These 12 Least Walkable Cities in the US Are a Car-Lover's Paradise

When planning a move or vacation, walkability can be a crucial factor, especially for those who prefer exploring their surroundings on foot. If you are an avid explorer who likes to explore a destination thoroughly, you would know that you would need to get on foot to access every nook of a city.

However, not all cities are created equal when it comes to pedestrian-friendliness. While cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are known for their walkability, others lag far behind.

This article explores 12 of the least walkable cities in the US where car dependency is a necessity for one reason or another. The sprawling layouts, limited public transportation, and minimal pedestrian infrastructure all contribute to the less-than-pleasant walking experience in these US destinations.

Table of Contents

Charlotte, North Carolina

Ah, the Queen City. You’ve probably heard about Charlotte’s booming banking scene and population growth. But did you know it’s also one of the least walkable cities in the US?

Charlotte was built for cars, not pedestrians. Research by Walk Score shows that about 78% of workers use cars to move around the city. The city is sprawled over a massive area, with residential neighborhoods, office parks, and shopping centers scattered far and wide. Getting around on foot can be a serious challenge.

Even if you live in a neighborhood zoned for mixed-use, chances are the nearest grocery store, restaurant, or park will still be miles away. Also, the city’s infrastructure heavily favors driving over walking or biking. Moreover, public transit options are limited, too. Lastly, aggressive drivers don’t make things any easier either.

Miami, Florida

This sunny metropolis ranks as one of the least pedestrian-friendly places in the entire country. Miami’s urban sprawl is next-level. Its layout seems designed to force residents into their vehicles at every turn. Neighborhoods are not any different from disconnected islands as they are separated by massive highways. Walking to grab a coffee or go to the grocery store can be an exercise in frustration.

You’d think a major city would have decent public transportation to compensate for its lack of walkability. But Miami’s bus and rail systems are woefully inadequate. Longer wait times and limited coverage areas mean most locals avoid transit altogether.

If you attempt to explore Miami on foot, you’ll quickly realize how some drivers zip along at excessive speeds. Lastly, do not be surprised when you come across narrow, cracked sidewalks.

Memphis, Tennessee

With a Walk Score of 35 out of 100, most daily errands in Memphis require hopping in the car. Urban development is spread out over a huge area, and most shopping malls and amenities are scattered across this expansive landscape, so getting anywhere on foot is mostly impractical.

Major roads prioritize vehicle traffic over sidewalks. Moreover, residential areas often lack basic infrastructure like continuous sidewalks. Research by Dangerous by Design in 2022 showed that 7,522 pedestrians were killed in the city. This study ranked Memphis as the country’s deadliest city for pedestrians.

It’s not all bad news for Memphis pedestrians. Downtown has some walkable pockets lined with restaurants and attractions. But for daily life, most locals drive – contributing to traffic, pollution, and sedentary lifestyles.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is an extensive metropolis in the heart of the Arizona desert. With its grid-like layout and car-centric design, it’s no surprise this city ranks high on the list of least walkable places.

The scorching desert heat poses another significant challenge for getting around on foot. Summer temperatures routinely soar past 100°F (38°C), making even short walks unbearable. Sure, you could try braving the blacktop during cooler months, but that unrelenting sun will still make you sweaty and possibly cause sunburns.

For all its pedestrian pitfalls, Phoenix makes up for them with an abundance of drive-thru convenience. From fast food to pharmacies, everything is designed with car access in mind.

San Antonio, Texas

When San Antonio comes to mind, you probably think of the Alamo. But this metropolis has another claim to fame—it’s one of the least pedestrian-friendly cities in America.

San Antonio was built to accommodate cars and not pedestrians. Its urban sprawl makes getting around on foot a real challenge. The scattered development patterns and low-density neighborhoods discourage walking. Further, with scorching summers and high humidity levels, the weather isn’t very inviting for walking trips. Getting in the car is the default for short and long trips around the city.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options

While the Riverwalk area has some pedestrian-friendly charm, much of San Antonio remains built around the automobile.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Millions of travelers annually visit Greensboro, the third-largest city in North Carolina. It is home to popular tourist sites like the Greensboro Science Center and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. As you visit, you will quickly realize the city’s infrastructure is primarily designed for car travel. Wide roads, ample parking spaces, and the layout of streets cater to vehicle traffic, which discourages walking. Greensboro has a Walk Score of 29.4 out of 100.

Residential areas feel disconnected from commercial districts and downtown. Winding roads prioritize vehicle traffic over walkability. You’ll be hard-pressed to run daily errands without relying on your car.

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City epitomizes the challenges of walkability in many American cities. According to The Oklahoman, about 1.3% of residents bike or walk to work. Additionally, the city’s Walk Score is 33.6 out of 100.

As the capital of Oklahoma, it’s a large metropolis built to favor cars. You’ll find wide roads, sparse pedestrian infrastructure, and long distances between destinations.

Oklahoma’s sweltering summers don’t help motivate walking, either. With highs routinely above 90°F and oppressive humidity, a short stroll can leave you drenched in sweat.

However, city planners are slowly implementing projects to improve sidewalks and bike lanes. But for the most part, Oklahoma City remains a driving city at its core.

Orlando, Florida

When we think of Orlando, Florida, images of enchanting theme parks, bustling tourist spots, and sunny weather often come to mind. However, behind the dazzling attractions, there is a lesser-known aspect of the city that significantly impacts residents and visitors: Orlando’s walkability. Only 2.7% of this city’s residents walk to work.

Orlando’s suburban growth is characterized by vast residential areas spread over a large geographic region. This sprawl necessitates using cars for even the simplest errands, as essential amenities like grocery stores and healthcare facilities are often miles apart. Furthermore, many of these suburban areas lack adequate sidewalks, making walking difficult for residents. The lack of continuous sidewalks is a glaring issue, especially in residential neighborhoods where pedestrians are forced to share the road with vehicles.

Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama, a city rich in history and culture, has often been criticized for its lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. To understand Montgomery’s current pedestrian challenges, we must first look at its historical context. The city’s infrastructure was primarily developed during an era when car ownership was becoming a symbol of progress. This car-centric planning left little room for pedestrian pathways, resulting in a city layout favoring vehicles over walkers.

Furthermore, Montgomery has high pedestrian accident rates, which can be attributed to poor lighting, lack of crosswalks, and unsafe walking conditions.

Chesapeake, Virginia

You know that feeling of being surrounded by endless strip malls, big-box stores, and housing developments? Well, that’s what Chesapeake is about. This city covers more than 350 square miles. Everything is spaced out and designed for driving rather than walking.

Sidewalks? More like an afterthought. Chesapeake’s infrastructure heavily favors cars over pedestrians. Vast parking lots surround every destination, while pedestrian paths are often narrow, cracked, or non-existent. Crossing multi-lane roads feels like an extreme sport.

Sure, some neighborhoods have decent walkability within their confines. But try venturing out for basic amenities like groceries or dining. You’ll quickly hit a wall of car dependency.

Jackson, Mississippi

When you find yourself in Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, buckle up because getting around on foot here is a real challenge.

Walking or biking? You’re taking your life into your own hands. Jackson ranks among the most dangerous US cities for pedestrians and cyclists, with inadequate sidewalks, limited crosswalks, and drivers who often fail to yield.

Disconnected neighborhoods make it tough to reach destinations without a vehicle. Major roads act as barriers, severing communities from amenities. Even a quick trip to the grocery store can involve navigating high-speed traffic and inhospitable conditions.

Fayetteville, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a place where walking is more of a chore than a pleasure, Fayetteville, North Carolina, should be near the top of your list. This military city scored a devastating 21 on Walk Score’s one to 100 scale.

Wide roads, sparse crosswalks, and a lack of sidewalks in many areas discourage walking. Pedestrian safety is also a major concern. With few dedicated walking paths and drivers accustomed to empty streets, those brave enough to travel by foot risk their safety.

The city’s pedestrian danger index ranks among the highest in the US. Moreover, Fayetteville’s suburban layout means amenities are spread far apart. Good luck finding a cluster of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options within a reasonable walking distance.