Exploring the Walkability of Los Angeles: Unpacking the Rankings and Local Opinions

In a recent article posted on the website “Secret Los Angeles,” the question of whether Los Angeles is a walkable city was posed, with the city being ranked as the 8th most walkable city in the U.S. This ranking might surprise those familiar with LA’s reputation for traffic congestion and car culture. However, Los Angeles boasts a variety of walkable spots, including beaches, boardwalks, shopping districts, and hiking trails.

The study that ranked Los Angeles as the 8th most walkable city in the U.S. considered factors such as points of interest, job density, and the availability of office or retail space. While the city’s extensive transit system of metro, buses, and shared scooters and bikes contributed to its high ranking, challenges like income inequality and the high cost of living dim its walkability badge.

To delve deeper into the lived reality of walkability in LA, the article gathered opinions from Angelenos. Responses varied widely, with some asserting that LA is walkable due to areas like Santa Monica and West LA, while others argued that the city’s sprawl limits its walkability compared to cities like NYC, Chicago, or SF. Some respondents highlighted the need for better sidewalks and urban planning to enhance LA’s walkability.

The blog post also references a 2023 study by the National Association of Realtors, which revealed a strong preference among Americans, especially younger generations, for neighborhoods where amenities are within walking distance. This preference underscores the importance of walkability in urban areas.

While the question of whether Los Angeles is truly a walkable city remains complex and subjective, the diverse range of opinions reflects the city’s unique urban landscape. The blog post concludes by emphasizing the opportunity for LA to improve its walkability through thoughtful urban planning and design, despite the challenges it may present.

The post closes with a list of the 20 most walkable cities in America, illustrating the varying degrees of walkability across different urban centers. Readers are encouraged to explore the methodology behind the rankings and learn more about walkable cities in America on the Smart Growth America website.

The 20 most walkable cities in America

1. New York
2. Boston
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Seattle
5. Portland
6. San Francisco
7. Chicago
8. Los Angeles
9. Pittsburgh
10. Philadelphia
11. Minneapolis-St. Paul
12. Miami
13. Charlotte
14. Austin
15. Atlanta
16. Denver
17. Cleveland
18. Houston
19. Columbus
20. Baltimore

Source: Secret Los Angeles

https://secretlosangeles.com/is-los-angeles-walkable-angelenos-weigh-in

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism

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