The 12 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. — Where You Can Ditch the Car & Still Go Far

Picture this. You just left the office on a Friday night. You’re in the mood for takeout, and you’re passing dozens of restaurants on your way home. You don’t have to get in the car, and you can wait out rush hour on transit while you dine on sushi, taking in the city views. When you live in one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., “making my way downtown, walking fast, faces pass, and I’m homebound” isn’t just a quippy lyric — it’s your reality.

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.

How We Chose the Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.

Are there any walkable cities in the U.S.? You bet! There are lots, actually, and to determine the most walkable cities in the U.S., we turned to the experts at Walk Score. They look at how easy it is to walk from your home to stuff you need daily, like grocery stores, coffee shops, and parks. The closer those things are (within about a 5-minute walk for top points), the higher the score. As you can imagine, Walk Score favors grid systems with lots of intersections versus winding suburban cul-de-sacs and long roads. Cities like New York or San Francisco get high marks because they’re dense with short blocks and everything nearby, making it possible to ditch the car for daily errands.

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. 

The Golden City of San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., earning Walk Score’s top-rated spot.

1. San Francisco, CA

• Walkability score: 89
• Transit score: 77
• Cost of living: 145.5% higher than U.S. average

What is the most walkable city in the U.S.? That honor goes to the Golden City of San Francisco, which is characterized by its distinct neighborhoods and districts, each with its own charm and culture — and here’s what living in San Francisco is really like. 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 on 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.

2. 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 on foot, living in NYC also means having plenty of access to top-notch public transit through the MTA, including the subway, the Long Island Rail Road (Also called “The LIRR”), and over 320 bus routes. In fact, in the five New York City boroughs, you're never more than a few minutes away from a subway station!

More than 8.4 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 One World Observatory.

3. Jersey City, NJ

• Walkability score: 87
• Transit score: 70
• Cost of living: 39.5% higher than U.S. average

Jersey City is located along the Hudson River and is well known as one of the best places to live in New Jersey. It offers a variety of amenities and attractions that cater to different lifestyles, as well as magnificent views of New York City.

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 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. Plus, PATH gets you in and out of Manhattan easily.

Boston is ranked as one of the most walkable cities in America, as well as one of the best places to live overall.

4. 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.

There are some pros and cons of living in Boston, but one perk is that the city is a great choice for those who want to further their education, as it offers several prominent universities and institutions, including MIT, Harvard, and Boston University. Public transit 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.

5. 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 the Midwest region. It offers a variety of great amenities and is also quite easy to get around on foot. Like most major cities, there are pros and cons of living in Chicago — one con being its reputation for high crime rates — but there are still many safe areas in the city where people can raise their families. 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, hot dogs from Portillo’s, or caramel-cheese popcorn from Garrett, anyone?

6. Washington, DC

• Walkability score: 77
• Transit score: 69
• Cost of living: 51.9% higher than U.S. average

Of course, Washington, DC belongs on the list of the most walkable cities in the U.S. — the national capital’s distinct neighborhoods and iconic grid make exploring a breeze on foot, supported by one of the nation’s top-rated public transit systems: The Metro.

You’re never far from a station or bus line connecting you to notable DC neighborhoods, which are filled with museums, parks, and vibrant corridors like U Street or Georgetown. Home to nearly 700,000 residents, DC is a hub for government, tech, and non-profit careers. Culture is baked into the city’s history, an attribute that carries on today with world-class museums on the National Mall, historic theaters, and a legendary live music scene. And walkability here means history is at your doorstep, whether it’s the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, or the charming row houses of Capitol Hill.

In addition to being one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., 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 — but if you’re looking for a quieter scene, there are plenty of safe Miami neighborhoods perfect for families, retirees, and more.

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 transit system with over 95 bus routes; however, you can typically get 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. Newark, NJ

• Walkability score: 76
• Transit score: 65
• Cost of living: 35% higher than U.S. average

Interested in the most walkable small cities? Take a look at the city of Newark. It’s close to the booming metropolis of NYC but has its own communal feel and a notably diverse population, which makes it not only one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., but also one of the most culturally vibrant. With easy access to various transportation facilities, including the Newark Liberty International Airport and several NJ Transit stations throughout the city, Jersey City is 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. Considering relocating to the Garden State? Check out this New Jersey Moving Guide.

9. Oakland, CA

• Walkability score: 75
• Transit score: 57
• Cost of living: 95.5% higher than U.S. average

Moving to California but want an area with a little more grit and less glam? Oakland, California, is a vibrant gem in the Bay Area that’s described as culturally distinct, incredibly diverse, and filled with rich history — take its favorable weather conditions into account, and it’s no wonder Oakland is one of the most walkable cities in America! While notoriously hilly in parts, its core neighborhoods, like bustling Downtown and arts-rich Uptown, offer pedestrian access to BART stations if you need a brief respite from the urban climb.

The city is often called “San Francisco’s Brooklyn” because it pulses with a distinct cultural energy, from its legendary music history to monthly First Fridays art walks. Residents enjoy a unique blend of urban and natural access, where a short walk can lead to scenic Lake Merritt, waterfront trails, or stunning redwood parks, all with iconic Bay views.

With a walkscore of 75, getting around on foot in Philly is a breeze.
(Source: Visit Philly via Facebook)

10. 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 safe Philadelphia neighborhoods 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 transit options make getting around on foot a breeze. SEPTA makes it easy to navigate the city and some parts of Jersey, while Amtrak trains connect Philly to Harrisburg, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston, so residents can easily travel to nearby major cities without a car.

11. Seattle, WA

• Walkability score: 74
• Transit score: 60
• Cost of living: 58.1% higher than U.S. average

Seattle residents enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest while also enjoying the amenities of a big city. Plus, no matter your personality or preferences, chances are one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle will be a perfect fit for your specific lifestyle. Want some public transit to break up those long city walks? 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. Not to mention the Pacific Northwest offers plenty of nature to explore.

12. 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 America, is known for its diverse communities and distinct beach vibe. With its expansive waterfront, living in Long Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities for residents, including sailing, paddleboarding, 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 earns the 5th spot on our list of the most walkable cities in the U.S.

Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. — FAQs

Q: What is the most walkable city in America?
A: What is the most walkable city in the U.S.? San Francisco earned Walk Score’s designation as the most walkable city in America, but others include New York, Jersey City, and Boston.

Q: What is the most unwalkable city in the U.S.?
A: When looking at cities with a population of more than one million residents, Walk Score rates Dallas, Texas, as the most unwalkable large city in the nation. This is due to its sprawling, car-centric design with low-density development, long block lengths, and a lack of centralized amenities within walking distance for most residents.

Q: What city is known as the walking 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.

Move to One of the Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. With PODS

Picked your favorite from the list of the most walkable cities in the U.S.? Make your move to a new city flexible with PODS portable moving containers. PODS can deliver a portable moving storage container right to your driveway. Once you're ready, they will also take it to your new residence. With one month's storage included in the cost of every move, you can easily load and unload your belongings at your own pace.

Need a helping hand with that loading and unloading? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Walkability and transit scores were obtained from Walk Score, and cost of living percentages were obtained from BestPlaces.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}