Best US Cities to Live Without a Car

New York City is our top choice for living without a car because its subway, buses, commuter rail, and extensive pedestrian infrastructure connect many neighborhoods with jobs, services, and entertainment. You will still want to compare neighborhoods and commute times carefully: a convenient subway connection can make daily life much easier, while travel between some outer-borough locations may require a longer bus trip or transfer.

Boston is a good fit if you value walkable neighborhoods and rail access, although housing costs can be high and some trips outside the urban core are less convenient without a car. Washington, DC, offers a useful combination of Metro rail, buses, bike infrastructure, and walkable districts; when choosing where to live, consider both your distance from a station and how often you will need to travel across the region.

Chicago and Philadelphia offer extensive transit networks and neighborhoods where you can reach groceries, restaurants, and other essentials on foot, making either city worth considering if you prefer a large urban setting outside New York. San Francisco combines walkable neighborhoods with buses, light rail, and regional transit connections, but its hills and high housing costs may influence which area works best for you.

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Before signing a lease, our team recommends mapping your regular trips to work, groceries, medical appointments, and social activities, then comparing the time and number of transfers each trip requires during the hours you expect to travel. Try the routes in person, including after dark or on weekends, and consider whether a bike, occasional taxi, or delivery service would help cover trips that transit does not serve conveniently.

Living without a car is often easiest when you choose a neighborhood with everyday services nearby, rather than relying on a citywide reputation for good transit. For trips farther afield, you can explore our guide to planning a trip without a car and our featured Anywhere Without a Car — Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Trip Using Only Public Transport for Stress-Free Travel.

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