The Top 20 Most Walkable Big Cities in the U.S.

What exactly makes a city walkable? Naturally, it has to be pedestrian accessible to enable people to get from place to place on foot. However, there are other factors to consider, too. For instance, the pedestrian infrastructure must be safe, accessible to all people, sustainable, and resilient. Now that we’ve defined walkability, let’s read on to explore the top 20 most walkable big cities in the U.S.

1. Boston, MA

Quite appropriately, Boston, MA, has been deemed “The Walking City.” Despite the large size of this city, Boston has been designed to be pedestrian-friendly. Regardless of having one of the best public transport systems in the country, this city has made walking an adventure.

Restaurants are strategically interwoven into the pedestrian infrastructure, allowing locals and visitors alike to get a taste of Boston along the way. Shops and art dot the walking route as well. The scenery along the way, including the waterfront in many areas, makes walking a pleasurable and memorable experience.

2. Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital has been designated as a Gold-level community, in part because of its walking mode share. The planning and engineering behind Washington, DC’s pedestrian-friendly infrastructure has given it a very well-earned, walk-friendly reputation. In a sometimes controversial city, it’s a definite gold star for the planners who recognize the benefits of living in a walkable community.

Walking is more affordable than driving. Of course, it’s also better for the environment. Perhaps one of the most attractive features of living in a walkable city, though, is that all the walking makes its residents healthier and happier constituents.

3. New York City, NY

Boasting a network of bicycle lanes, the world’s largest rapid transit system, and 29,000 acres of green spaces, New York City is also one of the most walkable cities in the US. With all of this going for them, the Big Apple keeps its pedestrian infrastructure safe and maintained.

There is also a cohesiveness about the whole city when you walk around it. Social centers, art districts, and commercial districts flow together easily. People can see and feel the diversity of interwoven cultures that have made New York City the exciting place it is today.

4. Portland, OR

Convenient access to restaurants, parks, schools, libraries, and grocery stores helps to make Portland a highly walkable city. The trees that provide shade for pedestrians and crosswalks for safety are also factors in making this city pedestrian-friendly. Portland has also focused on equity by investing in infrastructure and safety features for walkers in communities of all income levels.

It’s clear that Portland has concentrated on the city’s livability factor. The walking network they’ve designed has mixed walking for pleasure with the residents’ daily needs. Walking to school or work is a daily habit for many Portland residents.

5. Seattle, WA

Since most Seattle residents can accomplish all their errands by walking rather than by taking a car, this city is one of the country’s most walkable. Boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops are all within walking distance. An urban-planning concept called the “15-minute city” is one in which people can get where they need to go and access their basic needs by walking or biking no more than 15 minutes from their homes. Consequently, Seattle is indeed a 15-minute city.

6. Chicago, IL

Safe sidewalks and connections to everyday amenities, like grocery stores, make Chicago one of the country’s most walkable cities. The city has been working in the past few years to create a more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Clearly, the effort has paid off, and Chicago is among the United States’ most walkable big cities.

7. Philadelphia, PA

Ease of access to local amenities is one of the factors that make Philadelphia such a walkable paradise. Rittenhouse Square is one of this big city’s most walkable neighborhoods. The sidewalks offer alfresco dining, and easy entrance into bars, theaters, restaurants, and art galleries. Being able to take in historical sites and natural beauty along the way adds to the pedestrian-friendly nature of Philly.

8. Las Vegas, NV

When someone mentions Las Vegas, many people envision the Las Vegas Strip. While the Strip is highly walkable, there are other surrounding communities with high walkability scores as well. While there are a multitude of walkability lists and types of scores, the ability to walk to get wherever you need to go makes Las Vegas highly walkable.

9. San Antonio, TX

There are some unique aspects to this city’s walkability. For instance, the River Walk is a network of various walkways that run alongside the San Antonio River. Parks also provide places to enjoy more leisurely walks. However, it’s the connectivity and safety that helps San Antonio’s walkability level.

10. San Francisco, CA

Since safety is one of the most important features of a pedestrian-friendly community, its reliable intersections and safe crosswalks are huge factors in San Francisco’s walkability. Residents can confidently stroll from home to the Farmers Market to work and back without putting themselves in danger. Slow streets, those spaces within neighborhoods that are safe for walking and biking, also give San Francisco the walkability seal of approval.

11. Minneapolis, MN

Whether walking to work or walking for your health and enjoyment, you’ll find that Minneapolis is pedestrian-friendly. There are picturesque parks with walking trails and walking paths that run along the Mississippi River and the multitude of lakes in this city that offer recreational walking. Incredibly, more than 92% of Minneapolis streets have sidewalks along both sides, creating a safe walking environment for all.

12. Long Beach, CA

Due to improvements to its pedestrian infrastructure, Long Beach has become one of the country’s topmost walkable big cities. The downtown area is alive with murals and street artists while the beach walking paths have incredible ocean views. The city has even implemented a free safety escort program that is available 7 days a week.

13. Santa Fe, NM

The downtown area of Santa Fe is a very walkable part of the city. All the residents’ daily trips can be made on foot. Most neighborhoods are also walkable and people can quickly and easily get from home to school, work, grocery stores, parks, and other activities. Its compact size accommodates people by allowing them to get from place to place in a short amount of time.

14. Charleston, SC

This South Carolina gem is reputed to move at a slower pace than many other cities in the US. That’s why so many people choose walking over driving. With most amenities within walking distance, there’s really no reason not to walk. Safe sidewalks and gorgeous and historic sights along the streets help to create a pedestrian-friendly environment.

15. New Orleans, LA

The downtown district of New Orleans has a concentration of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities within a 2-mile radius. This creates a 15-minute city feel and promotes walkability. The Arts District, Central Business District, and French Quarter all provide views of historic architecture and the local culture as people stroll along the sidewalks.

16. Honolulu, HI

There’s much more to Honolulu than just its imposing ocean waves and sandy beaches. The heart of its downtown area is only a few miles in area, making things accessible by foot. Pedestrians can walk to various restaurants, specialty shops, historical sites, and other attractions easily and rather quickly. The tropical weather makes all walking enjoyable.

17. Miami, FL

The city of Miami has several areas with different levels of walkability. The areas around Miami Beach have the highest levels of walkability. However, downtown Miami has over 500 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that are easily accessed on foot. Therefore, the downtown area is extremely walkable as well. Miami is one of the country’s topmost walkable cities.

18. Los Angeles, CA

Highly walkable streets, amenities that are within quick reach, and safe neighborhoods contribute to the overall walkability level of Los Angeles. The city also has some amazing hiking trails that take you to parks or places where you can view the city from a perfect vantage point. Of course, there are still areas of this big city with freeways and congested traffic, but the number of walkable areas gives Los Angeles its pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

19. St. Louis, MO

The downtown area of St. Louis has abundant places to eat, drink, shop, and find entertainment. Furthermore, all those amenities are close at hand and easily and quickly accessible to walkers. The streets are safe and walkable, and there are plenty of little parks in Downtown St. Louis. This big city is one of the most walkable in the US.

20. Nashville, TN

With its concentration of great little shops and attractions, Nashville is extremely walkable. There are art murals all over the city, providing interesting points of interest as you stroll along the safe sidewalks. Natural beauty abounds in places like Sevier Park, and walking along one of the paths is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. A hop-on hop-off trolley can help you get to further areas where you can continue walking.

Summary Table of the Top 20 Most Walkable Big Cities in the US