News
The 10 Most Walkable Cities in the Western United States
Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Daily News Staff
In a region famous for its scenic highways and vast landscapes, walkable cities might seem rare—but several Western metros are proving that car-free living can thrive even out west. From bustling downtown districts to eco-conscious neighborhoods, these cities are leading the way in pedestrian-friendly design and urban livability.
Based on recent data from WalkScore.com, The Urbanist, and national livability reports, here are the 10 most walkable cities in the Western United States for 2025.
1. San Francisco, California
Walk Score: 88
San Francisco remains the gold standard for walkability in the West. Compact, dense, and full of life, it’s easy to access markets, cafes, and parks without ever starting your car. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission, and North Beach are pedestrian paradises.
2. Seattle, Washington
Walk Score: 74
Seattle’s hilly terrain hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of America’s most walkable cities. The Emerald City’s neighborhoods—Capitol Hill, Downtown, and Belltown—offer great access to shops, jobs, and transit connections.
3. Portland, Oregon
Walk Score: 76
Portland’s short blocks, mixed-use development, and eco-friendly mindset make it one of the easiest cities in the U.S. to explore on foot. Its downtown core and eastside neighborhoods are a model for urban planners nationwide.
4. Oakland, California
Walk Score: 73
Across the Bay from San Francisco, Oakland has reinvented itself with walkable districts like Uptown and Temescal. Access to BART and a growing local business scene help make the city increasingly foot-friendly.
5. Long Beach, California
Walk Score: 73
With ocean breezes, coastal trails, and a vibrant downtown, Long Beach ranks among California’s most livable—and walkable—coastal cities.
6. Los Angeles, California
Walk Score: 68
While sprawling overall, Los Angeles offers pockets of excellent walkability. Downtown LA, Koreatown, and Santa Monica combine dense housing, entertainment, and transit for an increasingly car-optional lifestyle.
7. Denver, Colorado
Walk Score: 61
Denver’s walkability continues to grow as it invests in mixed-use developments and light rail. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and LoDo are among the most pedestrian-friendly in the Rocky Mountain region.
8. San Diego, California
Walk Score: 59
America’s Finest City combines great weather with improving walkability. Districts like Little Italy, Hillcrest, and the Gaslamp Quarter encourage strolling and outdoor living.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Walk Score: 58
While Utah’s capital is known for its mountain access, downtown Salt Lake City is surprisingly walkable—with restaurants, transit, and entertainment within easy reach.
10. Boulder, Colorado
Walk Score: 57
Though smaller than most on this list, Boulder’s downtown and University Hill areas are incredibly walkable. It’s an ideal blend of pedestrian design, public spaces, and natural beauty.
Why These Cities Stand Out
What makes these cities shine isn’t just their sidewalks—it’s their planning philosophy. They emphasize:
Mixed-use zoning that brings housing, work, and leisure together Public transit systems that complement walkability Safe, shaded pedestrian corridors that make walking practical year-round Community design that encourages local shopping and social interaction. These cities prove that even in the car-loving West, walkability and livability can go hand in hand.
As more Americans seek sustainable, connected lifestyles, Western cities are reimagining the way people move. From the hills of San Francisco to the waterfront of Long Beach, these walkable cities are showing that the future of urban living might be best experienced—one step at a time.
For more on how walkability impacts urban development, check out:
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Daily News
Whose Debt Is the National Debt?
The national debt isn’t Americans’ credit card balances added together. This simple explainer separates federal borrowing from household debt and explains the difference between debt and a deficit.
Last Updated on October 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The Knowledge | STM Daily News
When you hear “national debt,” do you picture everyone’s credit card balances added together? The name can create that impression, but the national debt and household debt measure different borrowing.
The U.S. national debt is money the federal government owes. Your personal credit card balance is not included.
Federal debt versus household debt
The Treasury defines national debt as the federal government’s total outstanding borrowing accumulated over the country’s history. Household debt covers borrowing by individuals and families, including mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and student loans.
|Type of debt |Who borrowed? |Examples |
|————–|————————|————————————————–|
|National debt |Federal government |Outstanding Treasury securities |
|Household debt|Individuals and families|Credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, student loans|
Putting a $500 purchase on your credit card increases your personal balance. It does not add $500 to the national debt.
How does the national debt grow?
When federal spending exceeds tax collections and other revenue, the government runs a budget deficit. Treasury sells securities to borrow money to cover the gap.
Consider a simplified, hypothetical example: the government collects $5 trillion and spends $6 trillion in one year. That leaves a $1 trillion deficit requiring financing.
A deficit measures a shortfall over a period, usually a year. Debt measures outstanding borrowing accumulated over time. Repeated deficits generally increase that debt. Interest on existing borrowing is also a federal expense.
Does paying off your credit card reduce the national debt?
Paying off a card reduces what you owe your lender. It does not directly repay Treasury borrowing. Household debt and government debt can influence the same economy, but they remain separate obligations.
When discussing debt, ask: Who borrowed the money? That one question helps distinguish a family’s finances from the federal budget.
Find more explanations of the ideas behind the headlines at STM Daily News, home of The Knowledge.
Sources
● U.S. Treasury: Understanding the National Debt
● U.S. Treasury: Understanding the National Deficit
● Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Household Debt and Credit Report
Science
October Meteor Showers Give Phoenix Skywatchers a Reason to Look Up
Phoenix skywatchers have several chances to catch October’s meteor showers. Here’s when to watch the Taurids and Orionids—and how moonlight affects the view.
Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PHOENIX — October is bringing several opportunities to spot shooting stars over the Valley, with the Draconids reaching their October 8–9 peak and more meteor activity ahead.
The Draconids remain active through October 10, although viewers should expect a light display as the peak passes. Under favorable conditions, the shower typically produces only a handful of meteors per hour. timeanddate.com
Next, the Southern Taurids have an annual activity peak around October 14. Known for occasional bright fireballs, the shower continues into November. The stronger Orionids peak on the night of October 21 into the morning of October 22, typically producing 10–20 meteors per hour under dark skies. A bright Moon will interfere with this year’s display. American Meteor Society
The Orionids originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet. For Phoenix viewers, the best opportunity will be after moonset and before dawn, weather permitting. City lights will further reduce the number visible. amsmeteors.org
NASA recommends finding a viewing area away from streetlights, allowing about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust, and watching a broad stretch of sky. No telescope is needed—just a comfortable chair and patience. NASA Science
ECurious about what’s happening above us? Explore more space stories and science explainers in The Knowledge at STM Daily News.xplore more space, science and everyday
Local News
Maricopa Boil Water Advisory Lifted After Negative E. Coli Tests
Maricopa boil water advisory lifted: Global Water–Santa Cruz Water Company customers in Maricopa can resume normal tap water use after follow-up testing found no E. coli.
MARICOPA, Ariz. — A precautionary boil water advisory for Global Water–Santa Cruz Water Company customers in the city of Maricopa was lifted Thursday, October 8, after repeat testing found no E. coli in water samples. The utility announced the cancellation at approximately 2 p.m. Arizona time.
The advisory was issued October 7 after two preliminary tests indicated possible contamination. Customers were temporarily instructed to use bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking it or using it for food preparation.
With follow-up results negative, affected customers no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes, according to the utility.
The advisory affected the utility’s customers in the city of Maricopa, located in Pinal County. It was not a countywide warning for Maricopa County or Phoenix.
Residents can visit Global Water Resources’ official notice page for updates or call 866-940-1102 with questions.
