Football fans are no strangers to the hustle and bustle of game day, from navigating long drives to finding parking in crowded lots. A recent study near Yankee Stadium revealed that travel times increased by over 6% on game days, underscoring the impact major events can have on city traffic.
In response, cities and teams are reevaluating how stadiums integrate with their surroundings. For instance, the Washington Commanders recently approved a $3.8 billion plan to return to D.C., centered around a 65,000-seat venue at the old RFK Stadium site. This redevelopment includes housing, retail spaces, and public parks, reflecting a growing trend towards mixed-use, transit-oriented developments.
To highlight which teams are embracing this concept, Redfin analyzed all 30 NFL stadiums based on Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score to identify the most accessible stadiums without requiring a car, along with the cost of living nearby.
The top 10 NFL stadiums fans can reach without a car
1. Lumen Field: Seattle Seahawks (Seattle, WA)
Overall score: 94 | Walk Score: 89 | Transit Score: 100 | Bike Score: 92
Situated just south of Downtown Seattle, Lumen Field is located in one of the most connected areas of the city. Fans can easily access the stadium via light rail, bus, or bike from nearby neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or West Seattle, while others opt for a leisurely stroll from Pioneer Square or the International District.
The median home price in Seattle is approximately $853,750, with average rent at $2,130 per month. While it may be one of the more expensive markets on the list, the convenience of a car-free lifestyle adds to the area’s allure for fans.
Read>> The Top 10 Cities Where You Can Live Car-Free
2. U.S. Bank Stadium: Minnesota Vikings (Minneapolis, MN)
Overall score: 88 | Walk Score: 85 | Transit Score: 85 | Bike Score: 94
Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, U.S. Bank Stadium is surrounded by apartments, parks, and cafes that remain vibrant year-round. The city’s light rail and bike lanes make it effortless for fans to attend games from various neighborhoods across the metro.
In Minneapolis, the average home price is $353,250, with rents around $1,641, offering relatively easy access at moderate costs.
3. M&T Bank Stadium: Baltimore Ravens (Baltimore, MD)
Overall score: 82 | Walk Score: 77 | Transit Score: 84 | Bike Score: 84
Situated near Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor, M&T Bank Stadium provides fans with an authentic downtown experience. The Light RailLink stops directly at the stadium gates, and an array of hotels, restaurants, and trails are within walking distance.
Homes in Baltimore typically cost around $221,000, with average rents at $1,909, making it one of the more budget-friendly markets on the list.
4. Ford Field: Detroit Lions (Detroit, MI)
Overall score: 72 | Walk Score: 80 | Transit Score: 77 | Bike Score: 58
Nestled in the heart of Detroit’s revitalized downtown, Ford Field is surrounded by restaurants, theaters, and landmarks like Greektown. Fans can utilize the QLine streetcar or the People Mover for easy transportation without the need for a car.
In the Detroit area, home prices average around $97,000, while renters typically pay around $1,275, offering affordability within steps of the stadium.
5. Soldier Field: Chicago Bears (Chicago, IL)
Overall score: 72 | Walk Score: 51 | Transit Score: 79 | Bike Score: 85
Despite being one of the oldest stadiums in the league, Soldier Field’s lakefront location along Lake Michigan maintains its status as one of the most scenic and accessible venues. Fans often take the CTA Red Line or enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Lakefront Trail to reach the gates.
In the Chicago area, homes average around $374,000, with rents near $2,506, reflecting the city’s central waterfront appeal.
6. Bank of America Stadium: Carolina Panthers (Charlotte, NC)
Overall score: 69 | Walk Score: 72 | Transit Score: 70 | Bike Score: 65
Anchoring Uptown Charlotte, Bank of America Stadium is surrounded by shops, parks, and new apartments. The city’s Blue Line light rail provides convenient access for fans, with short walks or bike rides connecting most of the district.
In Charlotte, homes average $415,000, with monthly rents around $1,680. The Uptown area is experiencing rapid growth, offering a vibrant urban lifestyle for residents.
7. Caesars Superdome: New Orleans Saints (New Orleans, LA)
Overall score: 66 | Walk Score: 47 | Transit Score: 74 | Bike Score: 77
Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, the Superdome is a short walk from the French Quarter and Warehouse District, providing fans with easy access to the city’s vibrant dining, entertainment, and nightlife scene. Many fans rely on the city’s bus and streetcar lines to reach the game, enhancing the local character.
In New Orleans, homes typically cost $305,500, with rents averaging $1,830, offering a relatively accessible option for city living.
8. Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta, GA)
Overall score: 66 | Walk Score: 63 | Transit Score: 78 | Bike Score: 57
Designed with mobility in mind, Mercedes-Benz Stadium connects directly to the MARTA rail system, providing fans with easy access from across Atlanta without the need for a car. Downtown sidewalks and nearby hotels further enhance the convenience of game-day transportation.
In Atlanta, homes typically sell for around $375,000, with monthly rents averaging about $1,930, in line with the costs of a major southern city center.
9. Acrisure Stadium: Pittsburgh Steelers (Pittsburgh, PA)
Overall score: 63 | Walk Score: 42 | Transit Score: 74 | Bike Score: 72
Situated on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, Acrisure Stadium is connected to downtown via pedestrian bridges and the Pittsburgh light rail. Many fans enjoy crossing the Roberto Clemente Bridge or biking along the riverfront before games.
In Pittsburgh, homes cost around $230,000, with rents averaging $1,890, offering affordable options in a centrally located district.
10. Cleveland Browns Stadium: Cleveland Browns (Cleveland, OH)
Overall score: 63 | Walk Score: 42 | Transit Score: 74 | Bike Score: 72
Perched on the Lake Erie waterfront, Cleveland Browns Stadium is within walking distance of downtown hotels, offices, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The RTA Waterfront Line and local bus routes make game-day travel a breeze.
In Cleveland, homes typically cost around $135,000, with rents averaging $1,665, providing excellent proximity at an affordable price point.
The Importance of Stadium Location
A stadium’s location goes beyond just access to seats; it influences the game-day experience, surrounding neighborhoods, and urban planning.
Enhancing the Fan Experience
The location of a stadium can significantly impact the game-day atmosphere. When fans can easily walk, bike, or take public transport to a game, it reduces traffic and parking challenges, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Studies have shown that improved access and shorter commutes often lead to higher attendance and increased time spent in nearby areas, benefiting local businesses as well.
Economic and Housing Effects
Walkable areas not only facilitate transportation but also attract more investment and housing demand. According to the World Economic Forum, walkable neighborhoods in major U.S. metro areas command significantly higher rents and home prices compared to car-dependent suburbs. Stadiums located in these connected districts can stimulate local businesses and property values, while also adding pressure to competitive housing markets.
Urban Planning Considerations
Cities are increasingly treating stadiums as integral parts of the urban landscape rather than standalone venues. When venues are connected to public transit, bike paths, and nearby amenities, they become integrated into the daily life of a neighborhood, fostering continuous economic activity and supporting local businesses year-round.
Future Developments in NFL Stadiums
Several NFL teams are embarking on new stadium projects or relocations, with a focus on enhancing connectivity, mixed-use development, and improved transportation access.
- Washington Commanders: The Commanders are set to return to D.C. with a new $3.8 billion stadium at the old RFK site, scheduled for completion by 2030. The project includes mixed-use development and enhanced transit access.
- Tennessee Titans: The Titans’ new East Bank stadium in Nashville is part of a larger plan to transform an old industrial area into a vibrant riverfront district. Set to open in 2027, the domed venue will be surrounded by parks, homes, and improved walking, biking, and transit options.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills are constructing a new stadium in Orchard Park with a transit hub to enhance bus and shuttle access on game days.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears are considering a move to Arlington Heights, northwest of Chicago, where a new enclosed stadium within a mixed-use district is being planned. However, the project has faced delays as funding and state approvals are being addressed.
Looking Towards the Future
As new stadiums emerge and existing venues undergo transformation, walkability is becoming a key aspect of how both cities and fans engage with sports. Studies have shown that residents experience increased walking, cycling, and social interaction when living in neighborhoods designed around mobility.
Research suggests that when stadiums are part of a connected, transit-friendly urban environment, they can help anchor neighborhoods and support long-term growth.
For homeowners, transportation access adds another dimension to neighborhood appeal. Living near a well-connected stadium offers easy access to local amenities and public transit, while also influencing housing demand and property values in the long run. For fans, it means more time enjoying the game and less time worrying about traffic or parking.
Methodology
To assess accessibility, we compiled the Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Scores for each of the 30 NFL stadiums using data from Walk Score, a Redfin company.
Housing and rental data are sourced from Redfin as of September 2025 and August 2025, respectively, representing citywide median values.