While still a largely car-centric city, Austin is making major strides in improving its pedestrian, cyclist, and public-transit infrastructures. The Texas capital made WalkScore’s 2017 list of America’s most walkable cities, earning the No. 33 spot. 

The city’s high population of students and young professionals makes it an attractive candidate for vehicle-free urban design and a growing number of neighborhoods are taking advantage of this opportunity. If you’re an Austinite looking to scale back your car usage or a visitor hoping to avoid a steep rental, the following areas provide excellent resources for vehicle-free exploration. 

Downtown

With a high density of restaurants and shops, abundant sidewalks with signaled crosswalks, and plenty of spots to catch a bus or hop on a bike share, Austin’s Downtown business district reigns supreme as the city’s most walkable neighborhood. Downtown’s proximity to hip areas like East Austin, plus its bridge access to South Austin right across the Colorado River, makes this an ideal part of town for scenic walks and bipedal commuting.

West Campus

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Thanks to the student population of University of Texas, West Campus places a major emphasis on accessibility without the need for a car (since many students don’t keep a vehicle with them on-campus). You’ll find sidewalks galore in this part of town, and many of the (affordable, student-budget-friendly) eateries and stores are located on the same blocks, eliminating the need to venture far. Head for Guadalupe Street, a.k.a. "The Drag,” where you’ll find plenty of clothing stores, restaurants, and bookstores to check out.

East Cesar Chavez 

Photo courtesy of Blue Cat Cafe

As the major thoroughfare of Austin’s current hip neighborhood, East Cesar Chavez Street plays host to many of East Austin’s most popular restaurants and nightlife venues. The surrounding area features multiple parks and easy access to the waterfront, and it’s a quick jaunt to Downtown. Make sure you take a tour of the Willow-Spence Streets Historic District to understand how the city built itself up.

South Congress

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Bordered by the Austin street of the same name, South Congress earns high walkability points for its eclectic array of trendy boutiques, buzzy eateries, and new residential complexes designed to attract the city’s professionals. The sheer volume of businesses on South Congress amplifies the walkability quotient of the entire neighborhood, providing residents with wide sidewalks and well-located crossing areas. Of course, you’ll also want to head for Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch the bats fly. 

North Loop

Photo courtesy of Monkey Nest Coffee

Long considered a residential Austin neighborhood, North Loop finds itself in the midst of a commercial resurgence, with coffee shops, record stores, vintage clothing boutiques, and bars flocking to the relaxed northern region. North Loop is located just north of UT’s campus, and as with West Campus, the neighborhood’s high percentage of students results in more auspiciously located businesses and safe, well-lit pedestrian walkways.