Walking is a healthy and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation that can also be an enjoyable way to explore a city. Some cities in the United States have prioritized walking by investing in pedestrian infrastructure and promoting walkability through policies and programs. These efforts have led to excellent public transportation, bike lanes, and open public spaces. As a result, residents and visitors alike can easily walk to their destinations, enjoy beautiful landscapes and architecture, and experience the local culture. Join ViewCation as we look at the most walkable cities in the U.S.
Denver, CO
The city of Denver has been steadily improving its walkability thanks to the Foot Traffic Ahead program launched in 2019. Neighborhoods such as Downtown, Five Points, and Capitol Hill have seen the benefits of improved public transportation, dining, and entertainment options. The city’s picturesque setting against the Rockies has played a key role in its success, with infrastructure changes focusing on creative design and moving away from urban sprawl.
One of Denver’s most significant transformations was turning Lower Downtown (LoDo) into a historic district, leading to a boom in development. LoDo offers a mix of historical and modern establishments, making it an ideal location for walkers. Union Station, which serves as a major transportation hub, offers a rich history as well as a range of entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
Minneapolis, MN
Despite being one of the coldest cities in the United States, with an average low temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit, Minneapolis is known for its high walkability. Over 7 percent of residents choose to walk or bike to work, making it one of the highest percentages in the nation. Even during the winter months, Minneapolis remains a walkable city with the help of the Minneapolis Skyway. The Minneapolis Skyway is the world’s largest climate-controlled enclosed pedestrian bridge, spanning 11 miles and connecting 80 blocks of downtown with retail, office space, and restaurants.
Minneapolis also has over 80 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails throughout the city. Some of these include the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 50-mile off-street loop around the city, and the Midtown Greenway, a 6-mile rail trail that goes through the city. For those who prefer to stay in the heart of the city, the 12-block pedestrian Nicollet Mall in the central business district provides ample space to walk and explore.
Oakland, CA
Oakland, California, is emerging as a desirable alternative to San Francisco, with its affordability, diversity, great restaurant scene, and fewer hills. Oakland is underrated compared to its neighboring city, which is why it has fewer tourists and more hidden gems. Walking around Oakland is more relaxed than San Francisco, and it is even warmer and less foggy. Oakland has compact neighborhoods perfect for walking, and the city has many green spaces to explore, including the Oakland Zoo and Lake Merritt. The busy neighborhoods like Chinatown, Waverly, and Jack London Square are ideal for an urban ramble, and strolling on Broadway will give visitors a taste of a bustling city experience. Oakland boasts a bustling waterfront bar scene and historic neighborhoods such as Grand Lake Theatre and Jack London Square that are worth a visit. Redwood Regional Park is a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and is reachable by public transportation.
Chicago, IL
Chicago is the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States and has a population of almost three million. Despite its large population, the city has a robust public transportation system and a relatively low number of pedestrian fatalities. One of the city’s biggest projects, the 606, has vastly improved the walkability of several neighborhoods. The project is a three-mile-long green space that connects four neighborhoods and parks, providing a place for the community to interact and new shortcuts to work. Chicago also has several other projects like Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic crashes that can be fatal to pedestrians. “Make Way for People” is another initiative by the city to create walkable green spaces by opening streets and parking lots.
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach has become an attractive option for those looking to go car-free in Southern California, and as a result, it has seen a recent influx of residents. The city has several walkable neighborhoods, including Saint Mary, the Franklin School, and Downtown, which offer a plethora of restaurants and shops to explore. Despite being an industrial city, Long Beach has a compact downtown core with easy access to attractions such as the Queen Mary ship, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the beach. In addition, Long Beach has a unique and vibrant district called “Retro Row” that attracts many visitors. With its 5.5 miles of beautiful coastline, Long Beach has become one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., with several public waterways and parks to explore along the marina at Belmont Park and Naples. The city’s success in creating a walkable environment could serve as a model for neighboring cities looking to attract more residents by developing similar walkable neighborhoods.
Seattle, WA
Seattle may not seem like the most walkable city due to its hilly terrain and frequent rain, but it still ranks highly among the most walkable cities in the U.S. The city’s convenience and accessibility make it easy for residents to walk, with well-planned bus routes and local conveniences within walking range. Staircases make the hills more manageable, and residents’ activism for walkability has resulted in excellent public transportation, bike trails, and open public areas.
Seattle’s most walkable neighborhoods include Downtown, Belltown, and the International District, which offer excellent public transportation and easy access to open public areas. However, the city’s hilly terrain makes walking between some areas challenging, and walking around the city in rainy weather can be difficult. Despite this, Seattleites are used to commuting on foot and have become adjusted to walking even on rainy days.
Miami, FL
Miami is a unique city with a dynamic approach to walkability that sets it apart from other cities in the U.S. The city regularly shuts down major roads to motorists, making them accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists.
Miami has a high ranking among the most walkable cities in the U.S., thanks to its small urban meccas that offer pedestrian-friendly access to a range of amenities, including child care centers, restaurants, parks, and medical facilities. The city is also committed to ongoing projects like the Underline, which will create open-air gyms, gardens, and walking paths under the Metrorail.
Exploring Miami on foot is the best way to experience the city’s colorful neighborhoods and friendly locals. Visitors can relax on the beach, take in the city’s art deco architecture from the sidewalk, or stroll down Calle Ocho at night. Some of the most walk-friendly neighborhoods include Little Havana, Wynwood-Edgewater, and Downtown,
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a city known for its balanced urban development and many walkable areas. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for walking include U-Street, Mount Vernon Square, and Dupont Circle, as well as Georgetown’s historic cobblestone sidewalks. The city has excellent pedestrian infrastructure, and residents have easy access to lively shops, art galleries, and even the National Zoo.
Washington, DC also has several walkability plans and policies, including a Pedestrian Master Plan and exceptional Design and Engineering manuals, which demonstrate the city’s commitment to promoting walkability. The city’s most prominent greenway is the National Mall, a 2.5-mile memorial park that offers easy walkable access from the Potomac to Capitol Hill.
In addition to tourists, lawmakers, lobbyists, students, artists, and diplomats, Washingtonians themselves enjoy walking between destinations. Over 95 percent of Washingtonians live within a half-mile of a Metro station, and many neighborhoods away from downtown are their own walkable main streets, such as U Street, Georgetown, Union Market, and Adams Morgan.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a city that has been designed for walking since its establishment in 1682, with a rich history and infrastructure that make it ideal for pedestrian activity. It ranked eighth in the most populous cities and recorded only 29 pedestrian fatalities in 2019. Philadelphia’s historical districts, such as the Liberty Bell, are particularly conducive to walking and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Rittenhouse Square, Avenue of the Arts South, and Center City West are the top three neighborhoods with a 100% walk score. Philadelphia’s excellent public transportation, bike lanes, and walkability make it a paradise for pedestrians. The city’s layout, which is not hemmed in by large bodies of water like Boston and New York, allows for horizontal growth. It is also situated between two rivers, making much of the city an easy, flat walk. With its rich history, cobblestone streets, and abundant green spaces, Philadelphia is an ideal city for those who love walking and exploring.
Boston, MA
Boston’s Downtown and Back Bay areas are mostly landfills, allowing for green spaces, parks, and walking trails. Despite the famous hill neighborhoods such as Bunker, Beacon, and Mission, walking has been a significant part of Boston’s culture. Boston is a compact city with short, topographically necessary blocks that make it uniquely walkable compared to its larger Northeast Corridor neighbors. It also has an extensive subway system known as the T, which ranks third in the nation’s transit score. Boston’s famous landmarks and interesting neighborhoods, such as Beacon Hill, Bay Village, and North End, are all within a short walking distance, but visitors must be prepared for narrow streets and windy hills. These walkable areas offer some of the best urban scenery in the country.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and its reputation as the second most walkable city in the United States. Its safe pedestrian infrastructure and facilities make it a comfortable place to explore on foot or by public transportation, such as BART, MUNI, or bus. Despite its challenging hills, San Francisco has a healthy population with the lowest rates of obesity, asthma, and diabetes in the country, thanks to its residents’ active lifestyles. The city’s love for walking, biking, and public transit has a positive impact on the environment, with residents actively avoiding driving.
The city’s diverse cultural background makes it an exciting and vibrant place to live, with many unique neighborhoods to explore, including Chinatown and Tenderloin, which are 100% walkable. Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, and the Embarcadero Center are just a few of the many extremely walkable locales in the city.
New York City, NY
New York City is considered the most walkable city in the United States, with a Walkscore of 99. Manhattan is the most walkable borough, followed closely by the Bronx. The city is easy to navigate due to its simple numbered grid system, and has a large number of walkable parks, commercial centers, and social hubs. Most New Yorkers walk between two and five miles each day, and over 10% of them walk to work. The city also boasts the largest transit system in the country, with a top transit score and extensive bike and bike-share lanes. Despite its high population density, New York City has one of the lowest rates of pedestrian fatalities in the country, with only 1.38 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents. Many of the city’s neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Union Square, and the West Village, are particularly walk-friendly and offer access to world-class restaurants.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Have you ever been to any walkable neighborhoods in Long Beach, Chicago, Minneapolis, or on this list? Do you do well to share your experience with us if you have?