The Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.

Spring has sprung – at least it has in some areas of the country. The birds are returning, green grass is popping up through the snow, and we are all itching to get out more and explore our cities. So does your city make the list of the Most Walkable Cities in the country? Walkable cities have high clusters of employers, civic institutions, medical centers, retail shops and cultural assets, according to a recent report, Foot Traffic Ahead: Ranking Walkable Urbanism in America’s Largest Metros.

Based on the report, here is the list of the Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.:

1. Washington, D.C.: The nation’s capital earned the top spot this year, not just because it has the highest percentage of office and retail space, but because that space is evenly distributed between the central city and its suburbs, unlike New York and other cities. Plus, residents here can walk – or get easy transportation to –some of the most historic buildings and sites in the country.
2. New York City, NY: While much of New York is “walkable”, it is primarily Manhattan that gets top marks. While it only houses 10% of the city’s population, it contains 89% of great things to walk to, including the expansive and beautiful Central Park, the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museums, and some of the best retail shops in the world.
3. Boston, MA: This city is home to the first U.S. subway system and many walkable neighborhoods, including Cambridge and Riverside. Residents here can easily catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or visit Boston Common, the oldest park in the U.S.
4. San Francisco, CA: San Franciscans are some of the healthiest, happiest people in the country, in part because they get to be outside so often. It is often easier to walk to work or to buy groceries than it is to drive in SF. Residents have the chance to visit Golden Gate park, Fisherman’s Wharf and the many cultural and art events going on throughout the city.
5. Chicago, IL: Chicago has a gorgeous, walkable downtown and many walkable neighborhoods, connected by great city transportation. Apartment dwellers who live here love strolling through Millennium Park, visiting the Navy Pier, walking to restaurants or shopping along the infamous Magnificent Mile.
6. Seattle, WA: Major corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks are some of the top businesses that residents can walk to, and a new light rail line connects the city.
7. Portland, OR: It is no wonder that Portland’s residents are so healthy: it is considered the most walking- friendly and biking-friendly city on the West Coast. Most of its neighborhoods have walkable food cart pods, supermarkets, movie theaters and cafes.
8. Atlanta, GA: In addition to its modern, walkable downtown, Atlanta’s suburban neighborhoods are also very walkable with their beautiful, tree-lined streets. Plus, the city’s Marta light rail serves the airport and some commuter suburbs.
9. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh has a great public transportation system and its most walkable neighborhoods include the Central Business District, which houses some major corporations, and the Friendship district.

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