15 Most Walkable Cities for People Who Hate Driving

Not only is it better for your body to walk more, it’s better for the environment.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Ellen Cannon

Updated July 31, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Finding a city where you can comfortably live without relying on a car may be a primary reason people choose to live there. Young people may flock to cities for work, and older people may be planning to retire in the vibrancy of a city.

Some places just do it better, whether it's a walkable downtown area, good and reliable public transportation, or an accessible bike-share program.

We used data from WalkScore.com for metropolitan areas to determine the top cities on the walkability scale. Scores are ranked from 0 to 100, with 100 representing a Walker’s Paradise, defined as "daily errands do not require a car."

Break out your walking shoes if you want to live in one of these cities.

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Hartford, Connecticut

Walkability score: 67

Hartford might not be the first city that comes to mind for walkability, but the capital of Connecticut is making strides. Downtown is compact, with everything you need. The greater metro area has also been improving its infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

Buses and commuter rail makes it easy to get to work or just generally live in the city.

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Portland, Oregon

Walkability score: 67

Portland is practically synonymous with walkability, and that’s by design. The city's pedestrian-friendly streets, cycling infrastructure, and commitment to safety make it heaven for those who prefer not to drive, even in lower-income areas.

The streetcar system and MAX Light Rail are reliable, connecting all the hubs throughout the city.

Louisville, Kentucky

Walkability score: 68

Louisville has emerged as a walkable city, thanks to its revitalized downtown and many parks.

The city's bike-share program, LouVelo, makes it easy to get around sans car.

Electric scooters are also reliable options for the brave, and the bus system is working on improvements.

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Los Angeles, California

Walkability score: 69

Surprise! People do walk in L.A. The City of Angels is notorious for its traffic, but certain neighborhoods are surprisingly walkable, including areas such as DTLA, WeHo, Hollywood, and Santa Monica are naturally pedestrian-friendly.

The L.A. Metro, including buses and trains, has improved greatly in recent years. The city's bike-share program and bike lanes make cycling easier — but only for skilled cyclists.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Walkability score: 71

The Twin Cities are great for walking and biking, even in cold weather. Their investment in bike lanes and pedestrian paths is paying off, making it easy to move about on foot or wheels.

The Metro Transit system (light rail and buses) runs regularly, so you don't need a vehicle to travel throughout Minneopolis/St. Paul.

Nashville, Tennessee

Walkability score: 73

Nashville’s awesome music scene is best enjoyed on foot. Downtown is super compact, with music venues and restaurants everywhere you look.

The city's B-Cycle bike-share program (and a growing network of bike lanes), pedestrian-friendly programs like the Nashville Connector, and buses make getting around town a workable reality.

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Washington, D.C.

Walkability score: 73

The District is a model of walkability, with its well-planned streets, care for the safety of walkers and bicyclists, and solid public transportation. The Metro system connects the city’s quadrants, making it easy to get where you’re going.

Neighborhoods like Woodley Park, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill are perfect for walking, with plenty of cafes, shops, and parks.

Seattle, Washington

Walkability score: 74

Seattle’s hilly terrain doesn't make it less walkable. Neighborhoods like Green Lake, Ladrona, and Capitol Hill are very pedestrian-friendly. The city’s buses, streetcars, and the Link light rail system make it really easy to reach your destination.

Bike lanes and pedestrian pathways also make Seattle great for folks who hate driving.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Walkability score: 75

Philly is made for walking. Its historic streets and compact neighborhoods have everything you need.

The public transit system, SEPTA, is efficient and reliable, with buses and trains covering the greater metro area. Plus, SEPTA is free for those over 65, thanks to the proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Philadelphia’s Indego bike-share program makes it easy for skilled cyclists to get from point A to point B.

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Providence, Rhode Island

Walkability score: 76

Often overlooked among East Coast metro areas, Providence’s small size makes it a pedestrian paradise.

Downtown is adorable, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The RIPTA bus system is a reasonably good bet, and the scooter and bike-share program encourages residents to get on wheels.

We love Waterplace Park and the Riverwalk for strolling, too.

Chicago, Illinois

sightseeing cruise in front chicago skyline

Walkability score: 77

The Windy City is one of the most walkable large metros in the U.S. The Loop and Lakeview are lively areas where walking is the best way to get around. Public transportation, including trains and buses, covers all corners.

Chicago’s Divvy bike-share program and ample bike lanes add to its walkability, even in winter, for savvy bike riders.

Miami, Florida

Walkability score: 77

Bienvenido a Miami, where vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with gorgeous water views make it a true paradise. Since these areas are compact, they support a car-free lifestyle, even in the hot, humid summers.

Areas like Wynwood, Downtown, and Little Havana are particularly pedestrian-friendly. Buses and the free Metromover provide reliable alternatives to driving. And TriRail runs from Miami to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

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Boston, Massachusetts

Walkability score: 83

Historic Boston is super walkable, even in winter. Its many neighborhoods, from Beacon Hill to the North End to Back Bay, have everything you need a few steps away.

Boston’s public transportation system, affectionately called the T by locals, serves the city and its suburbs well, especially the Blue Line.

New York, New York

Walkability score: 88

You can live your whole life in the Big Apple without learning to drive. With its grid layout and 24/7 subway system, you can easily get anywhere, anytime. Ubers and taxis are always available too.

Boroughs like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens are especially pedestrian-friendly.

San Francisco, California

Walkability score: 89

Coming in at No. 1, San Francisco is a wonderfully walkable city, despite — or because of — its hilly terrain and gorgeous views. Public transportation like BART and Muni makes it super easy to get around the Bay Area.

Whether you're walking, biking, or ride-sharing, San Francisco passes pretty much every metric with flying colors.

Bottom line

If you’re just about ready to get rid of your vehicle, you won’t miss it much in any of these extremely walkable cities.

They all have what you need to ditch your ride for good. And even if you keep a car, you can still save money on car insurance by driving fewer miles each year.

Living in a walkable city can also improve your quality of life, reducing the stress and cost associated with car ownership.

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