The 3 most walkable cities in the US are on the East Coast

The 2023 Foot Traffic Ahead Report was co-authored by Michael Rodriguez, AICP, and Christopher B. Leinberger of the George Washington University School of Business.

1. Washington, DC

The most walkable city was Washington DC, our nation’s capital. The city center and attractions, including the National Mall, are all easily accessible on foot. It also has a robust public transportation system, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), that is affordable and can take you to the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland.

2. New York, NY

According to the 2023 U.S. Census, 57 percent of New York City workers walked or took public transit to work, only about 25 percent drove, and the rest worked from home.

From Central Park to the West Village, Chelsea, the Upper East Side, Washington Square Park and Times Square, New York City is made for walking. Manhattan’s simple grid system—where the streets all run east to west and the avenues all run north to south—makes it easy for walkers to navigate.

3. Boston, MA

Boston has many walkable neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the North End. The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route marked by a red brick line, takes pedestrians past sixteen historic landmarks, including Paul Revere’s home and the Old North Church.

The city also has a seasonal event called Open Newbury Streetwhere they close Newbury Street to cars for an entire Sunday to encourage walking. It started in 2016 and in 2023 Open Newbury Street expanded to 16 consecutive Sundays.

4. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s compact size (48 square miles) and extensive transportation system—featuring BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), Muni buses, and streetcars—make the city extremely easy to explore on foot.

The only challenge with walking is the many hilly streets, but while you get your glutes working, you can enjoy picturesque views of the bay and bridges.

5. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City is known for its pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crosswalks and car-free zones. Walkers can enjoy the scenery on the Chicago Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile, or they can explore the shops and dining options on foot at the Loop, River North, East Ukrainian Village and Old Town. The Chicago Transit Authority system of buses and trains also makes it easy to get around without a car.

6. Seattle, WA

Seattle, the Emerald City, has embraced walkability with neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont. Downtown Seattle attractions such as Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront are also very pedestrian-friendly. The city’s steep hills challenge hikers but offer breathtaking views.

7. Portland, OR

Portland has an extensive network of walking and biking trails, connecting parks and busy urban areas. The MAX Light Rail, trams and buses make it easy to get around without a car. And the city offers many natural parks, including Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Forest Park.

8. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is walkable in core neighborhoods like Midtown and Downtown, thanks to the BeltLine, a multi-use path that connects parks, restaurants and shops. There is also easy access to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

9. Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh’s bridges create natural walkable corridors across its many rivers, and the city’s compact design makes it walkable in key areas such as the Strip District and Shadyside. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail also offers scenic walking trails along the city’s waterways.

10. Cleveland, Ohio

Downtown Cleveland has seen revitalization efforts that encourage walking, including bike paths, public parks and proximity to cultural centers such as Playhouse Square. Neighborhoods like Ohio City and Tremont are also known for their walkable, vibrant streets full of restaurants, breweries, and local shops.

11. Baltimore, MD

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and historic neighborhoods like Fell’s Point are ideal for walking, with cobblestone streets and water views. The Charm City Circulator, a free bus system, improves walkability by connecting pedestrians to major attractions and transit hubs.

12. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has an extensive 9.5-mile enclosed Skyway system that makes the city walkable even when temperatures drop below 0 degrees or it becomes too hot to handle.

13. Philadelphia, PA

Known for its colonial history, Philadelphia offers a mix of walkable areas and green spaces. Tourists can easily walk from attractions such as the Liberty Bell and Center City to Reading Terminal Market when visiting Philadelphia.

14. Denver, CO

Downtown Denver and surrounding neighborhoods have become increasingly pedestrian-friendly as the city has invested in sidewalk expansions and mixed-use developments.

15. Houston, Texas

Areas such as Downtown, Midtown and the Museum District offer walkable environments with mixed-use developments and wide sidewalks.

16. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus’ Short North Arts District and German Village are some of the most walkable areas. The Scioto Mile along the riverfront is also pedestrian-friendly with parks and recreational spaces.

17. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City’s Downtown and Crossroads Arts District offer walkable areas, and the free KC Streetcar system adds to the city’s pedestrian appeal.

18. Los Angeles, CA

Although known for its car culture that slowly takes drivers from one side of the city to the other, LA is quite walkable as long as you stay in certain neighborhoods. Areas like Downtown LA, Koreatown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica have higher walkability scores.