Who doesn’t love ditching the car and be able to walk for most destinations? I know I certainly. Walkability is an important consideration when looking to moving to a new town. I did the research and came up with this list of the top 25 walkable towns in the USA.
#25: Pasadena, California
Pasadena is known for its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers numerous pedestrian-friendly areas, including Old Pasadena, with its mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The city’s extensive public transportation system and numerous parks make it easy to get around without a car.
- Population: 141,029
- Median home price: $825,000
- Median household income: $80,000
#24: Providence, Rhode Island
Providence boasts a compact downtown area with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The city is known for its arts and dining scenes, which are easily accessible by foot. College Hill and Federal Hill neighborhoods offer walkable streets with shops, cafes, and cultural attractions.
- Population: 179,883
- Median home price: $300,000
- Median household income: $43,000
#23: Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is renowned for its well-preserved historic district, Old Town, which features cobblestone streets, waterfront parks, and a plethora of shops and restaurants. The city’s layout encourages walking, and the presence of Metro stations makes it easy to navigate the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
- Population: 159,200
- Median home price: $600,000
- Median household income: $93,000
#22: Evanston, Illinois
Evanston combines a suburban feel with urban conveniences. The town’s downtown area is very walkable, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The proximity to Northwestern University adds a vibrant student population, further enhancing the walkable environment.
- Population: 74,486
- Median home price: $425,000
- Median household income: $77,000
#21: Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is famous for its walkable beachfront, bustling downtown, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The city has invested heavily in pedestrian infrastructure, making it easy to enjoy the numerous shops, restaurants, and parks by foot. The extensive bike-share program also complements the walkability.
- Population: 91,577
- Median home price: $1,500,000
- Median household income: $86,000
#20: Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs is known for its historic downtown, mineral springs, and thoroughbred horse racing. The city’s compact layout and numerous pedestrian-friendly streets make it a joy to explore on foot. The vibrant arts scene and frequent festivals add to its charm.
- Population: 28,491
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $70,000
#19: Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s grid layout, with its numerous squares and parks, is perfect for walking. The historic district offers a blend of cobblestone streets, historic homes, and vibrant public spaces. The city’s commitment to preserving its historic charm makes walking both enjoyable and educational.
- Population: 144,464
- Median home price: $250,000
- Median household income: $41,000
#18: Portland, Maine
Portland’s Old Port district is renowned for its walkability, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a waterfront that’s easy to explore on foot. The city’s commitment to local businesses, arts, and dining scenes makes it a pedestrian’s paradise.
- Population: 66,215
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $60,000
#17: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster offers a charming blend of historic and modern elements, making it an ideal town for walking. The downtown area is filled with boutique shops, cafes, and farmers’ markets, all easily accessible on foot. The city’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved architecture, providing a scenic and engaging experience for pedestrians. The extensive network of parks and walking trails adds to the overall walkability of the town.
- Population: 59,708
- Median home price: $180,000
- Median household income: $45,000
#16: Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s historic district is a walker’s dream, with its narrow streets, well-preserved homes, and waterfront parks. The city’s emphasis on preserving its historic charm, coupled with its vibrant dining and shopping scenes, makes it highly walkable.
- Population: 137,566
- Median home price: $400,000
- Median household income: $64,000
#15: Corvallis, Oregon
Corvallis offers a small-town feel with excellent walkability. The downtown area is compact, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks. The presence of Oregon State University adds a lively atmosphere and a network of pedestrian paths.
- Population: 58,885
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $60,000
#14: Burlington, Vermont
Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only zone filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. The city’s layout and the presence of Lake Champlain make it easy to explore on foot. The strong sense of community and local culture adds to the walkability.
- Population: 42,819
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $50,000
#13: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge’s proximity to Boston and its extensive public transportation system make it extremely walkable. The presence of Harvard University and MIT adds to the vibrant atmosphere. The city’s neighborhoods, with their mix of historic homes and modern amenities, are perfect for pedestrians.
- Population: 118,927
- Median home price: $900,000
- Median household income: $107,000
#12: Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda is a bustling urban district with a strong focus on walkability. The town offers numerous pedestrian-friendly streets filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The presence of Metro stations further enhances the convenience of walking.
- Population: 63,168
- Median home price: $900,000
- Median household income: $154,000
#11: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor combines the charm of a college town with the amenities of a larger city. The downtown area is very walkable, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The presence of the University of Michigan adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
- Population: 121,477
- Median home price: $400,000
- Median household income: $65,000
#10: Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is known for its beautiful natural setting and strong community focus on outdoor activities, including walking. The town’s extensive network of trails and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to get around on foot. The vibrant downtown area adds to the walkability.
- Population: 259,680
- Median home price: $350,000
- Median household income: $65,000
#9: Naperville, Illinois
Naperville offers a charming downtown area with pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops, restaurants, and parks. The Riverwalk, a beautiful park along the DuPage River, is a popular spot for walking and enjoying the outdoors.
- Population: 148,449
- Median home price: $450,000
- Median household income: $115,000
#8: San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo offers a vibrant downtown area with pedestrian-friendly streets, a variety of shops, and a bustling farmers’ market. The city’s mild climate and scenic surroundings make it a joy to explore on foot.
- Population: 47,302
- Median home price: $650,000
- Median household income: $50,000
#7: Key West, Florida
Key West is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and walkable streets. The historic district, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and numerous attractions, is perfect for pedestrians. The town’s compact size and tropical charm make walking the preferred mode of transportation.
- Population: 24,843
- Median home price: $600,000
- Median household income: $70,000
#6: Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its commitment to sustainability and walkability. The city’s extensive network of pedestrian paths, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods make it easy to explore on foot. The presence of public transportation and bike-sharing programs further enhances walkability.
- Population: 654,741
- Median home price: $500,000
- Median household income: $70,000
#5: Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto offers a mix of suburban charm and urban convenience. The downtown area is highly walkable, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The presence of Stanford University adds to the vibrant atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly environment.
- Population: 67,082
- Median home price: $2,500,000
- Median household income: $158,000
#4: Arlington, Virginia
Arlington is known for its excellent public transportation and pedestrian-friendly streets. The town offers numerous walking paths, parks, and a vibrant downtown area. The proximity to Washington, D.C. further enhances the convenience and walkability.
- Population: 236,842
- Median home price: $700,000
- Median household income: $112,000
#3: Boulder, Colorado
Boulder offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments. The city’s extensive trail system connects neighborhoods to parks and downtown, making it easy to walk or bike anywhere. The Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrian-only area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
- Population: 105,673
- Median home price: $700,000
- Median household income: $70,000
#2: Berkeley, California
Berkeley is known for its vibrant cultural scene and walkable neighborhoods. The presence of the University of California, Berkeley, adds to the pedestrian-friendly environment. The city’s layout, with numerous shops, restaurants, and parks, makes it easy to get around on foot.
- Population: 121,485
- Median home price: $1,200,000
- Median household income: $86,000
#1: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge’s proximity to Boston and its extensive public transportation system make it extremely walkable. The presence of Harvard University and MIT adds to the vibrant atmosphere. The city’s neighborhoods, with their mix of historic homes and modern amenities, are perfect for pedestrians.
- Population: 118,927
- Median home price: $900,000
- Median household income: $107,000
