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Breaking down Boston’s walkability score

Despite the steep streets, Beacon Hill is the most walkable neighborhood in Boston. | Photo by adinwids

Despite the steep streets, Beacon Hill is the most walkable neighborhood in Boston. | Photo by adinwids

Did you know that Boston is the third most walkable large city in the US? We only trail behind New York and San Fransisco when it comes to pedestrian friendliness.

Boston scored 83 out of 100 on Walk Score’s walkability meter. Turns out, Boston is nicknamed “The Walking City” for good reason.

Walk Score also gave Boston a transit score of 72. Our city is home to the first public transportation system in the US + has 115 bus routes, 12 rails, three subways, five light rails, and two ferry lines. Boston’s bike score is 69, taking into account the city’s infrastructure, bike lanes, and hills.

Let’s step into the most walkable neighborhoods:

👟 Beacon Hill

Home to 9,978 residents, Beacon Hill has a walk score of 99 (we bet that one point is missing because of the hilly streets).

🍽️ Chinatown’s Leather District

The neighborhood has 4,431 residents + tons of restaurants and grocery stores.

🚲 North End

The North End received a bike score of 83. Plus, think of all the amazing Italian food smells the 11,195 residents get to enjoy every day.

🚊 Bay Village

Small but mighty, this South End neighborhood was mentioned for its public transportation access + bikeability.

Honorable mention goes to Downtown Boston —a walker’s paradise for 9,358 residents and plenty of visitors.

Have a favorite walking path in Greater Boston? Let us know. We’re always looking to get out and about in our city.

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