The Best Places to Walk In L.A.

The best places to walk in L.A. include the walkable neighborhoods of Mid City West (near The Grove and Beverly Center), Hollywood, and Downtown. L.A. According to walkscore.com, the best places to walk in L.A. are determined by using the following scoring system:

90–100 Walker’s Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.

70–89 Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.

50–69 Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.

25–49 Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.

0–24 Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

Mid City West, Downtown L.A., and Hollywood earn walk scores of 92, 90, and 89, respectively. Los Angeles earns an overall walk score of 67. But what really makes the best places to walk in L.A. so walkable, you ask?

The Best Places to Walk in L.A. have:

  • A center: a main street or a public space that is the ‘heart beat,’ or ‘main artery’ of the neighborhood.
  • People: Enough people to support a steady need for public transit and for local businesses to prosper.
  • Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
  • Parks and public space: Lots of public places to hang out and play.
  • Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are contained or do not otherwise encumber the streetscape.
  • Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can easily walk from their homes.
  • Complete streets: designed to be pedestrian, bicycle, and transit friendly.

But wait, it get’s better! According to walkscore.com, the best places to walk in L.A. offer surprising benefits to the environment, the health and finances of Angelinos, and our overall communities:

No More Road Rage!: Cars are a leading cause of environmental pollution. Walking is a zero-pollution mode of transportation.

You Can Never Be Too Rich: One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,000 of value for your property.

Or Too Thin: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 7 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.

More Fun, More Friends!: Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends commuting, they spend 10% less time participating in community activities.

Now that you know what makes some of the best places to walk in L.A., you can check your city’s walk score to determine if it may be time to high step it on out to a more pedestrian friendly neighborhood. Happy trails!

For more information about the best places to walk in L.A. or the real estate market in Urban L.A., please contact me at 323) 461-6570. I sell real estate throughout Urban L.A., so please visit me at UrbanPulseProperties.com for a free list of homes for sale.