10 Most Walkable Cities in North Carolina

March 25th, 2024

10 Most Walkable Cities in North Carolina

Most Walkable Cities in NC

Are you interested in living in North Carolina and want to know where the most walkable cities are located? Keep reading to learn more about the most walkable cities in NC.

North Carolina is a state known for many things, especially its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, top-rated collegesadorable small towns, and walkable cities. North Carolina is one of the top states to live in; from the beautiful mountains to the sandy beaches, there are so many pros to living in this southern state. 

Depending on your ideal location, each city and town has something unique to offer its residents. Whether it is for raising a family, retiring, finding a job, or going to school, this is something for everyone. If you are looking for affordable, check out the cheapest places to live in North Carolina.

North Carolina is the 9th most populous state and is growing drastically as more people are drawn to this beautiful state. Home to many stunning homes, friendly communities, and deep history, no place is like North Carolina, and there are so many pros and cons for living here. 

If you are interested in moving to a new place that has so much to offer, then looking for available real estate in North Carolina may be for you. From walkable to affordable to safe neighborhoods, there is something different for anyone. 

Here are the most walkable cities in North Carolina. 

Boone

Boone, North Carolina, is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina that is known for being the home to Appalachian State University. 

With a walk score of 49, Boone is the most walkable city in North Carolina. This area offers several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown and Perkinsville. These areas all include many shops, attractions, and restaurants to enjoy that are easily accessible on foot. 

With a population of 17,122 residents, this city is a great place to live. There are about 130 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops throughout Boone. Residents in Boone can walk to about three restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in about 5 minutes. 

There is minimal bike infrastructure, and it has a bike score of 22, so if you live here, you will most likely either walk around or get a car. This town is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, skiing, and camping, so it makes sense that this city is highly walkable. 

If you are intersted in moving to Boone, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $340,000. 

Boone NC City overview

Asheville

Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina and has a population of just under 93,000 residents. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city is known for its outdoor activities like ziplining, biking, and kayaking. 

Asheville has a walk score of 37, making it the second most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout this city, like Downtown Asheville and West Asheville, so if you do not have a car, do not worry because you can explore the city by walking. 

If you are intersted in moving to Asheville, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $492,500. Check out our moving guide if you are intersted in Asheville. 

Wilmington

Wilmington is a town in North Carolina that has a walk score of 35 and many coastal amenities that are within walking distance. From Downtown to the beach area, there is something for everyone here. The downtown area is particularly the most walkable area in this city. 

Remember that Wilmington has minimal public transportation but is somewhat bikeable, so a car might be more helpful if you need to run errands outside the limits. The most walkable neighborhoods in Wilmington are Downtown, Carolina Heights, and College Park

If you are intersted in moving to Wilmington, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $452,500.

Wilmington NC Riverwalk water view

Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City is the third most walkable city in the state. The most walkable areas in this city are downtown and the Riverside Historic District. These places are home to many amenities, from parks to restaurants, so if you are walking in the area, do not worry because many things are nearby. 

With a walk score of 36, Elizabeth City has a population of about 18,000 residents who love to call this place their home due to the unique views of this attractive city. This charming waterfront and bustling area is located in the state's northwestern corner and has been a welcoming city for all. 

If you are intersted in moving to Elizabeth City, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $210,000. 

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is the fifth most walkable city in the state and is known for the University of North Carolina as well as the historic Franklin Street. With a walk score of 34, this city is highly walkable. With about 57,200 residents, Chapel Hill offers some public transportation and is somewhat bikeable. 

The most walkable neighborhoods in Chapel Hill are Downtown, Meadowmont, and Colony Woods. If you are looking for the safest and most affordable areas to live in Chapel Hill, check out the best neighborhoods to find the perfect place for you. 

If you are intersted in moving to Chapel Hill, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $521,000.

Chapel Hill UNC Buidlings

Burlington

Burlington is a suburb of Greensboro and is the sixth most walkable city in North Carolina. With a walk score of 33, this region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that all contain easily accessible attractions and shops on foot. 

With about 49,000 residents, this city might require a car for many errands, and keep in mind Burlington does not have many bike lanes. Burlington offers a vibrant quality of life that is full of friendly neighbors and communities. 

If you are looking for a loving community to relocate to, Burlington may be perfect for you. This city also offers many jobs, a good climate, unlimited entertainment options, and a high-ranked education. Do not miss out on this small suburb and all it has to offer. 

If you are intersted in moving to Burlington, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $243,700.

Raleigh

Raleigh, being the second largest city in the state, is the eighth most walkable city in North Carolina. Particularly walkable areas include Downtown Raleigh, North Hills, and Cameron Village. These places are also home to many amenities and attractions like Pullen Park and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Raleigh has a walk score of 31 and is the 46th most walkable large city in the Unitied States with 403,892 residents. The most walkable neighborhoods to live in in Raleigh are Oakwood, College Park, and Stonehenge East.

If you are intersted in moving to the capital of North Carolina, you are in luck because this is a highly affordable and highly sought-after place to live. Whether you are looking for new construction, affordable neighborhoods, or luxury living, Raleigh has it all. 

If you are intersted in moving to Raleigh, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $410,500. 

Downtown Raleigh NC Buildings

Greenville

Greenville is also another larger city in North Carolina that provides many amenties for residents within walking distance. From Uptown Greenville to River Park North, there is something for everyone, all within walking distance. 

With a walk score of 31, Greenville has about 84,554 residents and is a popular area to live in, especially for students due to the location of East Carolina University. Keep in mind that Greenville does not have many bike lanes, so if you plan on commuting, you may need a car. 

If you are intersted in moving to Greenville, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $230,000.

Wilson

Wilson is the tenth most walkable city in North Carolina and is known for its historic downtown and Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. Wilson is a great place to live for many reasons, but primarily due to its prime location. 

Wilson is a great place to live because of its location; it is close to pristine beaches and gorgeous mountains. When living here, you are able to easily travel wherever you want and experience all the natural wonders that this state offers. 

With a walk score of 31 and a population of 49,167 residents, this area is excellent for living and walking to nearby attractions. The most walkable neighborhoods in Wilson are Westwood, Jetstream Park, and Stoneybrook Farm. 

If you are intersted in moving to Wilson, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $225,750.

Lexington

Lexington is another suburb of Greensboro and has a walk score of 33, making it the seventh most walkable city in the state. There are many walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Lexington, like Uptown and Lexington City Park, making it easy for people to explore the city without a car. 

Living in Lexington, you will be able to enjoy the sparse suburban feel with many parks, views, and highly-ranked schools. This pleasant city southwest of Winston-Salem features many spots perfect for exploring, so if you love the outdoors, Lexingotn may be a great area to stroll around. 

If you are intersted in moving to Lexington, check out available real estate options here. The median sales price for homes here is about $230,000.

Pedestrian-sign-on-road

Methodology

We used information and data from different sources as well as our own data to determine the most walkable cities in North Carolina.  There were various data to use, so we put them together to predict the most walkable cities in NC. 

The following are a few sources that we used to gather most of our information about the most walkable cities in North Carolina. 

FAQS

Is Chapel Hill a walkable city?

With a walk score of 75 out of 100, Chapel Hill is a very walkable city so that most errands can be accomplished on foot. 

What is the most walkable neighborhood in the Triangle, NC?

East Cary is the area that is the most walkable city in the Triangle. With the prime location, there are many things to walk to as well as there is newer construction, and it is highly clean, so many people are choosing to move here. 

Is North Carolina a walkable state?

The best cities in North Carolina ranked by Walk Score are Boone, Asheville, and Elizabeth City, while the least walkable cities here are Mint Hall, Indian Trial, and Clemmons. 

Most Walkable Cities in NC - The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a town in North Carolina that is walkable and packed with many various amenities, then checking out these towns may be perfect for you. From small towns with friendly atmospheres and communities to larger towns with many amenities, there is something for everyone here. 

When you are choosing somewhere to live, figuring out if you can walk, bike, or need a car can highly impact your decision, so knowing if the city is walkable is important. Thankfully, North Carolina is home to many walkable cities that all offer different things, so hopefully, that helps you make your decision to find the perfect place for you. 

When moving somewhere new, there are many things you should consider. If you are looking for a diverse area to move to, North Carolina offers many different locations that have something for everyone. Check out the pros and cons of living in North Carolina to help you make your decision. 

Depending on your ideal location, each city and town has something unique to offer its residents. Whether it is for raising a family, retiring, finding a job, or going to school, this is something for everyone. 

Before you buy your next home or make the big step to move, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home.

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Ryan Fitzgerald

Ryan Fitzgerald

Hi there! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I am a REALTOR®. My goal is to help you learn more about real estate through our Real Estate Blog! Hopefully, you enjoyed the above blog post and it found a way to provide help or value to you. When you're ready to buy or sell a home of your own let us know here. Please feel free to join the conversation by dropping us a comment below.

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