9 US Cities Where You Can Live Without a Car

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

It’s a joy to live in cities in the United States that are suited for living without a car. Read on to learn about nicest cities in the country for car-free lifestyle.

Why Should You Consider a Carless Life?

Here are some of the benefits of living without a car:

• Decreased carbon emissions, resulting in a more sustainable way of living.
• Lowering the expenses of automobile ownership (e.g. car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance).
• Physical health benefits from more walking or biking.
• Stress connected with driving and traffic is reduced.
• Enhanced feeling of community and connectedness to the surrounding area.
• Decreased chance of car accidents and injuries Improved safety for pedestrians and bikers in the community.

Best US Cities to Live Without a Car:

• New York, NY
• Boston
• San Francisco
• Chicago
• DC
• Portland
• Seattle
• Denver
• Philadelphia

New York, NY

Most people who live in New York City don’t own cars, finding it far more convenient to use the city’s elaborate public transport system of buses, subway, and trains to get around boroughs and out of town. Of course, there are those famous yellow taxis to get you from point A to point B too.

If you stay in popular neighborhoods like the West Village, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side, and Tribeca, you’ll be able to walk to nearby restaurants, shops, and anything else you could possibly need.

Where to Find a Sublet in NYC

Boston

Public transportation is a part of life in Boston. The T Boston subway system is the country’s oldest, and it can carry you from Logan Airport, Boston College, and Harvard to downtown tourist destinations like the New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor.

The 24 Pros and Cons of Living in Boston, Massachusetts

San Francisco

As long as you don’t mind navigating the hilly terrain, San Francisco is a great place to be without a car. The city’s historic cable cars can take you up some of the famous streets like Powell and Lombard Street and make stops at Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf too. There are over 200 parks in the city, including famous ones like Golden Gate Park and funky Mission Dolores Park, where pedestrians rule.

Chicago

Chicago, widely known as the Windy City, is yet another great city for those who don’t own a car. Its vast public transit system, which includes the L train and buses, makes navigating the city and its numerous areas simple. Furthermore, Chicago is a relatively walkable city, with several districts ideal for exploring on foot, like the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview.

In addition, Chicago is home to the world-renowned Lakefront Path, an 18.5-mile walk around Lake Michigan ideal for bicycling, running, or strolling. Even if you don’t have a car, there’s always plenty to see and do in Chicago, with its bustling food scene, cultural attractions, and countless parks.

Moving to Chicago: Your One-Stop Guide

Washington DC

The city boasts an extensive public transportation system, including a subway which is simple to use and goes to the majority of the city’s key positions. Moreover, Washington, DC is a highly walkable city, with many areas combining historic beauty with modern conveniences.

The city’s numerous parks, including the National Mall, provide several opportunity to stretch your legs and take in some fresh air. If you’re feeling more daring, there are bike rental choices around the city, as well as designated bike lanes in several spots to keep you safe while riding.

Pros and Cons of Life in Washington D.C.: Is it Right for You?

Portland

Walkable neighborhoods are what make a city great, and Portland has plenty of them. The Pearl District, downtown Portland, and Old Town, often known as Chinatown, are some of the greatest Portland districts to visit without a car. Portland is also regarded for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, with a wide network of bike lanes that make riding about town simple and safe.

Seattle

A city of neighborhoods, Seattle is great for walking, as long as you don’t mind a little rain. Over the course of an easy stroll in downtown Seattle, you can explore tourist attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the city’s pretty Waterfront Park. Some of the best Seattle neighborhoods for car-free living include Belltown and Ballard.

Denver

Denver has a well-developed public transit system that includes buses as well as light rail. The RTD light rail system links the Denver International Airport to downtown and surrounding districts. B-cycle, the city’s bike-sharing program, features about 80 stations and 700 bikes. Denver has a high walkability score, making it easy to get around the city on foot.

Philadelphia

Another fantastic city for living without a car is Philadelphia. It features a well-developed public transit system that includes buses, subways, and trolleys. The SEPTA Key card makes it simple to pay for trips and transfers, and bikers will find lots of bike lanes and paths. Philly’s walkability score is very high, especially in Center City and University City.

What criteria did we consider when compiling this list?

• Public transportation options: Cities that offer extensive and dependable public transportation systems, including subways, buses, and trains.
• Walkability: Cities with well-designed pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian-only areas, may be easier to navigate on foot.
• Bike-friendliness: Cities with extensive bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and other amenities.
• Proximity to amenities: Cities with amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options within walking or biking distance.

Discover your car-free city with June Homes

We can help you find the perfect rental, whether it’s a room in NYC, a furnished apartment in Boston, or a studio in DC.

Contact us today. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll guide you in selecting a home of your dreams.