Massachusetts, a state steeped in history and culture, is also known for its bustling cities. But how pedestrian-friendly are these urban hubs?
In this Redfin article, we delve into the walkability of cities in the Bay State, examining factors such as median sale price and rent. Join us as we explore the top 10 most walkable cities in Massachusetts, from Cambridge to Lynn, and discover what makes each city a walker’s paradise.
1. Cambridge, MA
Walk Score: 90
Median Sale Price: $1,160,750
Median Rent Price: $3,364
With a walk score of 90, Cambridge is the most walkable city in Massachusetts and one of the most walkable in the U.S. The historic city boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Harvard Square and Central Square. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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2. Somerville, MA
Walk Score: 89
Median Sale Price: $1,000,000
Median Rent Price: $3,027
Somerville has a walk score of 89, making it the second most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Somerville, like Davis Square and Union Square, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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3. Boston, MA
Walk Score: 83
Median Sale Price: $838,000
Median Rent Price: $3,428
Boston is the third most walkable city in the state and one of the most expensive cities in the country. Particularly walkable areas in Boston include Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the North End. These places are home to iconic amenities like Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the Freedom Trail.
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4. Everett, MA
Walk Score: 83
Median Sale Price: $617,500
Median Rent Price: $2,943
Everett, a suburb of Boston, has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Everett Square to Glendale Park, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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5. Brookline, MA
Walk Score: 81
Median Sale Price: $1,020,000
Median Rent Price: $4,008
As the fifth most walkable city in the state, Brookline is known for Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Consider exploring Larz Anderson Park or getting a bite to eat at Zaftigs Delicatessen with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit the Emerald Necklace park system.
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6. Chelsea, MA
Walk Score: 81
Median Sale Price: $565,000
Median Rent Price: $2,366
Chelsea, a suburb of Boston, has a walk score of 81, making it the sixth most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Chelsea, like Bellingham Square and Chelsea Square, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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7. Watertown, MA
Walk Score: 76
Median Sale Price: $917,450
Median Rent Price: $3,033
Watertown is the seventh most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Watertown include Watertown Square and Coolidge Square. These places are home to amenities like the Charles River Reservation, Strip T’s restaurant, and the Armenian Library and Museum of America.
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8. Malden, MA
Walk Score: 73
Median Sale Price: $635,000
Median Rent Price: $2,568
Malden, another suburb of Boston, has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Malden Center to Bell Rock Memorial Park, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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9. Lawrence, MA
Walk Score: 72
Median Sale Price: $500,000
Median Rent Price: $2,163
As the ninth most walkable city in the state, Lawrence is known for Lawrence Heritage State Park and the Essex Art Center. Consider exploring the Great Stone Dam or getting a bite to eat at El Taller Cafe with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit the Spicket River Greenway.
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10. Lynn, MA
Walk Score: 70
Median Sale Price: $527,500
Median Rent Price: $2,266
Lynn, the tenth most walkable city in Massachusetts, boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Lynn and the Diamond District. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find a walkable place to live, rating areas from least to most walkable on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a city, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
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