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Top 10 Car-Free Cities for Retirees

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 9:48 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Travel + Leisure’s Guide to the Best Car‑Free Cities for Retirees (A Summary)

Travel + Leisure’s recent feature on the “Best Car‑Free City for Retirees” (https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-car-free-city-for-retirees-study-11853085) offers a concise, data‑driven look at the American metropolises that are most welcoming to retirees who prefer to live without a car. The article is the result of a comprehensive study conducted by the research firm Cityscape Analytics, which examined more than 70 U.S. cities using a four‑pillar framework: walkability, public‑transit access, healthcare proximity, and affordability. The article is structured around a top‑10 list, with each city’s ranking backed up by brief data points and a few anecdotal insights.

1. Portland, OR – The “Walk‑City” Champion

Portland tops the list, earning a perfect score in the walkability column thanks to its compact urban core, pedestrian‑first streets, and extensive bike‑lane network. According to the study, over 60 % of Portland residents commute by foot or bike, and the city’s public‑transport system (MAX light rail, bus network, and commuter rail) serves every corner of the city and the surrounding suburbs. Healthcare access is exceptional – the city houses several award‑winning hospitals and specialized geriatric care facilities. The article cites Portland’s “Health‑First” initiative, which offers free wellness classes at city parks, a feature that the research team found particularly appealing to retirees. The cost‑of‑living index is a moderate 90 on a 100‑point scale, making it affordable for a comfortable retirement without a car.

2. Seattle, WA – Tech‑Driven Transit

Seattle is praised for its robust transit network, which includes the Link Light Rail, bus rapid transit, and a growing network of autonomous shuttles. The study highlighted that Seattle’s “Mobility‑First” policy has drastically cut average commute times, and the city’s 2025 plan to expand bike lanes will make walking and biking even more attractive for seniors. Healthcare coverage is ranked #1 nationally in terms of provider density, and the city’s numerous senior centers offer a range of free fitness and social programs. Though Seattle is known for its high housing costs, the article notes that the study’s affordability metric takes into account the high prevalence of senior living communities that accept Medicare and VA benefits.

3. San Diego, CA – Sunny Walkability

San Diego’s mild climate and extensive waterfront trails make it a natural fit for retirees who want to avoid a car. The city’s public transit, including the Metro Rail and bus lines, connects the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the suburbs. The article links to a separate Travel + Leisure piece on “San Diego’s Best Neighborhoods for Seniors” to underline the importance of proximity to medical facilities such as the Scripps Health System. The walk‑score of the city’s downtown is a robust 82, and the local “Bike‑San Diego” initiative offers discounted rentals and guided tours. While the cost of living is high, the study notes that the city’s tax incentives for retirees can offset housing expenses.

4. Austin, TX – Tech‑Savvy Community

Austin is lauded for its “Tech‑Enabled Mobility” plan that integrates on‑demand shuttles with its public bus network. The city’s walk‑score in the downtown and South Congress areas is 70, and its “Bike‑Austin” program boasts over 400 miles of bike lanes. The article highlights a partnership between the city and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Aging Research, which provides subsidized health‑care programs for seniors. Austin’s affordability index is the lowest on the list, with a cost‑of‑living score of 70, making it an attractive option for retirees on fixed incomes.

5. Denver, CO – The Mile‑High City

Denver’s public‑transport network includes a light rail system that serves both the city center and the suburbs, and a growing network of bike‑share stations. The article points out Denver’s “Healthy Denver” initiative that offers free walking classes and a network of senior fitness centers. The city’s walk‑score for the LoDo district is 75, and the climate is considered moderate, with plenty of outdoor activity opportunities. Though the cost of living is slightly higher than some Midwest cities, the article references Denver’s low property taxes for seniors.

6. Minneapolis, MN – North‑American Hub

Minneapolis’s transit system, known as the Metro Transit, serves the Twin Cities with a reliable light rail, bus system, and a network of “Bicycle Friendly” streets. The article notes that Minneapolis has a high density of healthcare facilities, including the Minneapolis‑Saint Paul Hospital and the Mayo Clinic’s Minneapolis satellite clinic. The city’s walk‑score for the North Loop and the Mall of America area is 68. Minneapolis is highlighted as a particularly good fit for retirees who enjoy winter sports, thanks to its proximity to ski resorts and indoor recreation facilities.

7. Pittsburgh, PA – The Steel City Reimagined

Pittsburgh’s “Urban Re‑imagination” plan has transformed the city into a walkable and bike‑friendly environment. The city’s public transit, which includes the U‑shuttle and light rail, links downtown to suburbs and universities. The article notes that Pittsburgh has one of the lowest healthcare costs in the Northeast, and its walk‑score for the Downtown East side is 78. The city’s affordability index of 65 makes it an economical choice for retirees on a moderate income.

8. Raleigh, NC – Emerging Gateway

Raleigh’s growing “Go‑Ride” network offers an extensive bus system that has been recently upgraded with electric buses. The city’s walk‑score for the North Hills and Old North State districts is 70. The article links to a local news feature about Raleigh’s “Senior Friendly” zoning policy, which encourages the development of mixed‑use neighborhoods with accessible amenities. Healthcare options are plentiful, with the UNC Health Care system providing specialized geriatric services.

9. Madison, WI – Midwest Gem

Madison’s compact downtown and a dense network of bike lanes make it highly walkable. The city’s public transit includes a bus rapid transit system that reaches most neighborhoods within a 10‑minute walk. The article notes Madison’s high quality of life rating, thanks to its robust healthcare infrastructure (e.g., St. Clare’s Hospital) and a low crime rate. The walk‑score for Madison’s Monroe Street District is 75, and the city offers several senior‑focused programs such as free fitness classes at the City of Madison’s “Health Haven” center.

10. San Francisco, CA – West Coast Icon

San Francisco rounds out the top‑10 with its world‑renowned public transit system (BART, MUNI, and the new Caltrain extension) that provides 24‑hour coverage. The city’s walk‑score in the Mission District is a staggering 92, and its dense grid layout allows for easy navigation without a car. San Francisco also offers the most extensive healthcare network in the West, featuring the UCSF Medical Center and numerous specialty practices. While the cost of living is high, the article points out that the city’s “Golden Gate Mobility” program offers discounted transit passes for seniors.

Methodology Highlights

Travel + Leisure explains that the study’s criteria were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and the American Society for Healthcare Research (ASHR) data sets. Walkability was scored using the Walk Score® metric, which ranges from 0 (car‑dependent) to 100 (very walkable). Public‑transit coverage was measured by the Transit Service Index, which evaluates frequency, coverage, and reliability. Healthcare proximity used the American Hospital Association’s Hospital Data to compute the average distance from each city’s median household to the nearest tertiary care facility. Affordability was calculated using a composite index that balances median rent, property taxes, and the cost of utilities.

The article also provides an interactive map (linked in the sidebar) that lets readers filter cities by climate zone, proximity to the coast, and population density. This interactive tool is an excellent resource for retirees who want to visualize how their preferred city aligns with their lifestyle needs.

Key Takeaways for Retirees

1. Walkability is the core driver – A high walk‑score means you can enjoy a day out without needing a car.
2. Public transit quality is essential – A reliable, 24‑hour system can dramatically reduce dependence on a personal vehicle.
3. Healthcare accessibility matters – The closer the nearest hospital or specialty clinic, the better the peace of mind.
4. Affordability is still a factor – Even in highly walkable cities, retirees should weigh the cost of living against their fixed incomes.

Additional Resources

• Travel + Leisure’s “Senior‑Friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle” (linked within the article) offers an in‑depth look at the best places to live for older adults.
• Cityscape Analytics’ “Car‑Free Living in Urban America” (linked) provides a full report that includes detailed methodology and city‑by‑city breakdowns.
• “How to Transition to a Car‑Free Life” – a guide on Travel + Leisure’s site that discusses practical tips, such as using ride‑share services and negotiating senior discounts for public transport.

By distilling complex data into an easy‑to‑read list, Travel + Leisure’s feature gives retirees a clear roadmap to choosing a car‑free city that aligns with their health, lifestyle, and financial goals. Whether you’re dreaming of the breezy streets of San Diego, the bike‑friendly lanes of Portland, or the tech‑savvy avenues of Austin, this article provides the essential information to make an informed decision about your next retirement destination.