Most Walkable Cities in Texas

Texas frequently receives a failing mark when it comes to walkable cities. It is well-deserved compared to New York , San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia. It’s not just the coasts; Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis also perform significantly. Block-by-block ranking is the factor that goes into determining the most walkable cities. You need to consider the walking routes or how long it takes to get from one desirable location to another on foot. Moreso, depth of choice, or how much you’d want to walk within a given area; pedestrian-friendliness, which is pretty self-explanatory; mixed-use vs. single-use, or neighborhoods full of nothing but houses. Here are the most walkable cities in Texas

Downtown Dallas

As a premier urban attraction, Downtown Dallas is still expanding and developing. Over the past ten years, the city has experienced enormous expansion, notably from out-of-state buyers trying to avoid the exorbitant rates in cities like San Francisco. Many of these purchasers opt to buy residences in the city’s center because they are confident that, even without a car, they can quickly become familiar with everything the city offers. 

The numerous high-rise condos residents have quick access to Klyde Warren Park, the museum district’s cultural offerings, and conveniently located jobs. They can go via Klyde Warren Park to explore Oak Lawn/Uptown or stroll in any other direction to find fantastic eateries and pubs.

Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin is now one of the most walkable districts in Texas because of recent efforts by the City of Austin and initiatives like the Great Streets project. Residents have secure, convenient access to the city’s center thanks to the presence of streetside cafés, modernized walkways, and public spaces alongside the roads. There have been considerable efforts to improve the quality of life Downtown. 

Many cities have lively, busy downtowns throughout the day, but as 5 o’clock approaches, everyone disperses and goes home. However, because there are so many great places to eat, drink, and shop, Austin’s downtown gets crowded all night long. You’ll be in the middle of everything if you reside in one of the many condominiums downtown.

West Campus, Austin

Because it is situated directly west of the University of Texas, West Campus’s name emanates from that. The neighborhood’s 15,000 residents, mostly college students without cars, make it very walkable. There are a lot of modest 1940s craftsman bungalows, many condos at least ten years old, and a recent flood of brand-new apartment buildings. It is not unexpected that there are a lot of students living in this area. Students can run or work out along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt, study for finals at one of the many coffee shops, or go to a local bar on a Friday night. According to Lauren Johnson, when they land an internship downtown, they only have a short commute to get there.

Oak Lawn, Dallas

You can access Oak Lawn/Uptown by crossing Klyde Warren Park on the north side of Downtown Dallas. There are numerous brand-new restaurants and cafés in this neighborhood, as well as a dynamic retail sector. Additionally, it offers all the facilities required, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and the like. While relatively remote from the crowded metropolitan center, residents can readily find work downtown. 

In Oak Lawn, for instance, you can choose between a mid-rise condo with spectacular city views and a tiny rambler, or you can move farther north to Turtle Creek. With property values in Oak Lawn ranging from $350 per square foot to $1,800 per square foot, many homeowners may afford to live there.

Houston’s Midtown

In terms of size and population, Houston dwarfs its neighbors Texas cities, but it isn’t well renowned for being a walkable city. Although most Houstonians would tell you that they primarily need a car to get around, there are several areas along the I-610 Loop where walking is a practical means of getting around. One of the neighborhoods is Midtown. Residents can walk to work from there because it is close enough to the city center, but it also has a ton of neighborhood bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops. 

One of the remarkable things about Midtown is its bustling environment. Residents can walk downtown or take the train line swiftly across the city and watch a sporting activity at BBVA Compass Stadium, Minute Maid Park, or Toyota Center. Locals don’t need to travel outside the neighborhood for fun or entertainment because there are many options for nightlife and weekend errands within walking distance.

Knox/Henderson, Dallas

Even though Knox/Henderson is further from Downtown Dallas, those who work in the city can still commute there promptly. Residents are moving into the neighborhood in record numbers, and developers are scrambling to fulfill demand. Many Dallas neighborhoods are home to older, more traditional homes. Still, Knox/Henderson is experiencing an influx of new, contemporary townhomes and condos in designs that often appeal more to purchasers from outside the state. The neighborhood is developing more restaurants and shops as new residents move in, so the walk score will keep rising over time.

Downtown San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio has typical attractions of an urban core retail shops and businesses, restaurants, and cultural happenings. Most of the homes nearby are condos and lofts, and many new developments are coming into the area. Still, the RiverWalk is the real draw for people walking on foot. It stretches from downtown to Mission Espada, with pet-friendly bars, lively restaurants, and more tranquil sections without businesses all along the way. While the river walk is undoubtedly a tourist attraction, residents also use it. The river walk is a trendy destination for local families and their kids. The river path offers a welcome diversion from the busy streets of the city center.

East Austin 

As more new construction enters the area, East Austin has seen a spike in recent years. Customers are becoming more attracted to this area. Some people still prefer the 30s and 40s style and choose extensive restorations that preserve the beauty and personality of the property, even though many developers are replacing older homes with more contemporary ones. Homebuyers find themselves drawn to the neighborhood due to the range of home styles and immediate access to the city center. 

Finding a home that complements their tastes is one of my customers’ top priorities, and East Austin’s variety of architectural styles makes this possible. A high Walk Score is another factor that matters to my purchasers. This area has many fascinating shops, bars, restaurants, stores, and public areas adjacent to the peaceful residential streets.

Neartown/Montrose, Houston

One of Houston’s older and most vibrant neighborhoods is Neartown/Montrose. You can find various housing, from ultra-modern to artisans from the 1920s, and multiple people living there. The University of St. Thomas is close to the campus, young professionals working downtown can reside in Neartown/Montrose, and golfers can reach Hermann Park Golf Course in a short drive. 

Everything you could need is nearby along the Buffalo Bayou Trail, including dog parks, exciting restaurants and bars on and off Westheimer Road, and many boutiques, shops, and convenience stores also strewn around. One of Houston’s most relaxed communities, it feels far removed from the city’s center despite being only a short drive away because of its peaceful streets.

Virginia, El Paso

El Paso in Virginia is one of those places not recognized for having a vibrant daytime or nightlife, but its 1,100 residents nevertheless find it to be a very walkable area. Virginia is a short (just two blocks wide) stretch of older residences and the occasional mom-and-pop store along the north edge of I-10. Locals may do most of their shopping on foot and close to the shops and attractions in the city center. 

The El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, and the convention center are just a short stroll away from Virginia neighborhood residents on the southwest corner. At the same time, Tom Lea Park, El Paso High School, and the city’s primary hospitals are close to Virginia neighborhood residents on the northeastern side. Virginia is a good choice if you want to live in a quiet residential area with easy access to the town’s busier areas.