New Jersey is many things: it’s urban in some parts, heavily suburban in others, and despite what outsiders might think, there’s plenty of rural landscape to go around, too. But New Jersey’s connection to NYC has always been an intrinsic part of its identity—trains, buses, high-density neighborhoods. And one underrated benefit of that trait is something that’s becoming more and more desirable for commuters and city dwellers alike: walkability.
New Jersey is home to a plethora of walkable communities with transit access, blocks lined with shops and essentials, apartments, restaurants, and the like. In fact, according to an August report by Only In Your State outlining the most walkable cities in America, New Jersey is home to the top 3 in the country. Leading the pack is Hoboken, New Jersey—America’s most walkable city.
Hoboken, colloquially known as the Mile Square City, scored an impressive 97 Walk Score in the analysis, placing it firmly at No. 1. Any city that scores 90 or higher is considered a “Walker’s Paradise.” For context, New York City scores an 88 in the same report, and among the 2,500 cities OIYS analyzed, no other city scores above a 94.
Hoboken’s high score is pretty simple to understand: the city is small and densely populated, with a tight street grid that’s lined with mixed-use buildings (shops and restaurants on the ground floor, apartments up top). Hoboken’s tiny space is thoughtfully designed to utilize every square inch. For commuters, PATH, ferry, and light rail access is blocks away from most residences, rendering cars unnecessary for many.
What’s even more interesting than Hoboken’s 97 score are the two cities that trail just behind it. Union City and West New York tied for No. 2 most walkable cities in America, each scoring 94 in the walk analysis. Similarly to Hoboken, both Union City and West New York feature tight-packed grids, ample public transit access, shops and restaurants within walking distance of most residences, and a diminishing need for a car.
Further down the list at No. 9 is Jersey City with a score of 87. Its larger size leaves some areas without as many walkable options, but it still ranks as one of the most walkable in America with multiple PATH stops, buses, light rail, ferry, and more.
As New Jersey continues to grow, many of its commuter hubs will only become more walkable. Hoboken, Union City, and West New York outline precisely what car-free living can look like when approached properly. With our easy connection to New York, transit options remain abundant, creating a network of tight-knit, walkable communities. And some of those are considered the best in class across the country.
With four in the top 10, it raises the question: is Hudson County, New Jersey the single most walkable county in America?
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
