Most Walkable Cities in the U.S. with High Walk Scores | LookyLOO


Why Walkability Matters

A city’s walk score tells you how easy it is to get around without a car. For many movers, that means having daily needs—groceries, restaurants, schools, transit, parks, within a short walk. High walk scores often translate into more vibrant neighborhoods and healthier lifestyles..


Top U.S. Cities with High Walk Scores

  • New York, New York
    Unsurprisingly, New York tops nearly every list for walkability. With dense neighborhoods, an extensive transit network, and nearly everything within a few blocks, living here makes car-free living a reality.

  • San Francisco, California
    Compact, dense, and transit-friendly, San Francisco offers some of the country’s highest walk scores. Neighborhoods like North Beach, the Mission, and Hayes Valley are known for their vibrant, walkable streets.

  • Boston, Massachusetts
    Boston’s historic street grid makes it one of the most walkable large cities in the U.S. Nearly every neighborhood has a local commercial strip, and transit options back up the city’s high walk score.

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Philly’s combination of tight rowhouse neighborhoods, corner shops, and regional rail connections make it one of the most walkable major cities outside of New York.

  • Washington, D.C.
    Walkability is built into D.C.’s neighborhoods, from Dupont Circle to Capitol Hill to Adams Morgan. Paired with a robust Metro system, many residents live without needing a car.

  • Chicago, Illinois
    Chicago’s classic neighborhood design—local business corridors, transit lines, and parks—make it a highly walkable city, especially in areas like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Hyde Park.

  • Jersey City, New Jersey
    Just across the Hudson from Manhattan, Jersey City has one of the highest walk scores in the U.S. Outside of downtown, smaller neighborhoods like Journal Square and The Heights also offer strong walkability with local shops and PATH connections.

  • Berkeley, California
    A smaller-scale example, Berkeley combines a strong walk score with easy transit to San Francisco and Oakland. Its local shops, farmers markets, and bike culture help make car-light living simple.

  • Santa Monica, California
    Santa Monica’s walkable downtown, thriving farmers markets, and easy beach access make it one of Southern California’s most walkable smaller cities. The Expo Line provides direct rail access to Los Angeles, adding another car-free option.

  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
    Home to Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is designed for walking. Its compact neighborhoods, mix of shops and restaurants, and Red Line subway access to Boston give it one of the highest walk scores of any mid-sized city.

  • Alexandria, Virginia
    Old Town Alexandria is built around a historic main street lined with shops and restaurants, while Metro access connects residents to the rest of the D.C. region. It’s a prime example of a mid-sized city with strong walkability.


Is Walkability Right for You?

If you want to live without depending on a car, these high walk score cities make daily life easier and more connected. Whether it’s a major metro like New York or a smaller city like Berkeley, walkability can define your lifestyle and even your budget.


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