Walk Score, a site that ranks the walkability of 2,508 neighborhoods in the 40 largest cities in the U.S., has released its rankings of the top most walkable cities.
Walk Score says the most walkable city in America is San Francisco, scoring an 86 out of a possible 100. Other cities topping the list include New York City with a score of 83 and Boston with a score of 79.
Chicago received a 76, Philadelphia a 74 and Seattle a 72.
The company uses an algorithm that works by identifying the closest grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and other amenities near an address. The neighborhoods are weighted by population and then given a walk score. Scores over 70 identify neighborhoods where it’s possible to get by without owning a car. Scores over 90 are referred to as a “Walker’s Paradise.”
“We developed Walk Score to help people evaluate the walkability of individual addresses as they search for a great place to live,” says Mike Mathieu, founder of Front Seat, parent of Walk Score. “Ultimately, we’d like to see every property listing include a Walk Score — 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Walk Score of
80.”
In addition to the city rankings, Walk Score lists 138 neighborhoods nationally that scored 90 or above. Tribeca, Little Italy and Soho in New York top the list with scores of 100.
“As Americans look to reduce their environmental impact and ease reliance on cars, the appeal of walkable communities continues to grow,” says Christopher Leinberger of the Brookings Institution.
