The city is characterized by its distinct neighborhoods and districts, each with its own charm and culture. Cable cars and buses are the main means of public transportation (thanks to all those hills!), but the city is very walkable overall, and you can easily travel by foot to accomplish all your errands like grocery shopping and hitting some of the local gyms, including LuxFit SF.
Love historical sites, museums, and attractions? San Francisco has plenty of that, too! Alcatraz Island is a can’t-miss!
5. Arlington, VA
- Walkability score: 71
- Transit score: 59
- Cost of living: 64.3% higher than U.S. average
Located near Washington, D.C., and the Potomac River, Arlington offers a unique sense of charm and convenience. It’s known for its diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and historic landmarks.
Some of the best public institutions in the nation can be found in Arlington, including Washington-Liberty and Yorktown high schools. Residents have the opportunity to utilize the city's famous beautiful parks and green spaces, including Mount Vernon Trail and Theodore Roosevelt Island. And with plenty of walkable neighborhoods — like Virginia Square and Lyon Village — residents can easily commute to their daily activities, whether it’s the gym or shopping at local grocery stores, like Harris Teeter and Giant Food.
There’s also a solid public transportation system (ART) with over 80 bus lines and four subway lines.
6. New York, NY
- Walkability score: 88
- Transit score: 89
- Cost of living: 72.5% higher than U.S. average
It’s no surprise that New York made our list, right? Aside from traversing the city with ease by foot, residents of NYC also have plenty of access to top-notch public transportation through the MTA, including the subway, the Long Island Rail Road, and over 320 bus routes. In fact, in Manhattan and other boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens, you're never more than a few minutes away from a subway station!
More than 8.2 million people live in New York City, and there are always employment opportunities. The city also boasts an impressive creative scene, with a wide range of music, theater, and art activities. Residents of NYC can easily explore some of the most impressive historic sites in the world, as well, including the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower.
In addition to being one of the most walkable cities, Miami is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and fun-filled nightlife scene.
7. Miami, FL
- Walkability score: 77
- Transit score: 57
- Cost of living: 18.9% higher than U.S. average
Miami’s sunny weather and fun-filled nightlife scene are what make it one of the most popular cities in the southeast United States. Also known for its many beaches and pool parties, the fun truly never ends.
Sure, that means you’ll have to contend with year-round tourists, but don’t let that slow you down. The city has a solid public transportation system with over 95 bus routes; however, you can typically get to where you need to go by walking — from making a quick run to a Marky’s gourmet grocery store to catching a reservation at Bayside Marketplace.
8. Minneapolis, MN
- Walkability score: 71
- Transit score: 55
- Cost of living: 7.2% higher than U.S. average
Minneapolis is located in Minnesota’s central eastern region, bordered by the Mississippi River. This city is known for its many parks and lakes, as well as its vibrant culture.
Residents enjoy outdoor activities all year — including ice skating, fishing, and biking. And they also enjoy attending harvest festivals and exploring the local sports culture, which is home to the MLB’s Minnesota Twins, the NBA’s Timberwolves, and the NFL’s Vikings.
And don’t worry about needing a car to live in the city, as the Metro Transit system offers both bus and light rails available for public transportation. The elevated Minneapolis Skyway also connects about 80 city blocks.
9. Long Beach, CA
- Walkability score: 73
- Transit score: 49
- Cost of living: 61.7% higher than U.S. average
The city of Long Beach, one of the most walkable cities in California, is known for its diverse communities and waterfront attractions, as well as its distinct beach vibe.
With its beautiful beaches and expansive waterfront, Long Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities for residents, including sailing, paddle boarding, and volleyball. And the city's beach paths are great for walking or biking — or simply enjoying great views of the ocean.
The arts scene in Long Beach is also both accessible and diverse. There are galleries in the East Village District as well as the Long Beach Museum of Art. And the city has plenty of community events throughout the year, such as the Acura Grand Prix.
The Long Beach public transit system (LBT) provides approximately 50 bus routes; however, it’s easy to walk where you need to go in Long Beach (and you might actually find it easier, considering the problems traffic can pose at times).
Chicago offers a variety of great amenities and is also quite easy to get around by foot.
10. Chicago, IL
- Walkability score: 77
- Transit score: 65
- Cost of living: 5.7% higher than U.S. average
Chicago is a great place to live as it’s located in the Great Lakes and Midwest region. It offers a variety of great amenities and is also quite easy to get around by foot. Despite its reputation for high crime rates, there are still many safe areas in the city that people can raise their families in. And the city is a center of commerce and trade, with a variety of job opportunities at offices that residents can easily walk to.
Chicago is also very large, with 77 communities spread across nine districts. But each district has its own unique history, culture, and attractions. And the food scene in the city is like none other. Deep-dish pizza from Giordano's, hotdogs from Portillo’s, or caramel-cheese popcorn from Garret, anyone?
11. Newark, NJ
- Walkability score: 76
- Transit score: 65
- Cost of living: 35% higher than U.S. average
The city of Newark has a large population of people from different ethnic backgrounds, and the cultural diversity helps make it a vibrant community. It also has easy access to various transportation facilities, including the Newark Liberty International Airport and several NJ Transit stations throughout the city, which make it an ideal location for residents who travel often.
There are plenty of attractions to walk to throughout the city, as well. For example, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, located in the downtown area, features a variety of performances, including comedy and music, throughout the year.
12. Philadelphia, PA
- Walkability score: 75
- Transit score: 67
- Cost of living: 4.3% higher than U.S. average
Philadelphia is best known for its scrumptious cheesesteaks, along with fascinating historic sites, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There are plenty of neighborhoods that are ideal for those who prefer walking — University City, for example, which is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. And the city’s public transportation options make getting around by foot a breeze. The SEPTA and Acela Express trains also connect Philly to New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Boston, so residents can easily travel to nearby major cities without a car.
Move to One of the Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. With PODS
After finding your ideal walkable city in the U.S., let PODS help get you there! They can deliver a portable moving storage container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load it at your own pace. Once you're ready, they will also take it to your new residence. And one month's storage is included in each move, so you can easily unload your belongings at your own pace.Editor’s note: Walkability and transit scores were obtained from Walk Score, and cost of living percentages were obtained from BestPlaces.
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