slides: Massachusetts’s Best + Worst Cities For Walkers

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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Paige Pihl Buckley, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Everyone dreams of a town or city where everyone in the family can walk to fun and errands, but where are the best places in Massachusetts to realize that dream?

Everyone treasures the notion of a town where you can walk to things--to the market, to your dry cleaners, even to a movie. But where in Massachusetts is the walkable life truly attainable?

Walk Score®, the organization dedicated to promoting the walkability of cities and towns nationwide, has scored Massachusetts's 72 largest cities and towns on their "walkability"--both proximity to key businesses and services from residential areas as well as infrastructure that supports leaving the car behind. The higher the score, the more walkable the city.

Topping the list: Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. At the bottom: Agawam, Franklin, and Wilmington. Worcester falls somewhere in the middle, with a Walk Score index of 60.

To see the Top 25 Most Walkable Cities + Towns in Massachusetts, see the slides below.

Walkability matters more than ever

Walkability has become an increasingly important trait in cities and towns nationwide. Several realty websites, including Trulia, Zillow, ZipRealty, and ForRent, now include walk scores in their listings. Walkable cities, towns, and neighborhoods are particularly desirable for young people who will skimp on space in exchange for living close to both work and play, and avoiding the expense of a car.

Massachusetts least walkable

But before the honors are bestowed to the Top 25 Most Walkable cities and towns in Massachusetts, take a look at the 10 spots with the lowest walkability scores. Save up for gas money if you live in these spots!

10. Methuen – Walk Score of 40

9. Lexington – Walk Score of 39

8. Westfield – Walk Score of 38

7. Attleboro – Walk Score rating of 38

6. Somerset – Walk Score rating of 37

5. Taunton – Walk Score rating of 36

4. Barnstable – Walk Score rating of 33

3. Wilmington –Walk Score rating of 32

2. Agawam – Walk Score rating of 32

1. Franklin – Walk Score rating of 32