The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) surveyed the 100 most populous cities in the USA and used 19 criteria to determine which were the best walking cities. The criteria were developed by APMA, Prevention magazine and walking experts. They include population density per square mile, use of mass transit, crime rates, square miles of local and state parks and a 1-5 rating on a walkability scale. New categorical breakdowns for 2009 included listing the Best Walking Cities for Families, Nature Walks, and more. Prevention's Top 25 Walking Cities 2009
1. San Francisco, California
© Wendy Bumgardner 2006
San Francisco ranked first because it devotes 12 city agencies to walking issues. It also ranked in the top three cities for walking commutes, family walking, and amazing nature walks. Naturally, you expect hills when walking in San Francisco. One of my all-time favorite tourist walks is to stroll from Fisherman's Wharf, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then take the ferry back.
2. Boston, Massachussetts
© John Maihos
Boston is very often on the top walking cities list. This year they credited Boston for its walker-friendly intersection signage and longer walking signals. Boston also placed on the top three list for top walking commutes, safest walking and great fitness walking.
3. New York City, New York
© Wendy Bumgardner
New York City is made for walking, and its citizens log the fewest vehicle miles of any of the 100 most populous cities. It ranks first for walking commutes. Beyond the fact that it's hard to have a car in the city, it's just a great place to walk. Workout on the walking trails in Central Park. Stroll from one great shopping and eating neighborhood to another. Take the subway for a quick change of scenery.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
© Wendy Bumgardner
Philadelphia ranks high for number of schools in its metro area, which they say keeps the traffic speed lower and therefore safer. But I love walking in Philadelphia for the history. It is fun to soak up the flavor of the historic neighborhoods and then go in search of the best cheesesteak endorsed by the locals.
5. Chicago, Illinois
© Jennifer Roche
They love Chicago for the 18.5-mile Lakefront Path along Lake Michigan. Not only is it a great training route, but it connects to many neighborhoods, giving everyone access to it. I've always enjoyed a stroll on the lakefront followed up by a shopping walk along Michigan Avenue.
6. Washington, DC
© Wendy Bumgardner
Great mass transit makes Washington, DC a good place to walk. It regularly scores highly for walkers enjoying the museums, history, and watching government in action. DC is also the site of one of America's IML Walking Association international walks, the US FreedomWalk Festival in October.
7. Seattle, Washington
© Wendy Bumgardner
Seattle has converted more railroad right of ways into trails than other cities. It also boasts a robust walking community that doesn't mind a lot of fog, drizzle and hills. Seattle ranks as one of the top three family walking cities. It has great parks and stunning views from any of the many hills. View Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Peninsula.
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
Linda Smith ©
Honolulu is great for walking because stores, services, restaurants and the beach are all in walking distance. Their bus system has been rated as one of the best in the nation. In a tropical paradise, you can leave the car behind. The Honolulu Marathon is walker-friendly. Just change into good fitness walking shoes and don't spend all of your time in flip flops!
9. Portland, Oregon
© Wendy Bumgardner
Portland has a long history of supporting pedestrian and bike issues. They have had a Pedestrian Advisory Committee for more than 10 years. The original dream of a 40-mile loop of trails circling the city has turned into 140 miles of interconnected walkable trails. If you don't mind gray skies and soft drizzle, Portland is outstandingly walkable. It is home to numerous walking clubs and the walker-friendly Portland Marathon.
10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh just appointed a bike/pedestrian coordinator. The city ranks second in the number of walking commuters, but it lacks the mass transit options seen in some of the other top cities. Pittsburgh fans note that they have an interesting, dense urban environment that lends itself well to fitness walking as well as walking commutes.
