Have you ever wondered which cities in Arizona are the most pedestrian-friendly?
While the state is known for its sprawling desert landscapes and car-centric urban areas, there are several cities that buck this trend and offer surprisingly walkable environments.
From college towns to historic districts, these cities provide residents and visitors with the opportunity to explore on foot, enjoying unique local attractions and amenities.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 walkable cities in Arizona, delving into the features that make them stand out.
Get ready to lace up your walking shoes and discover the best of what Arizona has to offer!
| City | Walk Score | Notable Feature | University Presence | Downtown Highlights | Outdoor Recreation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe | 54 | Extensive low-stress road network | Arizona State University | Vibrant downtown with dining & shops | N/A |
| Tucson | 43 | Historic downtown | University of Arizona | Numerous attractions within walking | Extensive bike lane network |
| Phoenix | 41 | Light rail connects downtown | N/A | Most walkable neighborhood (DT) | N/A |
| Flagstaff | 39 | Compact downtown | Northern Arizona Univ. | N/A | Proximity to hiking trails |
| Prescott | 25 | Charming Courthouse Square | N/A | Shops, restaurants, galleries | Nearby hiking trails |
| Scottsdale | 32 | Old Town Scottsdale | N/A | Art galleries, boutiques, dining | Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt |
| Bisbee | N/A | Former mining town, unique shops | N/A | Galleries, restaurants within walking | Compact, hilly layout |
| Mesa | 38 | N/A | N/A | Variety of businesses & attractions | Mesa Arts Center & Amphith. |
| Gilbert | 29 | Downtown Heritage District | N/A | Shops, restaurants, community events | Parks and recreational trails |
| Chandler | 35 | Downtown variety of businesses | N/A | Local businesses and restaurants | Chandler Fashion Center mall |
10 Walkable Cities in Arizona
1. Tempe
What makes Tempe a walkable city?
Tempe, home to Arizona State University, is the most walkable city in the state.
The presence of the university contributes significantly to its pedestrian-friendly nature, with a large student population and a variety of amenities catering to their needs.
The city boasts an extensive network of low-stress roads and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, making it easy and safe to navigate on foot.
What is Tempe’s Walk Score?
Tempe has the highest Walk Score among Arizona cities, with an impressive score of 54. This indicates that many daily errands can be accomplished on foot, and the city offers a range of accessible amenities and destinations.
What attractions can be found in Tempe’s downtown area?
Downtown Tempe is a vibrant and lively area, offering a wide array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
Visitors and residents can easily explore the downtown district on foot, enjoying the unique local businesses and cultural attractions.
2. Tucson
How does Tucson rank in terms of walkability in Arizona?
Tucson holds the second-highest Walk Score in Arizona, with a score of 43. This demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating a pedestrian-friendly environment and providing accessible amenities for its residents and visitors.
What makes Tucson’s downtown area walkable?
Tucson’s historic downtown is a walkable gem, featuring numerous attractions within easy walking distance. From museums and galleries to restaurants and shops, the downtown area offers a diverse range of experiences for pedestrians to enjoy.
How does the University of Arizona contribute to Tucson’s walkability?
The University of Arizona campus is a significant contributor to Tucson’s overall walkability.The presence of the university encourages a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, with many students and faculty members opting to walk to and from classes and nearby amenities.
What is Tucson’s Bike Score, and how does it relate to walkability?
In addition to its walkability, Tucson boasts an extensive bike lane network, earning an impressive Bike Score of 66.This infrastructure supports active transportation and complements the city’s walkable areas, providing residents with multiple options for car-free travel.
3. Phoenix
What is Phoenix’s Walk Score, and how does it compare to other Arizona cities?
Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona, has a Walk Score of 41, placing it third among the state’s most walkable cities.While lower than Tempe and Tucson, this score still indicates that Phoenix offers a number of walkable areas and amenities.
Which neighborhood in Phoenix is the most walkable?
Downtown Phoenix stands out as the most walkable neighborhood in the city, boasting a Walk Score of 95.This means that nearly all daily errands can be accomplished on foot, and the downtown area is highly accessible for pedestrians.
What types of housing options are available in downtown Phoenix?
Downtown Phoenix offers a range of high-end luxury apartments and condos, catering to those who prefer a walkable urban lifestyle.
These housing options provide residents with easy access to the many amenities and attractions found in the downtown area.
How does the light rail system contribute to Phoenix’s walkability?
Phoenix’s light rail system plays a crucial role in connecting downtown with other parts of the city.This public transportation option extends the reach of walkable areas, allowing residents and visitors to easily access a wider range of destinations without relying on a car.
4. Flagstaff
What is the Walk Score of Flagstaff’s downtown area?
Flagstaff’s compact downtown area has a Walk Score of 39, indicating that it is relatively walkable compared to other parts of the city.The downtown district offers a variety of amenities and attractions within easy walking distance.
How does Northern Arizona University impact Flagstaff’s walkability?
Similar to Tempe and Tucson, Flagstaff is home to a major university, Northern Arizona University.The presence of the university contributes to the city’s walkable character, with many students and faculty members living and working in the area.
What outdoor recreation opportunities are accessible from Flagstaff?
Flagstaff’s proximity to outdoor recreation and hiking trails is another factor that enhances its walkability. Residents and visitors can easily access these natural amenities on foot, enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
How bike-friendly is Flagstaff?
In addition to its walkability, Flagstaff boasts a bike-friendly infrastructure, with a Bike Score of 65. This indicates that the city has invested in creating safe and accessible routes for cyclists, further promoting active transportation options.
5. Prescott
What is the Walk Score of Prescott’s downtown area?
Prescott’s historic downtown has a Walk Score of 25, which suggests that while it may not be as walkable as some other cities on this list, it still offers a charming and pedestrian-friendly environment.
What attractions can be found in downtown Prescott?
Downtown Prescott is centered around the charming Courthouse Square, which is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.This area is highly walkable, allowing visitors to explore the local businesses and attractions on foot.
What outdoor recreation opportunities are available near Prescott?
Prescott’s proximity to hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas is another draw for those who enjoy walkable cities.Residents and visitors can easily access these natural amenities, taking advantage of the beautiful surrounding landscape.
6. Scottsdale
What is Scottsdale’s overall Walk Score?
Scottsdale has a Walk Score of 32, indicating that while it may not be as walkable as some other cities on this list, it does offer some highly walkable neighborhoods and areas.
Which area of Scottsdale is particularly walkable?
Old Town Scottsdale is a highly walkable district, offering a mix of art galleries, boutiques, and dining options. This area is popular among both residents and visitors, who enjoy exploring the unique local businesses on foot.
What outdoor amenities contribute to Scottsdale’s walkability?
The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a significant contributor to Scottsdale’s walkability, providing miles of walking and biking paths.This outdoor amenity allows residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful desert landscape while engaging in active transportation.
7. Bisbee
What is Bisbee’s history, and how does it contribute to its walkability?
Bisbee, a former mining town turned artist community, boasts a compact and hilly layout that is conducive to walking. The city’s unique history and character are reflected in its walkable streets and local businesses.
What attractions can be found within walking distance in Bisbee?
Bisbee’s walkable downtown area is home to a variety of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors and residents can easily explore these attractions on foot, discovering the city’s creative spirit and vibrant community.
8. Mesa
What is Mesa’s Walk Score, and how does it compare to other Arizona cities?
Mesa, the third-largest city in Arizona, has a Walk Score of 38. While lower than some other cities on this list, Mesa still offers some walkable areas and neighborhoods.
What can be found in downtown Mesa?
Downtown Mesa features a variety of local businesses and cultural attractions, making it a walkable destination for both residents and visitors. The Mesa Arts Center and Mesa Amphitheatre are both located within walking distance of the downtown area.
9. Gilbert
What is Gilbert’s Walk Score?
Gilbert, a rapidly growing suburb of Phoenix, has a Walk Score of 29. While this may not be as high as some other cities on the list, Gilbert still offers some walkable areas and amenities.
What attractions can be found in Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District?
Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District is a walkable area that offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and community events. This district serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, providing a pedestrian-friendly environment.
What outdoor amenities contribute to Gilbert’s walkability?
Gilbert boasts an extensive system of parks and recreational trails, which contribute to the city’s overall walkability.These outdoor amenities provide residents and visitors with opportunities to engage in active transportation and enjoy the beautiful Arizona landscape.
10. Chandler
What is Chandler’s Walk Score?
Chandler has a Walk Score of 35, indicating that while it may not be as walkable as some other cities on the list, it does offer some pedestrian-friendly areas and neighborhoods.
What can be found in downtown Chandler?
Downtown Chandler features a variety of local businesses and restaurants, making it a walkable destination for both residents and visitors. This area offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
What shopping destination is within walking distance of some Chandler neighborhoods?
The Chandler Fashion Center mall is a popular destination that is within walking distance of some neighborhoods in the city.This accessibility adds to Chandler’s overall walkability, providing residents with easy access to shopping and entertainment options.
Conclusion
Who knew that Arizona, a state often associated with vast deserts and car culture, could offer such a diverse array of walkable cities?
From the vibrant streets of Tempe and Tucson to the charming historic districts of Prescott and Bisbee, these cities demonstrate that it is possible to create pedestrian-friendly environments in the heart of the desert.
By prioritizing walkability and investing in the necessary infrastructure, these cities not only improve the quality of life for residents but also attract visitors who appreciate the ability to explore on foot.
As Arizona continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that more cities embrace the principles of walkability, creating sustainable and livable communities for generations to come. So, which of these walkable Arizona cities will you explore first?