Most Walkable Winter Cities in the U.S. (2025 Report)

What makes a city walkable in winter? It’s more than just plowed sidewalks. Think accessible transit, manageable snowfall, and neighborhoods that invite you to explore on foot, even when it’s cold out.

From daily commutes to spontaneous strolls, the right environment makes it easier to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. And while walking in a winter wonderland is even more enjoyable when you're wearing supportive shoes with good traction, a well-designed city can make all the difference.

To uncover winter’s most walkable cities in the U.S., we analyzed a variety of data points, including walkability, pedestrian safety metrics, and average snowfall.

Here’s where walkability and winter go hand in hand.

The Top 10 Cities for Winter Walking

Starting with the 30 largest U.S. cities by population, we analyzed walkability, pedestrian safety, typical snowfall, and December’s average high temperatures. What we found are the places where winter walks feel more doable, more enjoyable, and more inviting.

After sorting through the data, some regional trends were too good not to share.

California basically lapped the field. With four warm walkable cities in the top 10, the Golden State proves that winter walkability is a year-round lifestyle. Comfortable temps, low snowfall, and walkable downtowns? That’s tough to beat.

But the East Coast didn’t back down. Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia all made the list thanks to dense design and impressive safety scores. D.C., in particular, showed off its strengths with a strong balance of infrastructure and manageable weather.

Then there’s the Pacific Northwest quietly crushing it. Seattle and Portland earned their spots with solid safety, mild winters, and walkable neighborhoods that don’t mind a little drizzle.

Staying Safe on Winter Walks

Colder months call for extra awareness. Ice, snow, and darker days can make walking more difficult, even in well-designed, walkable cities. Here are a few tried-and-true ways to stay safe while still enjoying the crisp air.

• Keep your steps short and steady. Mimic the way penguins walk by taking small, deliberate steps with your feet pointed slightly outward to improve stability on icy sidewalks.
• Plan your route. Stick to well-lit, well-maintained sidewalks whenever possible. Avoid shortcuts through uncleared paths or parking lots.
• Use handrails when available. Going up or down steps? Hold onto railings for extra balance and don’t rush.
• Keep your hands free. Avoid carrying heavy items and keep your hands out of your pockets. This helps you balance and react quickly if you slip.
• Wear shoes with good traction. Prioritize styles with non-slip soles designed to perform in winter conditions.
• Be visible. Wear reflective gear or bright clothing, especially if you’re walking early in the morning or after dark.
• Test surfaces before stepping. Gently tap your foot to check for ice before committing your full weight, especially when stepping off curbs, getting out of a car, or crossing the street.
• Slow down and stay alert. Distractions like phones can wait. Pay attention to your surroundings and walk with intention.

Methodology and Sources

Methodology

To find this year's most walkable cities in U.S., we analyzed the 30 largest U.S. cities by population and ranked them across four key metrics that reflect comfort, safety, and accessibility during the winter season (December through February).

Each city received a composite score out of 100, weighted by the following factors:

Walk Score (40%): This measures how easily residents can access daily amenities on foot. Higher scores reflect better overall walkability.

Pedestrian Safety (20%): Based on state-level pedestrian fatality rates per 100,000 residents from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Lower fatality rates earned higher scores.

Average Winter Snowfall (20%): Total annual snowfall averages (in inches) sourced from Current Results. Cities with lower snowfall received higher scores for more navigable streets and sidewalks.

Average Winter Temperature (20%): Average high temperature in December, also from Current Results. Warmer winter temperatures contributed to better walkability scores.

Each metric was normalized on a 0 to 100 scale. For categories where lower values are more favorable (like snowfall and fatality rates), inverse scoring was applied. Final rankings reflect each city’s weighted composite score, helping us identify the top cities where walking remains comfortable and safe all winter long.

Sources

• Annual Average Snowfall for Cities in the United States. Current Results (2025)
• Average Temperatures for Large US Cities in January. Current Results (2025)
• City and Neighborhood Walkability Rankings. Walk Score (2025)
• Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data (January–December). Governors Highway Safety Association (July 2025)
• Walking on Snow and Ice. Allegheny College (2020)
• Walk Like a Penguin and Other Winter Walking Safety Tips. University of Nebraska Medical Center (December 2024)

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