North Carolina, a state known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history, also boasts some surprisingly walkable cities. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, being able to navigate a city on foot can significantly enhance your experience.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the top ten most walkable cities in North Carolina, considering factors such as walk scores and housing prices. Join us as we explore these pedestrian-friendly locales, from the mountainous terrains of Boone to the coastal charm of Wilmington.
1. Boone, NC
Walk Score: 49
Median Sale Price: $340,000
Median Rent Price: $1,900
With a walk score of 49, Boone is the most walkable city in North Carolina. The region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Boone and Perkinsville. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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Walk Score: 37
Median Sale Price: $492,500
Median Rent Price: $1,895
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 Asheville, like Downtown Asheville and West Asheville, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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3. Elizabeth City, NC
Walk Score: 36
Median Sale Price: $210,000
Median Rent Price: $1,165
Elizabeth City is the third most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Elizabeth City include Downtown Elizabeth City and Riverside Historic District. These places are home to amenities like Waterfront Park, Groupers Waterfront Restaurant, and Museum of the Albemarle.
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4. Wilmington, NC
Walk Score: 35
Median Sale Price: $452,500
Median Rent Price: $1,579
Wilmington has plenty of coastal amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Downtown Wilmington to Carolina Beach, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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5. Chapel Hill, NC
Walk Score: 34
Median Sale Price: $521,000
Median Rent Price: $2,048
As the fifth most walkable city in the state, Chapel Hill is known for the University of North Carolina and historic Franklin Street. Consider exploring Coker Arboretum or getting a bite to eat at Al’s Burger Shack with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit Bolin Creek Trail.
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6. Burlington, NC
Walk Score: 33
Median Sale Price: $243,759
Median Rent Price: $1,284
Burlington, a suburb of Greensboro, is the sixth most walkable city in North Carolina. The region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Burlington and West Burlington. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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7. Lexington, NC
Walk Score: 33
Median Sale Price: $230,000
Median Rent Price: $1,670
Lexington, another suburb of Greensboro, has a walk score of 33, making it the seventh most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Lexington, like Uptown Lexington and Lexington City Park, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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8. Raleigh, NC
Walk Score: 31
Median Sale Price: $410,500
Median Rent Price: $1,715
Raleigh, the second largest city in the state, is the eighth most walkable city in North Carolina. Particularly walkable areas in Raleigh include Downtown Raleigh, North Hills, and Cameron Village. These places are home to amenities like Pullen Park, The Pit Authentic Barbecue, and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
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9. Greenville, NC
Walk Score: 31
Median Sale Price: $230,000
Median Rent Price: $1,372
Greenville, another one of the largest cities in the state, has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Uptown Greenville to River Park North, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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Walk Score: 31
Median Sale Price: $225,750
Median Rent Price: $1,458
As the tenth most walkable city in the state, Wilson is known for its historic downtown and Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. Consider exploring the Wilson Rose Garden or getting a bite to eat at Parker’s Barbecue with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit the Tri County Kartway.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find a walkable place to live, rating areas from least to most walkable on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a city, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
