Walking is more than just exercise. Studies show it’s a game-changer for your health, and where you live can actually determine how much you actually do it. Research has found that people who moved to more walkable cities logged about 1,100 more steps per day and were nearly twice as likely to meet exercise goals—and it’s all because their environment makes it easy. If you’re in the market for a move, a new ranking from Compare the Market shows the most walkable cities in the U.S., along with the least.
Walking improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, reduces stress, supports weight management, and even enhances creativity and mental clarity. No matter where you live, you can always make time for walks around your neighborhood, at a local park, or on a nearby trail. But living in a walkable city makes it easier, letting you get your daily steps in without really thinking about it.
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Unsurprisingly, New York City tops the list as the most walkable city in the U.S., with over 72 percent of residents commuting without a car. Its dense streets, public transport, and more than 1,100 walking trails make daily walking simple. San Diego and Oakland follow, thanks to good safety scores and plenty of walking and cycling routes. Other top cities include Chicago, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Columbus, and San Antonio.
At the other end, the least walkable cities include Houston, Dallas, and Newark. Sprawling layouts, low safety scores, and car-dependent infrastructure make walking difficult. Fewer than six percent of Houston and Dallas residents commute without a car.
Walkable cities encourage physical activity, reduce reliance on cars, lower pollution, and improve overall quality of life. They also typically have lower traffic accidents, cleaner air, and stronger local communities, as residents interact in more shared spaces like parks and sidewalks. Since they tend to be more desirable places to live, this can affect housing prices, but many people find the health, convenience, and lifestyle benefits well worth it.
Related: New Study Reveals the Simple Walking Habit That Can Help You Live Longer
