Not everyone wants—or needs—a car to get around. Whether you’re dreaming of a neighborhood where errands don’t require a set of keys, or you’re craving a city where you can wander on foot and discover something new every day, you’re in luck. The most walkable cities in the U.S. deliver on convenience, charm, and community. Grocery stores, green spaces, bike lanes, coffee shops, and nightlife? All are within reach of your front door.
(And if you’re wondering how to get furniture into your home without a car, we’re here to help!)
These pedestrian-friendly cities and towns aren’t limited to major metro areas. Some of the most walkable places in the country are also smaller, quieter, and—believe it or not—affordable. While places like New York City and San Francisco often come to mind first, plenty of budget-friendly alternatives allow you to live, work, and play without relying on a car.
Of course, before you pack your bags, it’s worth considering whether city living is the right fit. The perks are real—but so are the trade-offs.
Before diving into the top cities for walkability, let’s step back and explore what makes a city great for pedestrians.
What Makes a Great Walkable City? It Depends on Who You Ask
Walkability can mean different things to different people. Some prioritize easy access to public transportation. Others want leafy parks and trails. For many, it’s about being able to walk to grab groceries, meet friends for coffee, or enjoy a night out without ever touching a car key.
Because priorities vary, so do the rankings. Some evaluations emphasize architecture and historic charm. Others weigh tourism, local culture, or how fun a city is to explore as a visitor. Still, others look at urban density and infrastructure.
To keep things consistent, we’re using data from Walk Score, a widely respected ranking system that measures cities based on their access to daily necessities, public transit options, and pedestrian-friendly design.
Big City Living: The 10 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.
If you’re drawn to urban energy, efficient public transit, and neighborhoods designed for foot traffic, these cities top the list for walkability:
1. San Francisco, CA | Walk Score: 89
Compact neighborhoods, excellent transit, and scenic views make San Francisco a walker’s paradise. Just know it comes with a hefty price tag.
2. New York City, NY | Walk Score: 88
With subway access, dense neighborhoods, and nearly everything just a few blocks away, walking is second nature in NYC. Affordability? That’s another story. NYC remains one of the priciest places to live.
Finding a roommate can be a game-changer if you’re moving to a high-cost city, but there are ways to make finding a roomie easier.
3. Boston, MA | Walk Score: 83
Historic streets and a solid public transit system make Boston easy to navigate on foot—even during snowy winters.
4. Chicago, IL | Walk Score: 77
Lakefront paths, grid-style streets, and extensive transit options make Chicago ideal for pedestrians. It’s also more affordable than coastal giants like NYC or SF.
5. Washington, D.C. | Walk Score: 77
With its Metro system and compact layout, D.C. offers an excellent car-free lifestyle—though housing costs can be high.
6. Miami, FL | Walk Score: 77
Miami’s sunny weather and vibrant neighborhoods like Brickell and South Beach make it one of the most walkable cities in the South.
7. Oakland, CA | Walk Score: 75
An artsy alternative to San Francisco, Oakland blends walkability with culture, public transit, and a bit more breathing room in the budget.
8. Philadelphia, PA | Walk Score: 75
Philly’s walkable grid, rich history, and lower cost of living make it an underrated gem for those going car-free.
9. Seattle, WA | Walk Score: 74
Bike lanes, green space, and compact neighborhoods help Seattle earn its place—though affordability varies by neighborhood.
10. Long Beach, CA | Walk Score: 73
This coastal city stands out in car-centric Southern California, offering a laid-back, walkable lifestyle close to the beach.
Eight of the Most Affordable Walkable Cities and Towns in the U.S.
Love the idea of walkable neighborhoods but not the sky-high housing costs? These cities deliver pedestrian-friendly living and affordability:
1. Portland, OR | Walk Score: 76
Portland delivers on both vibes and value. It’s a city made for strolling, with indie coffee shops, food trucks, and bike lanes around every corner. Downtown and close-in eastside neighborhoods are incredibly walkable—and you’ll rarely need to drive, thanks to its solid public transit network.
2. Arlington, VA | Walk Score: 71
Just across the river from D.C., Arlington gives you all the benefits of an East Coast urban hub without the capital-city price tag. With walkable neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston, plus quick Metro access, you can live car-free while staying connected to big opportunities.
3. Minneapolis, MN | Walk Score: 71
Yes, winters are cold—but the sidewalks are clear, and the infrastructure is rock-solid. Minneapolis has invested in walkability and biking like few cities its size, with dense neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and plenty of local businesses just a stroll away.
4. Buffalo, NY | Walk Score: 67
Buffalo is quietly one of the most livable, walkable cities in the Northeast. From Elmwood Village to Allentown, you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods with historic homes, great food, and an actual sense of community—all at a fraction of what you’d pay in nearby metros.
5. St. Louis, MO | Walk Score: 65
St. Louis is a sleeper pick with charming brick architecture, tree-lined streets, and a cost of living well below the national average. Walkable neighborhoods like The Central West End and Soulard combine historic character with easy access to daily essentials.
6. Milwaukee, WI | Walk Score: 62
Milwaukee pairs walkability with Midwestern friendliness and lakefront views. From the Historic Third Ward to the East Side, this underrated city has pedestrian-friendly districts where you can run errands, catch a show, or meet friends—all without moving your car.
7. Pittsburgh, PA | Walk Score: 62
Hilly? Yes. But also highly walkable. Pittsburgh’s compact, neighborhood-based layout makes living near everything you need easy. Bonus: its tech, healthcare, and creative scenes are thriving, all while housing costs remain refreshingly reasonable.
8. Boulder, CO | Walk Score: 61
For those who want walkability and access to the outdoors, Boulder checks both boxes. Its downtown is made for pedestrians, and you can complete most errands on foot or by bike. Plus, with mountains in your backyard, your weekend walks might turn into full-on hikes.
Step Into Your New City Stress-Free with CORT
Moving for work? Looking for a lifestyle upgrade? Or just craving more time outside and less time behind the wheel? Whatever your reason, finding a walkable city that fits your vibe is worth the effort. Think about your priorities—cost of living, climate, culture—and go from there to find your forever fit!
Yes–living in a walkable city gives you freedom from traffic, parking headaches, and the daily grind of car ownership. But moving there? That should feel just as effortless as stepping out the door.
That’s where CORT Furniture Rental can help. Forget the stress of hauling furniture, renting a moving truck, or making expensive, long-term purchases. Our flexible rental solutions deliver stylish, high-quality furniture straight to your door. Why do people rent furniture? Because you can settle into your new home without the heavy lifting—in every sense of the term:
- No moving truck required: With our white glove service, furniture is delivered, set up, and picked up when you’re done.
- Perfect for renters and explorers: Stay flexible with short- or long-term leases.
- Fully furnished living spaces: Everything you need to feel at home, minus the stress.
Wherever your walkable journey takes you, CORT ensures that your space is stylish, comfortable, and move-in ready so you can start exploring from day one.
Ready to take the first step? Find the furniture you need online now, or stop by your local CORT showroom to get started.
