10 Most Walkable Cities in the South - Embrace the Charm of Walkable Towns
Authored by Emily Colin, our insightful list of the top 10 walkable southern towns takes you through the allure of pedestrian-friendly communities.
What Does 'Walkable' Truly Mean?
What does it mean for a town or city to be 'walkable?' Clearly, pedestrians need to be able to walk from one place to the next-there needs to be sidewalks and crosswalks, stoplights and signs. But walkability is about much more than infrastructure. It's about creating a sense of community-the idea that there is someplace worth walking to, and people that you'd like to see when you get there. In a truly walkable town or city, you can satisfy a wide variety of needs within 15 minutes on foot. You can buy food, take in a play or a show, shop, and enjoy a green space such as a public park or trail. And while you're doing all of this, you can connect with others who share your interests, even if it's as simple as waving or saying 'hello.'
From Millennials to retirees, we're experiencing a tremendous uptick in the number of folks who place a high value on living in walkable communities. In part, this is because of the many health benefits that walking has to offer; in part, it's because of the expense and inconvenience inherent in traveling by car. Beyond these tangible benefits, though, walkable communities have a sense of vibrancy, life, and charisma that is tremendously appealing. Traveling on foot, you notice things you might not have otherwise-an architectural detail here, a hidden alleyway, a used bookstore or a cozy coffee shop there. You take your time, appreciating what's around you rather than rushing from one activity to the next, living in the moment.
Top 10 Walkable Towns
Explore our top 10 walkable Southern towns and cities. Each with its unique personality, these cities promise an immersive, walkable experience that you'll cherish. Take your time, soak in the surroundings, and live in the moment. Let's set off on a walk to remember.
Charleston, SC
Travel + Leisure magazine just named Charleston the top city to visit in the world-and why not? Between its Southern charm, meticulously-preserved historic homes, beautiful harbor, thriving arts community, and burgeoning foodie scene, Charleston is a place that honors its past while embracing the future.
The walkable downtown is a pedestrian's paradise, from shopping on King Street-home to the Design, Fashion and Antique Districts-to strolling along Museum Mile. Architectural enthusiasts will find much to appreciate on The Battery and East Bay Street, Rainbow Row, and the French Quarter. Relax at scenic Waterfront Park, with its iconic pineapple fountain, stroll through historic City Market, and then grab a bite at one of the many restaurants-you really can't go wrong. Slightly North of Broad, FIG, and Husk are some of the best, and Kaminsky's desserts are to die for. Cap off the night with a show at Dock Street Theatre.
Asheville, NC
If healthy living, arts and culture, locally sourced food, and a little bit of quirkiness set your heart a-flutter, Asheville is the place for you. Located in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville's nod to a history museum is their Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile, 30-station scavenger hunt that gives visitors a glimpse into the city's past.
Be sure to browse Malaprop's Bookstore, or, if you prefer a glass of fine wine with your second hand paperbacks, check out Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. Culture buffs will appreciate Asheville Community Theatre, the Asheville Art Museum, and Colburn Earth Science Museum. A short drive away, you'll find all the adventure you could ask for-zip lining, white water rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, and more. Shop at the Grove Arcade, or eat your heart out at the Over Easy Cafe, Bouchon, Farm Burger Asheville, or the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. These attractions and more make Asheville one of the region’s most walkable cities.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington was voted Best American Riverfront in USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice Contest and small wonder. Front Street, downtown's main thoroughfare, is jam-packed with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment venues. Within a few blocks you'll find historic Thalian Hall, a beautifully-renovated venue that hosts musicals, plays, and films year-round; City Stage, an assortment of comedy clubs and music venues; and the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, home to touring Broadway shows.
History buffs will find plenty to satisfy, from the Bellamy Mansion and Burgwin-Wright House to the restored homes and cottages that line the shaded streets. Start your day with breakfast at the Dixie Grill, eat light with tapas at Circa 1922, stroll along the riverwalk, and wind down at Le Catalan French Café and Wine Bar, where you can savor chocolate mousse and a bottle of wine while watching ships pass down the Cape Fear River.
St. Augustine, FL
Ponce de Leon made St. Augustine famous, and it claims the distinction of "the oldest city in the U.S." Located on northeast Florida's First Coast, St. Augustine has a thriving historic district, complete with cobblestone streets, bed and breakfasts, pubs, eateries, and plenty of places to shop. In About.com's AboutTravel named it Florida's most walkable city.
Bustling St. George Street, located in the center of the historic district, is for pedestrians only-no cars allowed. In search of something more low-key? Try historic Saint Aviles Street. Downtown hosts the Castillo de San Marcos, a walk-in park and fortress that's stood since 1672. Occupying two acres in the heart of the historic district, The Colonial Quarter brings days gone by to life. Other attractions include Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the Limelight Theatre, and the delectable food at The Floridian and the Spanish Bakery and Café.
Greenville, SC
There's a reason that National Geographic named Greenville as one of its top 20 "Must See" places and it's probably the same reason that the New York Times called it "a national model for a pedestrian-friendly city center." Just an hour's drive from Asheville, NC, Greenville's walkable downtown area is an alluring blend of public art, delectable food-don't miss The Trappe Door and the Tupelo Honey Café-unique shops, and green space.
Just a few short blocks from Main Street, you'll find Falls Park, home to a waterfall that's nearly 40 feet tall, the pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge, and the Reedy River. Along the river runs Swamp Rabbit Trail, an old railroad bed transformed into a 21-mile greenway for pedestrians and cyclists. Downtown is also home to the Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Little Theatre, the Carolina Ballet Theatre, and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts.
Savannah, GA
With the country's largest Historic Landmark District, Savannah has earned its badge as a pedestrian-friendly city. It's organized around 22 squares, where passersby can sit a spell in the shade of giant, moss-hung oaks-but when you're ready to get up, there's no shortage of things to do. Home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), downtown has over 18 historic house museums that are open to the public, including Flannery O'Connor's childhood home.
River Street, which meanders along the Savannah River, features former cotton warehouses that house a plethora of places to eat, shop, and browse. You'll find boutiques, galleries, the treasure-filled Paris Market and Brocante, and The Lucas Theatre on Broughton Street-as well as Leopold's Ice Cream, known for its marble soda fountain. Don't-miss eateries include Ms. Wilkes' Dining Room and The Olde Pink House, both Zagat-rated as Savannah's Best Southern Restaurants.
Fernandina Beach, FL
Located on Amelia Island, a barrier island off northeast Florida's Atlantic Coast, Fernandina Beach's National Register Historic District spans over 50 blocks and boasts over 400 buildings. It's home to The Florida House Inn-the oldest hotel in the state of Florida-as well as the Palace Saloon, the state's oldest continually operating drinking establishment.
The main drag, Centre Street, features two pocket parks where you can take in the sounds of local musicians after you've gotten your fill of browsing the historic district's many antique shops, boutiques, and galleries. Storytelling aficionados will get a kick out of the Amelia Island Museum of History, the first spoken history museum in the state of Florida. Dining hot spots include the Crab Trap, David's Restaurant and Lounge, The Happy Tomato Courtyard Café and BBQ, and Le Clos, a 1906 cottage where you can savor French cuisine by candlelight.
Sarasota, FL
TopRetirements.com rated Sarasota the country's ultimate city for retirees, booting Asheville out of the top spot for the first time since 2007. John Ringling of Ringling Bros' fame played a key role in developing the city, and his family mansion, Cà d'Zan, still stands today. The heart of downtown Sarasota is Five Points, where Main Street, Pineapple Avenue, and Central Avenue come together.
Nearby Palm Avenue is home to a variety of art galleries and antique stores, and there's great shopping to be had on Main Street, 1st Street, and Palm. Get your fill of drama and song at The Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Opera House. Just a short drive away, you'll find The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Sample Peruvian food at Selva, taste fresh-caught seafood at Owen's Fish Camp, or go local at MADE restaurant, winner of several "best of" awards.
Athens, GA
Athens is widely known for its incredible music scene-it was the birthplace of the band REM, hosts several annual festivals, and offers a self-guided, 28-stop music walking tour. But this is not all it has to offer.
Forbes highlighted Athens in its "Best Places to Retire", and Money Magazine has also recognized it as a "Best Place to Retire." With its restaurants, shops, boutiques, and galleries, downtown Athens is very pedestrian-friendly. Culture buffs will flock to the Georgia Theatre, located in the heart of downtown, and Morton Theatre, a performance arts space that began its life as one of America's first African-American-built, owned, and operated vaudeville theaters. Don't miss The Tree that Owns Itself, an oak that can lay legal claim to the ground on which it stands. Foodies surrender to temptation at Creature Comforts Brewing Company, Big City Bread Café, Last Resort Grill, Clocked, and Weaver D's.
Beaufort, SC
Charming Beaufort, SC, pronounced 'Bu-fort', is home to a thriving historic downtown district and a beautiful waterfront. Southern Living named Beaufort a "small town we love," Coastal Living Magazine ranked it as #1 among America's Happiest Seaside Towns. It's not hard to see why-Beaufort embodies the relaxed spirit, coastal vibe, and Southern hospitality that defines the Lowcountry.
Wander along the downtown waterfront, shop for antiques at Lagniappe Lowcountry, browse at McIntosh Book Shop, or find the perfect piece of art at Salt Gallery. In the mood for adventure? Take a walking history tour, rent a kayak, or check out the dolphins and the salt marsh with one of Captain Dick's River Tours. Once you're back on land, grab a bite at Magnolia Bakery Café, Panini's on the Waterfront, Q on the Bay, or Saltus River Grill, a contemporary seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Explore the Most Walkable Cities in the US
We invite you to explore these enticing walkable cities, perfect for a vibrant, health-focused retirement lifestyle. Choose from the communities below and receive detailed information to aid your next big decision. It’s time to make your dream of ideal living a reality.
Click to explore the following hiking and walking communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Homestead
Homestead is located in the small-town of Schertz, providing the perfect balance of urban convenience and countryside living with new homes near San Antonio. Just 15 minutes from the military bases, Homestead is located between San Antonio and New Braunfels in the town of Schertz, providing a quaint, close-knit community conveniently positioned near large employment hubs.
Homestead offers quick commutes and connections to exceptional shopping, dining and attractions. Residents are also close to New Braunfels, a traditional German community with small shops and boutique restaurants, just a few miles northwest of Homestead.
Winding Creek
Winding Creek is a new age-55+ lifestyle community for retirees and active adults in the south central Pennsylvania countryside.
Bordered by Killinger Creek and surrounded by quiet farmlands, Winding Creek residents enjoy life in a serene settings that’s still convenient to family, friends and business associates in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey. The nearby town of Palmyra has grocery markets, pharmacies, restaurants and shops for your everyday needs, while all of the popular attractions in the Hershey area are just a short drive away. Top-quality health care services are available at the Penn State Health Milton Hershey Medical Center.
Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in building communities for the active-adult lifestyle, Winding Creek is a low-maintenance community. Open floor plans with customizable details and energy-saving appliances are among the features that make every Winding Creek home distinctive. Amenities include a private community clubhouse for special events, plus a pool, pickleball courts and walking trails that make every day an adventure in healthy living.
Request more information below and get the latest news about your active lifestyle at an ideal location in Pennsylvania’s Winding Creek community.
Jubilee Los Lunas
Jubilee at Los Lunas: A New Mexico Active Adult Community with a World-Class Lifestyle
Jubilee Los Lunas is New Mexico’s premier, master-planned, active 55+ gated community located just 20 minutes from downtown Albuquerque.
We invite you to enjoy life as it was meant to be… active, fun, and social! You’ll love your beautiful new home in our stunning, gated community… our area’s low cost of living… day after day of sunshine…and so much to do! It all adds up to amazing choices for your exciting new lifestyle at Jubilee Los Lunas!
This master-planned active adult community is nestled at the base of the El Cerro de Los Lunas Mountains in the Huning Ranch master-planned community. It offers desirable low-maintenance homes and a world-class lifestyle in a gated age-restricted neighborhood. This intimate location provides the aura of small-town living but with easy access to big-city shopping, transportation, recreation, and entertainment.
Why Choose Jubilee at Los Lunas?
There are many reasons why active adults choose to retire at Jubilee at Los Lunas. Here are just a few:
- Amenities and Activities: Jubilee at Los Lunas offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep residents busy, including a clubhouse with a fitness center, pool, and spa; a walking trail; a community garden; a dog park; a playground; and a variety of social and recreational events.
- Location: Jubilee at Los Lunas is located just 20 minutes from downtown Albuquerque, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The community is also close to various outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
- Climate: The climate in New Mexico is mild year-round, with plenty of sunshine and limited snowfall. This makes it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities all year long.
- Culture: New Mexico is a state with a rich culture and history. The area has many museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Mexico is lower than in many other states. This can save retirees money on housing, food, and transportation costs.
Jubilee at Los Lunas is the perfect place to retire for active adults who are looking for a vibrant and active lifestyle in a beautiful setting. The community offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep residents busy, and it is located close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. If you are looking for a place to retire where you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest, Jubilee at Los Lunas is the perfect place for you.
Here are some of the things you can do in and around Jubilee at Los Lunas:
- Visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: This world-famous event is held every October and features hundreds of hot air balloons taking to the skies.
- Explore the Petroglyphs National Monument: This park features over 20,000 petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that were created by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago.
- Go hiking or biking in the Sandia Mountains: These mountains offer stunning views of the Albuquerque area and plenty of trails to explore.
- Visit the New Mexico Museum of Art: This museum houses a collection of over 45,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
- See a show at the Santa Fe Opera: This world-renowned opera company performs in a beautiful outdoor setting during the summer months.
Jubilee at Los Lunas is the perfect place to enjoy your retirement. With its beautiful setting, variety of amenities, and close proximity to Albuquerque, this community has something for everyone. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour.