The Top 5 Most Walkable U.S. Capital Cities

Walkability has quickly become one of the most important criteria for determining the livability of cities. Developing cities with high walkability are more equitable, affordable, and environmentally friendly. There are a variety of factors that determine a city’s walkability score, including clear, well-planned, safe, and easy-to-navigate streets and sidewalks; convenient access to amenities and basic necessities; and proximity to public transport. Considering the above factors, these are the most walkable U.S. capital cities.

Walkability Criteria

The scores below are via Walk Score, a national ranking system between 0-100 that measures the pedestrian friendliness of any address. Points are awarded to the location based on the distance to local amenities in each category. Neighborhood data may vary within each capital city. 

The top five list below consists of cities with a walkability of 50+ and is based on the following criteria:

• 90–100: Walker’s Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.
• 70–89: Very Walkable — Most errands can be done on foot.
• 50–69: Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.
• 25–49: Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.
• 0–24: Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Population: 617,459

Average Walkability Score: 82.8

The Massachusetts capital tops the list of the most walkable U.S. capital cities. Nicknamed “The Walking City,” Boston is consistently ranked high among all U.S. cities with its high score and pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors also love Boston’s many historic walking trails and easy access to popular attractions, while residents can commute to work, school, and recreation easily — even without a car. Additionally, there is plenty of access to public transportation. North End, Beacon Hill, and Chinatown-Leather District top the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, but overall, Boston is full of easy-to-navigate historic streets and cobblestoned charm that make it a pedestrian paradise.

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

Population: 337,088

Average Walkability Score: 65.7

Honolulu is known as a vacationer’s paradise for its beautiful weather and scenic tropical beauty. However, Hawaii’s largest city also tops the list as one of the most walkable U.S. cities. Daily errands do not require the use of a vehicle for residents, and tourists can navigate Honolulu’s many attractions easily on foot. Downtown Honolulu is relatively flat, with mostly straight routes to many of the city’s most popular streets and plenty of access to both commercial and retail districts. The tourist favorite Waikiki is also extremely accessible to pedestrians, as are its adjacent Kapahulu and Kaimuki neighborhoods. Overall, Honolulu’s lovely city streets are scenic, pedestrian-friendly, and easy to navigate.

3. Denver, Colorado

Population: 600,158

Average Walkability Score: 61.2

Known as “The Mile High City,” Denver is scenic, historic, and full of eclectic and exciting neighborhoods to explore — both by car and on foot. The Colorado capital city gets high marks for walkability because of its high percentage of walkable neighborhoods. Approximately one-third have a high walk score of 70 or above, meaning that residents can accomplish most of their errands on foot, and over half of Denver neighborhoods have a score of at least 50. Significantly, many of the city’s most populous areas also have the highest walkability, including the Downtown, Five Points, and Capitol Hill areas. Overall, Denver has one of the highest population/score ratios on this list of walkable U.S. capital cities. 

4. St. Paul, Minnesota

Population: 299,830

Average Walkability Score: 60.4

Sometimes referred to as “Minnesota’s Cultural Capital,” St. Paul’s global diversity and local heritage are evident in its bustling (yet pedestrian-friendly) neighborhoods. Known for its many universities and colleges, much of the city’s walkability comes from its downtown area, including the streets in and around its famous Grand Avenue. Some of St. Paul’s most walkable neighborhoods include its Downtown, Summit Hill/Summit University, and Hamline-Midway areas. Overall, while the Minnesota capital city’s walkability only averages around 60, the city’s most populous areas garner much higher scores. 

5. Richmond, Virginia

Population: 226,472

Average Walkability Score: 50.9

One of the oldest U.S. capital cities, Richmond is full of walkable amenities and attractions that make it pedestrian-friendly to both residents and visitors alike. Though relatively small in population size when compared to its fellow walkable U.S. capital cities, Richmond still wows with a score averaging around 50. This is, in part, due to the city’s easy-to-navigate cobblestoned streets and neighborhoods. Some of the city’s highest-scoring neighborhoods are also some of its most historic, as many of its attractions on the National Register of Historic Places are in walkable areas. Some of the city’s most pedestrian-friendly spots include Carytown, the Museum District, and the Downtown Arts District. Overall, Richmond’s walkability comes from its easy-to-navigate streets, which make it easy to travel without a car.

More Top Walkable U.S. Capital Cities

Madison, Wisconsin

Population: 269,897

Average Walkability Score: 49.7

Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Downtown, Greenbush, Schenk-Atwood

Sacramento, California

Population: 528,306

Average Walkability Score: 49.0

Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Midtown/Downtown, Hollywood Park, Old North Sacramento

Atlanta, Georgia

Population: 490,270

Average Walkability Score: 47.7

Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Inman Park, Sweet Auburn, Reynoldstown

Austin, Texas

Population: 966,292

Average Walkability Score: 41.7

Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Downtown, West University, The University of Texas/Austin

Phoenix, Arizona

Population: 1,651,344

Average Walkability Score: 41.4

Most Walkable Neighborhoods: Downtown, Roosevelt Row/Evans Church, Coronado

Many factors determine a city’s walkability, including a safe and coherent pedestrian system; well-organized streets, sidewalks, and walkways; a balance of transportation that includes easy access to public transit; and overall convenience and proximity when considering access to amenities. Many of the most walkable U.S. capital cities garner consistently high walkability rankings despite their population size. Often, when broken down by area, these capital cities also have many neighborhoods that get a higher score than the city as a whole. However, it is each city’s overall walkability score that is the most important indicator of whether a city is significantly walkable, whether it’s a pedestrian’s paradise or an easy way to live, work, and explore on foot. 

Summary of the Top 5 Walkable U.S. Capital Cities