These are some of America’s most beautiful and walkable US cities
When you plan a trip and finally reach your dream destination, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll get around all the places on your bucket list. Trust me, you won’t want to waste time and money on record-high gas prices or other logistics.
So it’s wise to go somewhere you can explore on foot, right? Well, you’re in luck! The United States has many major cities that are stunning and also happen to be some of the most walkable in the world.
After all, roaming the city streets is the best way to experience a cultural hub to its fullest, where you can grab a bite of local street food and stumble upon some hidden gems.
So what are we waiting for? Check out the 7 most walkable US cities for this year based on their walking scores.
New York, New York
-Walk Score: 88
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in New York: Little Italy, Bowery, and NoLita
The Big Apple, the biggest city in the country, is also one of the most walkable US cities. Famous for its iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the renowned Statue of Liberty, NYC is famous for its walkability.
Busy neighborhoods with eateries and shops on every corner, ample public transportation, and 12,000 miles of sidewalks help make exploring this city on foot easier than ever.
Residents take this to heart, too; a mere 45% of NYC residents have a car, and even fewer use a vehicle to commute. New York City continues prioritizing pedestrian safety, decreasing fatalities, and improving walkability throughout the entire city.
Programs like Open Streets and Parks Without Borders and efforts to expand green spaces like the East River Esplanade and the High Line are just a few ways the city invests in pedestrians yearly.
Miami, Florida
-Walk Score: 77
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Miami: Flagler Heights, Downtown Miami, and Wynwood-Edgewater
Forget about your car and take a walk through sunny Miami, considered the 6th most walkable US city in the US. This neck of the woods combines bustling city life with the charm of beautiful oceanscapes, catering to all kinds of lifestyles.
This is one of the most walkable US cities because it’s characterized by landmarks like the Wynwood Walls, the Miami Riverwalk Trail, and The Wharf. Miami’s distinctive neighborhoods and famous beaches also add to the city’s walkability.
Surfside and South Beach provide picturesque walking paths along the shoreline, while Coconut Grove and Little Havana are lively and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with conveniences everywhere you turn.
You can also take the Metrobus, Metrorail, or Metromover to many spots throughout this fun city. With a rising emphasis on mixed-use developments and public spaces, it’s easier than ever to explore the area’s unique landscapes on foot.
But that’s not all! Miami is continuously working on dozens of walkability initiatives, including Baywalk, Miami 21, and Little Havana Me Importa.
Boston, Massachusetts
-Walk Score: 83
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Boston: Chinatown-Leather District, Beacon Hill, and North End
Boston is a charming historic city well-known for its walkable streets and compact layout. With amenities on every street and a network of parks and green spaces, pedestrians are the main priority here, and walking is encouraged.
One of the biggest highlights is the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which passes by 17 places that are highly significant to our nation’s history. The Boston Common is another prominent landmark that’s easily accessible on foot.
This walkable US city’s walkability is multiplied by its efficient and robust public transportation system.
Also known as the “T,” Boston’s public transit includes ferries, buses, and over 153 subway stations seamlessly integrating into the city’s diverse and dense neighborhoods.
This city is also continuously working to improve walkability and create more accessible spaces for the public. Go Boston 2030, WalkBoston, and Safety Surge are 3 examples that Boston hopes will soon make it the most walkable US city in the nation.
Washington, DC
-Walk Score: 77
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Washington, DC: Dupont Circle, U-Street, and Mount Vernon Square
Our nation’s capital is considered the 5th most walkable US city in America. Developed over 200 years ago with pedestrians in mind, this metropolis has a navigable circular grid, a very efficient metro system, and wide sidewalks and tree-lined avenues.
The area’s famous museums, national monuments, and well-maintained public spaces provide an enjoyable and effortless walking experience.
Due to this walkable US city’s tight layout, it’s easy to take the Metro to the Smithsonian, walk to the National Mall, or wander through Rock Creek Park. On top of all that Washington, DC, is still undertaking many big projects striving to improve walkability.
For instance, MoveDC focuses on enhancing pedestrian and transit infrastructure. Then there’s the DC Circulator, connecting more walking and transit routes. And finally, the Pedestrian Program is working on making high-traffic corridors safer.
San Francisco, California
-Walk Score: 89
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in San Francisco: Tenderloin, Chinatown, and Polk Gulch
Don’t let all those hills fool you. San Fran is at the top of the list for most walkable US cities. The compact and historic city is home to hundreds of accessible world-class amenities, quite a few popular parks, including the Golden Gate Park, and a walkable street layout.
Famous landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge are easily accessible on foot, but the city has many others, as well. In a nutshell, this is the type of place that, no matter what you’re looking for, you can most likely walk to it.
Jumping onto a BART train or bus for longer trips is also easy. There are many stations everywhere throughout the entire Bay Area, helping eliminate the need for a vehicle.
San Francisco is also dedicated to improving its status as a walkable US city even further, though.
Programs like the Pedestrian Program are looking to effectively and quickly improve intersections, renovate significant streets, add public transportation, and increase school safety.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
-Walk Score: 75
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Philadelphia: Rittenhouse, Avenue of the Arts South, and Washington Square West
Famous for its incredible history and unique cuisine, Philadelphia is another one of the most walkable US cities nationwide.
The area is densely populated and has unlimited amenities and activities for pedestrians, like shopping at the Reading Terminal Market, strolling through Rittenhouse Square, or eating at one of the hundreds of local eateries.
Philly’s public transportation is also top-notch, adding to the region’s walkability status. Also, this city demonstrates its commitment to pedestrians through many initiatives and projects.
For instance, the Schuylkill River Trail expansion will improve and extend the famous pedestrian greenway, and The Rail Park project strives to transform old railways into miles upon miles of beautiful walking trails.
Chicago, Illinois
-Walk Score: 77
-Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Chicago: Near North Side, Wicker Park, and West Loop
Chicago is the 4th most walkable US city in the nation. Distinguished by its lakefront parks, iconic gridded streets, and efficient public transportation system, walking is a no-brainer in the Windy City!
And when it’s too wet or cold to walk around, the Pedway provides five miles of bridges and tunnels that connect downtown. Like Boston, Chicago’s public transit system, a.k.a. the CTA, is accessible and widespread, promoting walkability throughout the municipality.
It’s also easy to take a bus to Wrigley Field, the “L” to Millennium Park, or wander along the Riverwalk and Navy Pier. Pro Tip: You might want to pack a camera for this one!
The city is also working on the Chicago Pedestrian Plan currently, which focuses on improving road safety and sidewalk infrastructure to make it even more of a walkable US city.
It’s even collaborating on Elevated Chicago, a multi-sector project concentrating on equity through walking, transit, biking, and opening up public spaces.
What do you think about these walkable US cities? Have you ever visited any of them? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
And if you liked this article, we highly recommend you also read: 5 US Cities Culture Lovers Will Want to Visit Immediately
