Grayson West
Tired of the hassle of traffic jams and parking woes? Some cities have mastered the art of car-free living with exceptional transit systems and walkable neighborhoods. If you’re ready to embrace a car-free lifestyle, check out these 15 cities that make getting around a breeze without needing a personal car.
New York City
New York City’s subway system, with over 470 stations, is the largest in the United States. Combined with the city’s buses and numerous taxis, it’s easy to reach almost any destination, making car ownership unnecessary for more than half of the households. This extensive transit network keeps the city moving efficiently.
Boston
Navigating Boston’s MBTA, affectionately known as the T, is simple yet effective, with its four color-coded rail lines and a fleet of buses and trolleys. Pedestrians can feel at ease, as the city has fewer than a dozen pedestrian fatalities each year. This makes getting around both convenient and secure for all.
San Francisco
This city’s massive public transportation system extends far beyond the iconic cable cars familiar from the screen. Subways, buses, and trams intricately traverse its landscape. This extensive network, combined with a compact urban layout, has earned the city the distinction of being America’s most walkable city.
Portland
An impressive array of public transport choices, including buses, light rail, commuter rail, and streetcars, makes getting around this city easy and enjoyable car-free. This bike-friendly metropolis has over 385 miles of bikeways and holds the nation’s highest percentage of bike commuters, further solidifying its reputation as a haven for alternative transportation.
Philadelphia
A 52-square-mile subway, bus, and trolley network makes it easy to get around Philly without a car. Once you step off the transit, you’ll find yourself in one of the top five most walkable cities in the U.S. Exploring the city on foot is a breeze!
Washington, D.C.
Despite its crowd of tourists and commuters, the nation’s capital has an impressive walkability score, largely because of its extensive public transportation network. Not only does the subway system, with its 25 routes, shuttle visitors to various attractions, but it also serves as a vital link for thousands of daily travelers from neighboring Virginia and Maryland.
Pittsburgh
With a walk score of 48.63, Pittsburgh shines thanks to its incline railways and bike-friendly areas. People who prefer not to drive find the city’s hilly landscape perfect for getting around. The city’s distinctive geography makes commuting on foot or by bike a breeze.
Seattle
Even though Seattle is surrounded by water, getting around without a car is easy. With 22 public transport options, including buses, streetcars, light rail, and the famous Seattle ferries, traveling from place to place is easy and scenic.
Minneapolis
Featuring light rail trams, buses, and commuter trains that cover an impressive 56 square miles, the public transportation system is robust and well-integrated. Notably, the city is celebrated for its biker-friendly infrastructure, which includes over 200 designated lanes and paths for cyclists.
Jersey City
Jersey City is a walker’s and rider’s paradise! Over half the residents ditch their cars for public transportation, especially those zipping into New York City. They have a whole labyrinth of trains and buses at their exposal, making everyday errands easy without needing a car.
Chicago
With over 200 miles of bike lanes and 13,000 racks for cyclists, Chicago’s massive public passage system doesn’t just stop at the city borders. Trains and buses zip through 35 suburbs, which makes it easy for millions to explore the Windy City and its surroundings without needing a car.
Honolulu
Honolulu, with ocean views and a warm aloha vibe, has an impressive walk score of 66. Although it’s less bustling than some mainland cities, the city’s bike rentals and pedestrian-friendly streets make having a car feel like an afterthought.
Richmond
High walkability meets efficient public transportation in Richmond. With a walk score nearing 50, residents can easily explore the city’s historic charm on foot. Additionally, the GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit provides a convenient option for navigating longer distances.
Newark
As a transportation hub, Newark has one of the busiest airports in the country and a seamless carriage system connecting to the New York City area. Thanks to the city’s high station density—nearly 10 per square mile—public transportation becomes an appealing alternative to driving.
Oakland
In California, Oakland is a top destination for living and commuting car-free, and it is known for its superb public transportation, reliable service, and minimal disruptions. The city’s extensive network of buses and subways offers seamless connections throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Comments
Loading…