Whether you had a traumatic experience behind the wheel or you just want to do your part in helping the planet, there are plenty of reasons to not love driving. For starters, buying a car is expensive and driving one costs about 59 cents a mile.
Thankfully, there are plenty of cities where you don’t need a car to get around. Take a look at these 10 cities where you can ditch your car:
1. New York, NY
Cities that are densely populated typically have great public transit. New York City is as dense as it gets, and its public transportation shows it.
Many New Yorkers who don’t have cars don’t miss driving. In fact, the subway is one of the best ways to get home safe — and it still allows you to take a nap on the unfortunate passenger next to you.
2. San Francisco, CA
Perhaps to satisfy its “garage dwelling” entrepreneurs, San Francisco has a great public transportation system. It’s a smaller city, making it easily walkable.
But it also has a fantastic cycling culture, as the city has committed to building out cycling infrastructure with bike lanes and paths. Biking the Golden Gate is also a scenic and beautiful way to enjoy the city.
3. Providence, RI
This gem in the smallest state has a tendency to be forgotten, but ditching your car in Providence is easy. You can walk Providence in its entirety within five hours. A good portion of that walk can be done while strolling next to the Providence River, which bisects the city.
Downtown Providence has an exciting nightlife and the best spots are condensed within two miles of one another (check out Whiskey Republic), so walking is a breeze. Providence also has a dynamic cycling community with plenty of steep hills for anyone looking for descending speed or an ascending challenge.
4. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, might ironically be one of its best kept secrets. The city is a fantastic mix of modern metropolis and monuments from the 18th century.
The city also has a subway system that’s clean and efficient. If you live in Philly, the city is small enough to walk and due to low traffic, bicycling is a breeze. There are also plenty of people who enjoy their daily jogs across the city and runs up the famed “Rocky” steps.
5. Miami, FL
Most people don’t believe you can live in Florida without owning a car, but Miami proves the assumption wrong. Downtown Miami has a fleet of buses and a metro rail service in case you’re traveling further than normal.
The real draw of Miami for those without a vehicle, though, is how much there is to do year-round. Constant pleasant weather means you’ll find people walking the beach in the middle of January or working out at one of the beach’s fitness stations.
6. Savannah, GA
Savannah is one of the original colonial cities. As a result, you can easily get where you need to go on foot or carriage. Savannah is divided up into a series of historic squares that are all within walking distance from one another.
Walking through Savannah can be even more enjoyable due to their lack of open container laws. When your legs tire out, the small city even has a decent bus line to get you back to where you started.
7. Washington, DC
No matter what feelings you have towards our nation’s capital, you can’t criticize its public transportation. Washington, DC has an expansive bus and metro line which is affordable, clean, and thorough enough for you to see any monument.
One metro stop will easily provide plenty of American history.
8. Chicago, IL
Chicago is a great city if you’re trying to get out of the driver’s seat. In addition to a solid public transportation system, it’s probably one of the best cities to own a bicycle in.
Chicago’s bike sharing program, Divvy, has exploded over the last two years — more than tripling in size and promoting the addition of bike lanes and safety.
9. Boston, MA
Boston serves as a hub for trains traveling to just about every major destination in the Northeastern United States. During the summer, you can grab a train to any of the coastal areas and visit the beach.
Alternatively, you can always stay in the city and enjoy the nightlife and music at the Brighton Music Hall or take a walk down Freedom Trail. Either way, no car is necessary for you to take along with you.
10. Portland, OR
Portland is a city-planning marvel. Regardless of its small size, it is consistently ranked among the most public transit-friendly cities in the United States. The small city has rail lines, buses and streetcars that constantly run.
It’s also riddled with bike lanes and it’s a great destination for nature lovers. The nearby Mount Hood is also a stunning site to see from any of the city’s taller buildings.
If you choose to live in — or visit — any one of these American cities, you’ll be walking, cycling or taking public transportation everywhere you want with ease.
Featured photo credit: David Marcu via finda.photo
