The current average cost of a new car is close to $49,000, nearing a record high. Used car prices are also approaching all-time highs due to a surge during the pandemic that has not subsided, making car ownership one of the significant financial burdens faced by Americans.
A recent survey revealed that nearly half of Americans believe that car expenses are hindering their financial stability. However, owning a car is almost a necessity in most U.S. cities, leading to a divide between car owners and non-owners, often with racial implications, affecting socioeconomic opportunities and health outcomes.
This underscores the importance of having alternative transportation options in cities, where it is feasible to navigate without a car. In this piece, Redfin real estate showcases the top 10 U.S. cities where living without a car is viable, ranked based on their “Car-Free Score.”
These cities offer well-established public transportation systems, walkable neighborhoods, and robust bike infrastructure. More details on the methodology used for ranking can be found below.
>> Explore more about the most walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly cities
1. Cambridge, MA
Car-Free Score: 84.6 | Walk Score: 90 | Bike Score: 96 | Transit Score: 70
Home to prestigious institutions like Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge boasts a blend of historic neighborhoods that make it the top city in the U.S. for car-free living. It excels in all aspects of walkability, bikeability, and transit accessibility.
- Walking: Cambridge is designed on a human scale, with neighborhoods such as Harvard Square and Central Square offering essential amenities within walking distance, making daily errands convenient.
- Biking: The city is a national leader in bike infrastructure, featuring protected lanes on major roads like Massachusetts Ave and Broadway, numerous Bluebikes stations, and seamless connections to regional trails.
- Public transportation: Connected to Greater Boston by the MBTA Red Line subway, Cambridge provides easy access to the city with stops at Harvard, Porter, Central, and Kendall. Bus routes complement the subway network.
Explore available properties in Cambridge: Homes for sale | Houses for rent | Apartments for rent
2. New York, NY
Car-Free Score: 81.5 | Walk Score: 88 | Bike Score: 69 | Transit Score: 89
New York City is one of the most car-free friendly cities in the U.S., with less than half of residents owning a car. The city’s dense neighborhoods, reliable transit, and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to live without a car.
- Walking: Manhattan neighborhoods like the West Village, SoHo, and the Upper West Side are highly walkable, with shops, services, and parks within a short distance. While the outer areas are