Take the 100 most U.S. cities with the largest populations. Figure out what percentage of those people walk on a regular basis, either for fitness and health or to get to and from work. The results will tell you, basically, which are the best walking cities in the country.
According to a survey released by Prevention and the American Podiatric Medicine Association, there were other criteria in developing the list, including crime rates, weather, cultural activities, recreation, and pet ownership.
The Best Ten Walking Cities For 2006
- Portland, Oregon
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Boise City, Idaho
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Austin, Texas
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Fremont, California
- Raleigh, North Carolina
Although our weather is good for seven months of the year, it is too hot for many people to walk for at least four months of the year. We have many festivals and recreational activities, but I'd have to assume that crime stats affected our cities' rankings. Also a negative factor is the fact that our cities in the greater Phoenix area are really not designed as walking cities with respect to getting to work or play. Distances are just too far. I do wonder, however, what cultural activities have to do with walking....
How Arizona Cities Ranked as Walking Cities12. Glendale
23. Chandler
33. Phoenix
39. Mesa
40. Scottsdale
79. Tucson
