The Most Livable Cities For Non-Drivers

A new guide to the best cities to live in without driving.

1 minute read

June 20, 2006, 12:00 PM PDT

By David Gest


In response to the other "Most Livable City" ratings that infest the press, this site seeks to determine the most livable cities for nondrivers, based on factors relating to city crime, transit service, and walkability.

In particular, the site is half based on crime (as determined by 2005 murder, burglary, and robbery rates), 2/3 based on transit service (as determined by transit trips as a percentage of all commuting trips, and on whether the transit market share exceeds the poverty rate), and 1/3 based on walkability (as measured by the percent of residents walking to work).

The landslide winner was New York City, based on its high levels of transit service and walkability and its lower-than-average crime rates. Birmingham, Alabama, was last.

Thanks to Michael Lewyn

Thursday, June 15, 2006 in Auto-Free Livable Cities Guide

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Man sitting on bench sillhouetted against golden hour trees in tranquil park.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies

Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

45 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of gold-covered New Jersey state capitol dome in Trenton, New Jersey at dusk.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms

The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

1 hour ago - New Jersey Monitor

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard