Boston, Massachusetts, has a Walk Score of 83, which means it is very walkable. Given that over 13% of commuters in Boston choose to walk to work, one of Boston’s many nicknames is “America’s Walking City.” Boston is among the more walkable urban areas in the US, given its compact topography and dense population. However, specific neighborhoods are undeniably more walkable than others. Boston’s most walkable neighborhoods are Bay Village, North End, and Chinatown-Leather District. Check out these Boston suburbs with excellent walking areas if you want to be a one-car family or if you want to stroll.
Beacon Hill
Table Of Contents
Boston’s most walkable neighborhood is also one of the city’s oldest. Beacon Hill, where the Massachusetts State House is located, has a Walk Score of 99 and is home to numerous historical sites. Antique stores, dining establishments, and stunning townhouses with secret gardens lined throughout the quaint brick and cobblestone streets. You won’t miss the Bull and Finch Pub as you stroll through Beacon Hill because it served as the outside of the renowned pub from the television series Cheers.
Beacon Hill is about one square mile of hilly streets and promenades amid some of Boston’s most touristy sites, including the Massachusetts State House and the northern edges of both the Public Garden and Boston Common. Then there are streets such as Acorn and squares such as Louisburg (pictured), and everything’s okay after that. It can be tricky for pedestrians and bikers at some intersections, particularly just off the Charles/MGH Red Line stop.
Bay Village
Bay Village, Boston’s fourth most walker-friendly neighborhood, has a Walk Score of 98. Trees surround the streets of Bay Village and have no traffic, making it a walker’s paradise. There are many places to grab lunch or a drink, even though the area is mainly residential, with gorgeous brick row houses on every street. It’s only a short stroll from Bay Village to some of the best entertainment because it’s directly next to the Theater District. You can go to Boston Common and the Public Garden by taking a few blocks to the north.
Chinatown-Leather District
These close-knit communities are located on the southern border of Boston’s downtown and take up around 30 square blocks. There are only nine blocks in the Leather District. Due to their compactness and the fact that downtown is generally walkable, Chinatown and the Leather District are both accessible by foot. By accident rather than design, the neighborhoods serve people rather than cars. The region is well-known for the brick buildings from the 19th century that once housed leather makers and have subsequently transformed into lofts. The Leather District, bounded by Kneeland Street and Dewey Square, received a Walk Score of 99.
North end
The North End in Boston is one of the best explored on foot for transportation and sightseeing. You can find the Freedom Trail and the city’s best Italian cuisine in Boston’s historic North End. Compact and mainly inhospitable to cars, Boston’s classic Italian-American neighborhood is home to numerous delicious restaurants, delis, bakeries, and other establishments, in addition to well-known locations like Paul Revere’s residence and the Old North Church. From landmark locations like Paul Revere’s house, you may go through Boston’s oldest neighborhood on its charming cobblestone lanes. A walking tour of the region is one of the most well-liked activities, making it the third most walkable neighborhood in the city with a Walk Score of 99.
Lexington
Lexington is well-known for its role in American history because it was the site of the opening shot of the Revolutionary War. If you move to Lexington, you’ll immediately get used to going through the downtown area and visiting the historic site, which includes a memorial and a Minuteman statue. Since there are many sidewalks in the town, you can complete practically any errand on foot. You can walk to places like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, a dentist’s office, and a post office, to name a few. Additionally, renowned international eateries like Love at First Bite and Mario’s Italian Restaurant are in the downtown area’s brick pathways.
Melrose
It’s pretty simple to get around Melrose without a car. In less than 20 minutes, trains run from the town’s numerous stations to Boston, and Main Street, lined with sidewalks, contains almost everything you could need. Go to the Wyoming Hill station neighborhood to find entertainment and run errands. You can also see the Victorian-style structures in this area engulfed by family-run shops, gyms, banks, and cafes. Additionally, there is always something for the whole family to enjoy downtown, from Summer Stroll to Trick or Treating, thanks to a calendar full of activities.
West End
North Station is conveniently located near the West End, making it simple to travel almost everywhere in Boston. Try the Thoreau Path to access one of the many parks and plazas in the neighborhood tucked between Beacon Hill and the North End. But be careful in the crowded area around TD Garden and North Station. With a Walk Score of 97, the West End is Boston’s sixth most walkable area. It is a well-liked location for sports lovers who wish to be able to stroll to support the Celtics and Bruins due to its proximity to TD Garden.
Back Pay
Affluent Back Bay in Boston is bordered north and south by the Charles River and the Massachusetts Turnpike. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 97, is excellent for strolling, and is home to several famous sites like Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Although Back Bay’s walkability rating is significantly lower than the top four neighborhoods, certain areas are just as pedestrian-friendly as Bay Village and the North End. The city’s most important place is on lovely Newbury Street.
South End
The South End of Boston is renowned for its thriving, multicultural neighborhood and its sizable number of Victorian row homes. Hundreds of eateries serving food worldwide coexist with artist studios, little shops, and various bars. Lower South End areas, notably those near Blackstone and Franklin squares, are very pedestrian-friendly. The South End is a distinctly contemporary neighborhood despite being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The South End received a Walk Score of 97 due to the ease with which all of it was reachable by foot.
Harvard Square
The most walkable area of Cambridge is found by going over to Charles, perhaps taking the Red Line. The identically called institution predominates in the rapidly developing region. However, many other attractions are not associated with Harvard, including parks along the waterfront (including waterfront parks). Best of all, it’s a short trip to other Cambridge, primarily walkable neighborhoods, such as Central and Porter squares.
Newtown
Newton, a town founded in 1630, is home to several immaculately kept Colonial-style residences and historic homes. There are 13 unique villages in Newton, each with its tight-knit community with access to nightlife, dining, and shopping at the Newton Center. Play some golf at the Brae Burn Country Club, drink at Terry O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, or grab a meal at one of the place’s fine dining establishments like Sycamore or Farmstead Table. The playground at Newton Center Park and other family-friendly outdoor activities in Cold Spring Park.