New York is the most walkable city in the U.S., study says

Driving is not only popular in the United States, but in many cases, it is also a necessity. As many as eight out of ten Americans own a car. The U.S. also has one of the lowest driving ages. In some states, you could drive a car at fourteen years old if you have a supervising driver in the passenger seat. 

Although public transit and walking are often regarded as better alternatives to driving, sometimes, these options might be inaccessible. However, some US cities offer their residents a chance to get around without having to drive a car. Recently, Smart Growth America and Places Platform published a report where they ranked the 35 biggest cities in the United States based on their walkability. 

New York City climbed to the top of the list and was named the most walkable city in the country. In this city, 73 percent of office space and 70 percent of multi-family rental inventory are located in walkable urban areas. Boston ranked no.2 on the “Foot Traffic Ahead 2023 Rankings” list, with over 47 percent of offices and 44 percent of multi-family units located in walkable areas. Washington D.C., Seattle, and Portland also claimed top spots on the list. 

Walkable areas are extremely popular with homebuyers. In 2012, Brookings Institution conducted a study where it found that most people prefer to live in areas that allow them to get to shops, parks, and other destinations without driving a car. High walkability scores also add value to properties. The same study, which took place in Washington, D.C., showed that rental units in walkable areas cost, on average, $300 more per month than apartments in other areas. The value of a home also increases according to its walkability score – on average, by $82 per square foot. 

“The so-called ‘death of the city’ has been overstated, again, as walkable urban price premiums and increased market share of office, retail, multi-family rentals and for-sale housing real estate in walkable urban places held up, despite impacts from the pandemic,” said Christopher B. Leinberger, Managing Director and Co-founder, Places Platform, LLC. 

“These findings provide a strong economic base and cement walkable urban places and development as the wave of the future as we move toward a more connected, environmentally-sustainable way of life.”

Resources:

“FOOT TRAFFIC AHEAD 2023,” (Smart Growth America, 2023)

“Walkable Urban Areas in U.S. Grow Despite Pandemic Fallout,” (Smart Growth America, 2023)

“New York is the No. 1 most walkable city in America. But here are other U.S. cities where you can live happily without a car.” by Aarthi Swaminathan (MarketWatch, 2023)

“Walk this Way: The Economic Promise of Walkable Places in Metropolitan Washington, D.C.” by Christopher B. Leinberger and Mariela Alfonzo (Brookings Institution, 2012)