Don’t Have a Car? These Are the 7 Best Cities to Live in Without One

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With the rise of public transportation, biking, and coworking spaces, it’s now easier than ever to get by without owning a vehicle in these cities. Learn more. 

Being a car owner is not a requirement for living in a city. In fact, many people choose to live in cities without a car due to the high costs of parking, gas, and maintenance. With car prices at their peak, car loans have become increasingly unaffordable. Fortunately, there are cities across the world that offer great public transportation options, bike-share programs, and walkability. Whether you’re looking to save money or reduce your carbon footprint, here are the best cities to live in without a car.

Top cities to live without a car

CoWorking Cafe conducted a thorough analysis of 331 cities in the U.S., examining various factors related to public transportation and the number of citizens who utilize modes of travel such as cycling, walking, public transportation or taxicabs, and motorcycles.

It also analyzed the density of the train and biking infrastructure for each city, as well as the average cost pertaining to adult fare, among other key metrics. Here are the top seven cities:

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has consistently ranked as the top city in the nation for living without a car. With excellent public transportation and high walkability, it’s easy for residents to move around the city. Over 28% of Boston’s population uses public transit, which is the third-largest share among the 331 cities analyzed.

The city has a high density of stations, with most residents living near a bus, metro, or train stop. Additionally, the low number of breakdowns and mechanical failures among public transit vehicles makes Boston’s transportation system reliable and convenient.

2. Newark, New Jersey

Newark’s excellent public transportation system is a popular alternative to commuting by car due to its status as a major transportation hub and the highest station density, with almost 10 stations per square mile.

Newark has one of the busiest airports in the nation with seamless connections to New York City. Although one-fifth of the population utilizes metros, buses, and trains, it may be surprising to learn that a significant portion of residents still rely on other methods of transportation.

3. New York City, New York

Almost half of New Yorkers use some sort of means of public transportation to commute within and around the city — the highest share among 331 U.S. cities. New York City is ranked third in terms of station density with more than two of them available per square mile and a whopping 16,000 total number of stops.

However, one setback that residents face is the relatively high price of public transportation, with an average adult fare of $4.36, which is the fourth highest among all the cities analyzed.

4. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. ranks fifth in the nation for public transportation usage at 27%. Additionally, the city is among the top 10 with a large population that uses walking or biking as their primary mode of transportation.

The working population also benefits from the city’s high density of coworking spaces, with more than 12 per 100,000 residents. Plus, the government institutions in Washington, D.C. are recognized for their widely adopted remote work policies.

5. San Francisco, California

Commuting within San Francisco is hassle free whether by bus, train, bike, or foot. The city ranks fourth in the United States for the extensive use of public transportation methods, with almost 28% of its population utilizing its complex infrastructure.

Additionally, San Francisco takes fifth place in taxi and motorcycle usage, with almost 4% of the population relying on them. For those who prefer cycling, the city has the highest bike lane density in the nation.

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With a reliable public transportation infrastructure, Philadelphia has earned the sixth spot in the list of top best places to live without a personal car. This is reflected by the high number of residents (more than 24% of the total population) who choose it for their daily commutes.

The city’s rank has a high density of bus, metro, and train stations, placing it fourth in the country in this category with more than two stations per square mile.

7. Seattle, Washington

Seattle residents have a favorable alternative to driving: public transportation, which boasts nearly two stations per square mile. This frequent transportation option enables commuters to move efficiently and reach their destination with ease.

Additionally, Seattle’s expansive park system may account for the city’s high number of pedestrians who opt to walk to work.

Living in a city without a car can be liberating, environmentally-friendly, and save you money. If you’re considering going car free or just want to make a change for the better, these cities offer a wide range of alternative travel options. Ultimately, living without a car doesn’t have to mean missing out on life opportunities — it can actually help you uncover new ones!

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