Where You Can Get by Without a Car
Retirement doesn’t have to mean being chained to your car. Across the U.S., cities are building walkable streets, reliable transit, and senior-friendly services that make life easier (and often more affordable). These cities prove you can thrive car-free while enjoying every step.
San Francisco, California
Hilly streets aside, San Francisco is a walker’s paradise with streetcars, BART trains, and buses crisscrossing the Bay Area. Many neighborhoods pack essentials within a few blocks, and retirees benefit from robust senior discounts on transit. World-class dining and cultural attractions are just a hop (or a cable car ride) away!
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s mix of walkable neighborhoods, light rail, and ferries makes car-free living a breeze. Retirees can enjoy scenic strolls, bustling farmers’ markets, and accessible transit routes that cover the city and suburbs. Plus, a peaceful morning latte is never more than a block or two away.
Portland, Oregon
With an excellent light rail and streetcar system and endless bike lanes, Portland’s made for car-free living. Retirees love its compact neighborhoods, leafy parks, and quirky local businesses. You can enjoy a rich cultural scene and vibrant dining without ever needing to parallel park again.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly’s narrow, colonial-era streets are perfect for strolling, and SEPTA’s trains and trolleys make exploring the region easy. Neighborhoods like Center City and Rittenhouse Square provide access to shops, cafés, and healthcare facilities. This mix of history, affordability, and transit makes Philly popular among retirees.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s “T” subway system is a gem for retirees eager to ditch the car. The city’s charming historic streets and compact layout means everything’s within walking distance. You can access rich culture, history, and world-class hospitals, all while saving on car insurance and gas!
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Don’t let the winters fool you - Minneapolis is one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities. Skyway systems, light rail, and reliable buses help retirees navigate easily. Add affordable housing, vibrant arts, and green spaces, and this Midwestern gem proves you don’t need to drive to live an active, connected life.
New York City, New York
The ultimate car-free playground! With subways, buses, and ferries, NYC makes driving feel unnecessary (and expensive). Retirees love its world-class amenities, diverse neighborhoods, and endless entertainment. Seniors even get discounted transit cards, so it’s surprisingly affordable for those who swap their car keys for a MetroCard.
Jersey City, New Jersey
Just across the Hudson from Manhattan, Jersey City delivers urban convenience without NYC’s price tag. PATH trains, ferries, and buses connect you everywhere, while parks and waterfront views sweeten the deal. Retirees enjoy a lively, walkable vibe paired with lower costs - it’s a smart car-free alternative to the Big Apple.
Washington, D. C.
The nation’s capital blends history and accessibility with its Metro system, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and senior travel perks. Retirees can enjoy free museums, green spaces, and lively cultural events, all within easy reach of reliable public transit.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s “L” trains and extensive bus network cover nearly every corner of the city. Retirees love its scenic lakefront paths, diverse food scene, and world-class culture. Compact neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Hyde Park make errands simple, while senior transit discounts make exploring this vibrant Midwestern city even easier.
Denver, Colorado
With stunning mountain views and a growing public transit system, Denver offers a healthy, outdoorsy vibe for retirees. Its light rail, buses, and walkable downtown make car-free living practical. Seniors can explore art galleries, farmers’ markets, and scenic trails without fighting traffic (plus, those 300 days of sunshine don’t hurt, either).
Miami, Florida
Skip the car and embrace the sunshine! Miami offers walkable neighborhoods like South Beach and Wynwood, plus a growing rail and bus network. Seniors can enjoy waterfront parks, cultural festivals, and Latin-inspired cuisine, all accessible without parking headaches. Add year-round warm weather, and you’ve got a vibrant city made for strolling.
Santa Monica, California
This coastal gem boasts palm-lined streets, a walkable downtown, and easy access to LA via Metro Rail. Retirees love its laid-back vibe, outdoor cafés, and ocean views. Senior-friendly shuttle services make errands simple, so you can trade gridlock for sunsets on the pier, and never worry about parking disputes again.
Honolulu, Hawaii
With paradise at your doorstep, who needs a car? Honolulu’s walkable streets, bus system, and new rail project make getting around simple. Seniors enjoy oceanfront strolls, vibrant markets, and plenty of community activities. It’s an island escape with all the amenities of a modern city, no car keys required!
Madison, Wisconsin
This charming Midwestern city blends affordability with accessibility. Downtown Madison’s streets are walkable, its bus system is reliable, and retirees love its lake views and thriving arts scene. Farmers’ markets, local cafés, and senior programs create a strong sense of community, proving you don’t need a car to live comfortably.
