Seattle Just Walked Away With the Top Spot

Sittin' on Top of the Foot Chain...

Seattle: known for rain, tech, and passive-aggressive driving. Now, we can add most walkable city in America to the list.

In a recent study covered by Travel + Leisure, Seattle took first place in a ranking of America’s most walkable cities; beating out places like San Francisco, New York, and D.C. The research, surprisingly, wasn’t commissioned by an urban planning think tank or public health agency, but by FitFlop - a UK-based footwear company that makes shoes designed for, you guessed it, walking. While not the usual authority on city planning, we’ll take the W.

The study evaluated 30 major U.S. cities using a mix of data points: pedestrian infrastructure, green space access, traffic levels, air quality, and even wellness and safety metrics. Seattle came out on top—thanks in part to its dense, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, solid transit options, and walkable routes that often come with a view. Sure, we have hills, but we also have purpose (and decent quads).

For those of us who live here, the title makes sense. Walking isn’t just something you do to get from Point A to Point B—it’s part of how we live. Whether it’s strolling to a neighborhood café, hopping a bus to Capitol Hill, or speed-walking through Pike Place to avoid a flying fish incident, Seattle has long been a city where getting around on foot just works.

And beyond convenience, walkability equals access. It means people can reach jobs, services, and community spaces without needing a car—and everything that comes with it. It’s also good for small businesses, for the environment, and for your daily step count (whether or not you track it obsessively).

At Young Professionals of Seattle (and really, YPCommunities as a whole), we’ve always championed walkable cities - hosting events in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, advocating for accessible public spaces, and supporting efforts that make cities more livable for everyone. Seattle’s top spot is more than a fun headline—it’s a reminder that how we design our cities affects who gets to participate in them.

So yes, Seattle just walked its way into the national spotlight - and if you’re reading this while walking, well done.