Top 25 Walkable Cities Across The United States

In bustling hubs where sidewalks hum with activity and every street corner tells a story, the essence of urban living comes to life. Measured by the Walk Score, an innovative tool that assesses the ease with which daily errands can be completed on foot, these top 25 walkable cities in the United States turn routine walks into an enriching experience.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s high Walk Score of 88.7 makes it pleasant for pedestrians to handle daily tasks on foot. The Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street, known for their winding design, are famous among tourists and locals. Chinatown, achieving a Walk Score of 100, features diverse shops, eateries, and notable landmarks, including the Japanese Tea Garden, recognized as the birthplace of the fortune cookie.

New York, New York

Central Park and Times Square are just a short walk away, highlighting the convenience of exploring New York City’s vibrant center. With a Walk Score of 88.0, walking on foot is simple and efficient. Meanwhile, the High Line offers a peaceful escape with its elevated paths through green spaces, encouraging visitors to stroll from SoHo to Greenwich Village without needing a car.

Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City promotes a pedestrian-friendly environment with a Walk Score of 86.6. Strolls along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway or through the historic downtown showcase the city’s charm. Commuters also enjoy the added convenience of the PATH train for swift trips to Manhattan, which favors foot traffic over the hustle of vehicular commute.

Boston, Massachusetts

Footpaths wind through Boston, a city with a Walk Score of 82.8, where every step resonates with history. Wander along the Freedom Trail or via Boston Common and find yourself amidst a blend of the past and the present. In areas like the North End and the Seaport District, locals and tourists savor the pleasures of Italian dining and innovative spaces on foot.

Chicago, Illinois

Exploring Chicago on foot allows sightseers to truly appreciate its architectural wonders. Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile are prime pedestrian destinations that reveal the place’s grandeur leisurely. Nearby, the thriving arts scene is conveniently accessible, with theaters and museums that greatly enhance the urban experience. Chicago’s design for pedestrians is underscored by a Walk Score of 77.2.

Washington, District of Columbia

The National Mall, a central point for visitors to Washington, provides easy access to iconic institutions such as the Smithsonian museums and the U.S. Capitol. Its layout promotes walking, making it a practical choice for experiencing its rich heritage and political fabric. With a Walk Score of 76.7, Washington D.C. emphasizes stroller accessibility.

Miami, Florida

Having a Walk Score of 76.6, Miami’s South Beach and Little Havana demonstrate their walkable culture. Art Deco buildings and cultural diversity mark the pedestrian-friendly streets, where one can savor Cuban delicacies or stroll along the Miami Riverwalk for dining and entertainment.

Newark, New Jersey

Newark has undergone significant metropolitan renewal, improving its Walk Score to 75.9. This revitalization effort includes upgraded footpaths linking traditional and commercial hubs, enhancing foot travel for residents and guests. Furthermore, the introduction of additional greenery and safer crosswalks continues to promote walking as a convenient mode of transport throughout the town.

Oakland, California

Downtown Oakland and the scenic area around Lake Merritt have a walkability score of 75.3, making them ideal for exploring cultural attractions and verdant spaces on foot. Oakland’s dedication to maintaining accessible urban locales shines through in its vibrant markets and social events, drawing visitors and locals alike.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s rich historical legacy is complemented by a Walk Score of 74.8. Landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are within pedestrian-friendly streets that weave across modern and colonial architectures, making exploration by foot enjoyable and educational.

Seattle, Washington

Iconic markets, Pike Place, and eclectic districts, Fremont serve as dynamic activity centers filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and art installations. Supporting a walking lifestyle, Seattle features a Walk Score of 74.4, enhanced by its extensive public transit and welcoming neighborhood designs.

Long Beach, California

Famed for its scenic waterfront and bike-friendly roads, Long Beach proudly showcases a Walk Score of 73.3. Proof of its commitment to boosting walkability is evident in well-maintained pathways and lively districts. Contemporary improvements, like new pedestrian plazas and outdoor dining spots, enhance Long Beach’s walking environment and social vibrancy.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

A network of pathways and bridges contributes to Minneapolis’ Walk Score of 71.4. These routes facilitate car-free exploration across the city, linking diverse neighborhoods and ensuring pedestrian accessibility. Investments in winter-proofing walkways, critical for comfort and safety year-round, reflect Minneapolis’ devotion to enhancing the walker experience in its colder climate.

Arlington, Virginia

Arlington has earned a Walk Score of 71.2, blending suburban charm with metropolitan functionality. The area’s connectivity is a boon for residents who prefer walking to driving, with numerous amenities within easy reach. Enhancements to walker infrastructure, such as improved lighting and signage, make walks safer and more enjoyable, reflecting the population’s dedication to an easily traversed lifestyle.

Los Angeles, California

Despite its reputation for being car-centric, Los Angeles surprises many with areas like Downtown and Santa Monica, where the walkability score reaches 68.6. Such figures reflect an increasing shift toward places that support more effortless mobility on foot, especially in zones equipped with infrastructure and amenities that encourage non-vehicular travel.

Hialeah, Florida

A dense layout and community-focused civic planning elevate Hialeah’s Walk Score to 67.9. Lanes bustling with local businesses and services make it amiable for pedestrians to traverse and engage with their surroundings. Recent improvements include upgraded crosswalks and expanded sidewalks, further enhancing the walkability and safety of the town.

Portland, Oregon

With a Walk Score of 67.3, Portland is recognized for its pedestrian-friendly policies and engaged population. Beyond its public parks and bike paths, the town also offers extensive walker corridors that connect neighborhoods. Initiatives like pedestrian-only lanes during certain times have bolstered its reputation for supporting non-vehicular travel.

Santa Ana, California

The compact city center and busy commercial streets in Santa Ana earn the city a Walk Score of 67.1. This walkability is complemented by frequent cultural festivals and markets that draw foot traffic and enrich the local atmosphere. Efforts to increase pedestrian zones and improve street lighting have made walking more inviting and secure.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo’s transformation, which features a Walk Score of 66.6, includes revitalized riverfront areas that attract natives and sightseers. Adding greenery and pedestrian bridges over highways has significantly increased its walkability. These changes enhance access and encourage an active, community-oriented lifestyle.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Beautiful beaches and scenic walks go hand in hand in Honolulu, where heritage sites and natural beauty spots are just a stroll away. The city’s commitment to improving walkability is evident, with a Walk Score of 65.7. Recent initiatives include enhanced stroller safety and comfort, like improved signage and walkers-only zones.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis prides itself on creating a harmonious blend of easily accessible historical attractions and locations. Pathways adorned with extraordinary greenery and public art make touring afoot pleasurable. These concerted efforts give St. Louis a Walk Score of 65.7.

Baltimore, Maryland

Maritime history meets modern convenience in Baltimore’s walk-friendly Fells Point, where traditional allure and contemporary amenities create a vibrant pedestrian atmosphere. A Walk Score 64.3 highlights Baltimore’s focus on turning historic districts into foot-friendly via various civic development projects.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh’s old-world charm and modern vibrancy meet, inviting exploration on foot due to its diverse neighborhood layouts and unique topography. Efforts to enrich stroller connectivity and security have boosted Pittsburgh’s Walk Score to 62.4, making it a fascinating place to discover afoot.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Walking via Milwaukee’s Third Ward and along the riverside offers rich stroller encounters that attract residents and tourists all year long. Reflecting its dedication to creating and maintaining walkable civic locales, it achieves a Walk Score of 61.5. Ongoing improvements, including upgraded lighting and expanded waterfront paths, contribute to the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Denver, Colorado

Denver’s well-planned layout supports walker activities, especially in Downtown and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Its blend of cityscape and natural surroundings enhances the feel of discovering afoot, adding to a Walk Score 61.2. This comfort makes it perfect for those who embrace active living habits in a dynamic setting.