Walkability has become one of the chief concerns among U.S. homebuyers, especially Millennials. And as Redfin’s new “Most Walkable U.S. Cities of 2016” report confirms, some cities fit the bill better than others.
“Improving a city’s Walk Score takes work. In these communities, construction crews have built an invitation for walking,” said Eric Scharnhorst, livability analyst at Redfin. “Safer sidewalks are now connected to a greater variety of everyday amenities. This creates opportunities for both local businesses and families.“
Boston is one of the communities Scharnhorst is referencing, as the city was named No. 3 on Redfin’s list; a ranking it’s held since 2008.
Boston’s government has made concerted efforts in the 21st century to modernize the city, making it not only more walkable, but also turning it into one of the most-bike-friendly metros in the country.
According to Walk Score, from where Redfin drew its data, the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston are Chinatown/Leather District, North End and Beacon Hill.
| Rank | City | Walk Score | Change from 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 88.9 | 1.3 |
| 2 | San Francisco | 85.7 | 1.7 |
| 3 | Boston | 80.1 | 1.2 |
| 4 | Philadelphia | 78.3 | 1.7 |
| 5 | Miami | 78.2 | 2.6 |
| 6 | Chicago | 77.5 | 2.7 |
| 7 | Washington, D.C. | 77 | 2.9 |
| 8 | Seattle | 72.9 | 2.1 |
| 9 | Oakland | 71.5 | 3 |
| 10 | Long Beach, Calif. | 69 | 3.2 |