Exploring a city on foot is a delightful experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, culture, and scenery. Walking not only offers numerous health benefits but also helps reduce your carbon footprint compared to driving or taking a taxi.
Walkability factors such as population density, intersection density, block length, and proximity to amenities like restaurants and grocery stores determine a city’s Walk Score. The higher the density and amenities, the more walkable the city is.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top ten most walkable cities in the U.S. according to Walk Score, exploring their amenities, infrastructure, and market trends. Whether you’re a current resident or looking for a new place to live, join us as we uncover the most walkable cities in the United States.
Note: The list includes cities with a population of 200,000 or greater.
1. San Francisco, CA
- Walk Score: 89
- Median Sale Price: $1,400,000
- Median Rent Price: $2,697
- Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Tenderloin, Polk Gulch
Despite its hilly terrain, San Francisco tops the list as the most walkable city in the U.S. The city boasts historic parks, world-class amenities, and easily accessible iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco is committed to enhancing walkability through programs like the Pedestrian Program and initiatives like Slow Streets and Play Streets.
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2. New York, NY
- Walk Score: 88
- Median Sale Price: $735,000
- Median Rent Price: $2,804
- Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Bowery, NoLita, Little Italy
New York City, the bustling metropolis, ranks as the second-most walkable city in the U.S. Known for its dense neighborhoods, extensive public transportation, and miles of sidewalks, New York City offers a pedestrian-friendly environment. Initiatives like Open Streets and Parks Without Borders aim to enhance pedestrian safety and green spaces.
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3. Boston, MA
Boston, known for its historic charm and walkable streets, offers a compact layout with amenities on every block and a network of parks. The city’s efficient public transportation system, including buses, ferries, and subway stations, complements its walkability. Initiatives like WalkBoston and Go Boston 2030 aim to make Boston the most walkable city in the country.
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4. Chicago, IL
Chicago, the Windy City, ranks as the fourth-most walkable city in the U.S. with its gridded streets, skyscrapers, and lakefront parks. The city’s public transit system, the CTA, provides easy access to attractions like Millennium Park and Wrigley Field. Chicago’s pedestrian-friendly initiatives like the Chicago Pedestrian Plan and Elevated Chicago aim to enhance sidewalk infrastructure and public spaces.
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5. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is the fifth-most walkable city in the U.S. Designed with pedestrians in mind over 200 years ago, the city offers an efficient metro system, a navigable grid, and well-maintained public spaces. Initiatives like MoveDC and the DC Circulator focus on improving pedestrian and transit infrastructure, making it easier to explore the city on foot.
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6. Miami, FL
Miami, the sixth-most walkable city in the U.S., offers a unique blend of urban amenities and scenic beauty. Neighborhoods like South Beach and Coconut Grove provide pedestrian-friendly paths along the shoreline, while public transportation options like Metrorail and Metrobus make it easy to navigate the city. Miami’s focus on public spaces and mixed-use developments enhances the overall walkability.
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7. Oakland, CA
Oakland, the seventh-most walkable city, offers gorgeous landscapes, vibrant neighborhoods, and a robust public transportation system. The city’s proximity to San Francisco and accessible transportation options like BART and AC Transit make it easy to get around without a car. Initiatives like the 5-Year Paving Plan and Lake Merritt Station Area Plan focus on improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.
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8. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the eighth-most walkable city, is known for its unique cuisine and rich history. The city’s dense population, diverse activities, and world-class public transportation enhance its walkability. Projects like the Schuylkill River Trail expansion and The Rail Park transformation demonstrate Philadelphia’s commitment to pedestrians and green spaces.
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9. Seattle, WA
Seattle, the ninth-most walkable city despite its rainy reputation, offers a blend of history, hills, and stunning views. The city’s tech-driven growth has brought density and amenities, improving walkability. Initiatives like the Pedestrian Master Plan aim to enhance pedestrian infrastructure and green spaces throughout the city.
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10. Long Beach, CA
- Walk Score: 73
- Median Sale Price: $855,000
- Median Rent Price: $2,150
- Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Downtown, Eastside, St. Mary
Long Beach, the tenth-most walkable city, offers a mix of urban amenities and sunny weather by the ocean. The city’s Beach Streets, Mobility Element, and Safe Streets LB initiatives focus on pedestrian safety and green spaces, making it a joy to explore the city on foot.
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Looking Ahead
The most walkable cities prioritize accessible public spaces, dense urban planning, and robust public transportation. Some cities have implemented pedestrian-friendly initiatives that have remained post-pandemic, showcasing the benefits of reducing car reliance. By investing in pedestrian infrastructure and green spaces, cities can work towards ambitious emissions goals and create a more sustainable environment.
Methodology
Data sourced from Walk Score, a Redfin company, rates cities on a scale from 0-100 based on factors like proximity to amenities, population density, and block length. Walk Score and housing market data were collected in February 2025. The list includes cities with a population of 200,000 or greater.