Sarkhaan
18-07-2008, 06:35
Now, I happen to live in Boston, which has a reputation as "America's Walking City", and even uses that in some of its advertising. Well, a side named WalkScore has posted the top 10 walking cities in the US, as follows:
1. San Francisco, CA
The city is known for its stable, relatively mild climate and progressive viewpoints, and 90% of San Francisco residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, while 99% have a Walk Score of at least 50. Only 1% live in so-called car-dependent neighborhoods. The top areas are Chinatown, the Financial District, Downtown and North Beach.
2. New York, NY
Most of Manhattan, and even much of the boroughs, are well known for their heavily foot-based culture. In fact, many New Yorkers don't even own cars, given the city's 24-hour, reliable public transportation, not to mention the high cost of parking and gas.
3. Boston, MA
With it's famously labyrinthine roads and tight parking, it's a good thing Boston has world-class subway and ferry service (although many lament that the T does not run 24 hours). 74% of Boston residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, and 97% have a Walk Score of at least 50.
4. Chicago, IL
The city by the lake is also very pedestrian friendly, starting with the famous Loop, and radiating out.
5. Philadelphia, PA
The top 7 neighborhoods in Philly are designated as Walkers' Paradises, and 66% of city residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above.
6. Seattle, WA
Well known as a city of coffee drinkers, cafe sitters and lovers of outdoor gear, Seattle is also highly walkable, with 10 neighborhoods at the Walkers' Paradise level.
7. Washington D.C.
The nation's capital isn't particularly known for walkablility, beyond the expansive National Mall and hordes of visiting tourists. But many neighborhoods are arranged with good accessibility.
8. Long Beach, CA
It may surprise you, but sunny Long Beach boasts 52% of residents with a Walk Score of 70 or above, 85% with a score of at least 50 – while 15% live in car-dependent areas.
9. Los Angeles, CA
Nearby L.A. posts similar numbers, despite its reputation for horrendous car commutes and epic traffic jams. The City of Angels may be a case of not enough people taking advantage, or even realizing, how walkable their neighborhoods actually are, given the prevailing culture.
10. Portland, OR
Often spoken about in practically hushed, reverent tones, Portland is home to 7 Walkers' Paradises. 45% of residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, and 17% live in car-dependent hoods.
What do you think of these results? Any big surprises? What do you think of your neighborhood or community? Is it friendly to pedestrians? What are these cities doing that make them more friendly?
Honestly, I'm surprised NYC is as high as it is, given the boroughs outside of Manhattan. I've never seen much walking there. The two neighborhoods I've lived in rank 3rd and 5th in the city, with scores of 96 and 86. Much of it has to do with the road layout (very windy, difficult to navigate), high fuel prices and cost of keeping a car in the city, and a high student population, as well as a strong public transport system
1. San Francisco, CA
The city is known for its stable, relatively mild climate and progressive viewpoints, and 90% of San Francisco residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, while 99% have a Walk Score of at least 50. Only 1% live in so-called car-dependent neighborhoods. The top areas are Chinatown, the Financial District, Downtown and North Beach.
2. New York, NY
Most of Manhattan, and even much of the boroughs, are well known for their heavily foot-based culture. In fact, many New Yorkers don't even own cars, given the city's 24-hour, reliable public transportation, not to mention the high cost of parking and gas.
3. Boston, MA
With it's famously labyrinthine roads and tight parking, it's a good thing Boston has world-class subway and ferry service (although many lament that the T does not run 24 hours). 74% of Boston residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, and 97% have a Walk Score of at least 50.
4. Chicago, IL
The city by the lake is also very pedestrian friendly, starting with the famous Loop, and radiating out.
5. Philadelphia, PA
The top 7 neighborhoods in Philly are designated as Walkers' Paradises, and 66% of city residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above.
6. Seattle, WA
Well known as a city of coffee drinkers, cafe sitters and lovers of outdoor gear, Seattle is also highly walkable, with 10 neighborhoods at the Walkers' Paradise level.
7. Washington D.C.
The nation's capital isn't particularly known for walkablility, beyond the expansive National Mall and hordes of visiting tourists. But many neighborhoods are arranged with good accessibility.
8. Long Beach, CA
It may surprise you, but sunny Long Beach boasts 52% of residents with a Walk Score of 70 or above, 85% with a score of at least 50 – while 15% live in car-dependent areas.
9. Los Angeles, CA
Nearby L.A. posts similar numbers, despite its reputation for horrendous car commutes and epic traffic jams. The City of Angels may be a case of not enough people taking advantage, or even realizing, how walkable their neighborhoods actually are, given the prevailing culture.
10. Portland, OR
Often spoken about in practically hushed, reverent tones, Portland is home to 7 Walkers' Paradises. 45% of residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above, and 17% live in car-dependent hoods.
What do you think of these results? Any big surprises? What do you think of your neighborhood or community? Is it friendly to pedestrians? What are these cities doing that make them more friendly?
Honestly, I'm surprised NYC is as high as it is, given the boroughs outside of Manhattan. I've never seen much walking there. The two neighborhoods I've lived in rank 3rd and 5th in the city, with scores of 96 and 86. Much of it has to do with the road layout (very windy, difficult to navigate), high fuel prices and cost of keeping a car in the city, and a high student population, as well as a strong public transport system