The Best Cities to Live Without a Car

March 8, 2023

The Best Cities to Live Without a Car

Having a car-free lifestyle? Youngsters enjoy freedom, technology, and overnight oats, among other things (allegedly). Waiting, phone calls, and driving are all things that millennials dislike.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, the greatest way for millennials to digitally network and engage with their communities is to take public transportation. In other words, they’re seeking the most walkable and non-car-dependent cities.

If driving isn’t your thing, We researched various sources a few years ago to discover the best areas for a car-free lifestyle.

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Best Cities to have a car-free lifestyle

Newark

Newark Central Business District, North Ironbound, and University Heights are the most walkable neighborhoods.

Bike: While there is some bike infrastructure, NewarkGo, an experimental bike, and scooter share scheme, is set to debut in 2021.

This city is well-connected, with Newark Penn Station serving as a primary hub for transportation. Take the subway or NJ Transit trains and buses to New York City, as well as Amtrak, Greyhound, BoltBus, and light rail.

Seattle

Walk: Seattle has a diverse range of neighborhoods to discover on foot. Downtown, the International District, Belltown, First Hill, and Pioneer Square are the best areas to walk.

Bike: Biking is a great way to get around on most excursions. A network of protected bike lanes, multiuse trails, and neighborhood walkways runs across the city. Bicycling is encouraged throughout the city, and safety equipment is available.

Minneapolis

Walk: This city has the world’s largest skyway system, which stretches about 8 miles. This climate-controlled system makes strolling more bearable during the cold winter months. Lyn Lake, Downtown West, Lowry Hill East, and Uptown are the most walkable neighborhoods in Minneapolis.

Bike: Minneapolis is the most bike-friendly city in the United States, which may be attributed to the city’s strong support for Move Minneapolis, a program aimed at fostering more diverse transportation options and promoting faster, easier, cleaner, and more affordable commuting. This non-profit, in collaboration with the city, provides basic biking education as well as resources such as bike lockers and repair stations throughout the city.

Minneapolis also makes use of the Nice Ride app, which lets users unlock and borrow bikes all across town.

Metro Transit is a public transportation system that includes bus, light rail, and commuter rail services.

Other: Electric scooters that may be shared and do not require docking are available.

Philadelphia

Walk: Philadelphia is the fifth most walkable city in the United States. Center City West, Rittenhouse Square, and Avenue of the Arts South are the most walkable neighborhoods in the city.

Bike: The city has some bicycling infrastructure and encourages a variety of cycling experiences, such as bike paths and the Indego bike share program.

Philadelphians and visitors can use the seasonal Philly Phlash to go to local attractions, as well as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) extensive public transportation network.

Washington, D.C.

Walk: There are several walkable neighborhoods and globally known attractions in Washington. U-Street, Dupont Circle and Mount Vernon Square are the most walkable areas in the city.

Bike: The District’s environment, parks, and numerous bike paths make it a great area to ride.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provides rail and bus service as well as access to the suburbs.

Other: The city permits the use of dockless, sharable electric scooters and bikes.

Chicago

Walk: Chicago has an excellent walkability rating. East Ukrainian Village, Near North Side, and West Loop are the most walkable neighborhoods in the city.

Non drivers can get around via the Chicago Transit Authority bus, rail, or water taxi, which are all connected by excellent public transportation.

Seattle boasts a plethora of public transit alternatives. The Link light rail, Sound Transit’s newest mode of public transportation, brings commuters from SeaTac International Airport to downtown Seattle in about 38 minutes. If you need to travel further, the Sounder train connects Tacoma and Bellingham. The city is served by buses and streetcars, while the ferry system transports residents to surrounding island communities.

Other: As part of the city’s mobility program, dockless electric bikes and scooters are permitted.

Boston

Walk: Boston is known as “The Walking City,” so it’s no surprise that it ranks fourth in the United States for total walkability. Advocates who audit pathways and give beneficial tools for pedestrians support city walking. Beacon Hill, North End, and Bay Village are the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston.

Bike: Boston is bikeable, with a few pathways and paths ideal for a leisurely ride through the city. They have a Bluebikes-powered bike-share service.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also known as the “T,” is responsible for the city’s subway, bus, trolley car, and boat services throughout Greater Boston.

Jersey City

Historic Downtown, Journal Square, and McGinley Square are the most walkable neighborhoods in Jersey City. Near the Hudson River, there are numerous walking pathways with breathtaking views of New York City and Ellis Island.

Bike: There is some bike infrastructure in the city. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway gives pedestrians and cyclists the most options. Citi Bike, a bike-share system, is also available.

Take a subway line operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that connects Manhattan to nearby New Jersey cities or to the suburbs. You have the option of taking the Hudson Bergen Light Rail or NJ transit buses.

San Francisco

San Francisco is the second most walkable city in the United States. Chinatown, Tenderloin, and Downtown-Union Square are the most walkable areas.

Bike: The city of San Francisco boasts a well-developed bicycle infrastructure. The city encourages bike riding and provides many safe lanes for riders.

Muni buses, light rail Metro trains, antique streetcars, and cable cars are all options for getting around the city. Take the Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, for longer trips in the Bay Area.

Other options include dockless electric scooters and bikes.

New York

New York is the most walkable city in the United States. Little Italy, Bowery, and the Flatiron District are the most walkable districts in New York.

Bike: There are over 1,200 kilometers of bike lanes and routes in New York City to select from. Citi Bike has a rideshare scheme in place.

New Yorkers can travel around by bus or subway within the city and to nearby areas thanks to complicated transit infrastructure. The MTA network, which is run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, contains the country’s largest bus fleet as well as substantial subway and commuter rail vehicles.

Get rid of your car

If you reside in one of these cities, you may have an advantage in kicking off a new eco-friendly car-free lifestyle, but don’t be disheartened if you don’t. Begin by riding your bike to work or for errands a couple of times per week. When you get the opportunity, take a walk. To get your groceries, take the bus. Regardless of where you live, lobby your local leaders to increase all types of commuter options. It simply takes a few little adjustments to begin the transition to a limited or non-driving living.

Are you ready to go car-free lifestyle?

Cars for Homes, Habitat’s automobile donation program, is a good place to start. Your donation will go directly to your local Habitat for Humanity, which will assist families in your community construct safe, affordable housing.

Ready to Move? Here are companies that help you move
Xfinity Moving
College Hunk
Two Men and a Truck
All My Sons Moving and Storage
U-Haul
College Hunk
Portable On Demands
Budget Truck Rental
1-800-PACK-RAT
Penske
Best Interstate Moving + Storage