Chicago Ranks No. 9 Among Best U.S. Cities for Living Without a Car
CHICAGO— Living in Chicago without owning a car may be easier than in most major U.S. cities, according to a new national study examining public transportation, walkability, cycling, and other factors that shape car-free living.
A new CoworkingCafe study of the Best U.S. Cities to Live Without a Car ranked Chicago No. 9 nationally among 114 cities analyzed, putting the city ahead of places including Pittsburgh, Portland, and Minneapolis.
Why Chicago Ranked Among the Top 10
The study evaluated cities across 13 different metrics, including the percentage of residents commuting by public transportation, walking and biking, transit-station density, fare costs, Walk Score, Bike Score, retail access, cultural destinations, and other measures related to living without a personal vehicle.
Photo/Coworking Cafe site
Chicago earned an overall score of 40.7 points and posted especially strong numbers in several transportation categories:
17.7% of Chicago residents commute by public transportation
Chicago ranked sixth nationally for public transit use among the 114 cities studied
5.8% commute to work on foot
The city has approximately 1.77 transit stations per square mile
Chicago earned the sixth-best combined walk and bike score in the study
The data reinforces something many Chicago residents already experience daily: depending on where you live and work, owning a car can be optional rather than essential.
CTA, Walking and Biking Give Residents More Options
Public transportation remains one of Chicago's biggest advantages for car-free residents.
The Chicago Transit Authority currently operates 127 bus routes serving more than 10,000 bus stops, while its rail system includes eight routes and 146 stations. Those connections make it possible to travel between Downtown Chicago and neighborhoods throughout the North, South and West sides without relying exclusively on a vehicle.
Chicago's cycling infrastructure is also expanding. The city now has more than 500 miles of installed or under-construction on-street bikeways and off-street trails, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.
Transportation researcher Ralph Buehler, who contributed expert insight to the study, summarized the basic principle behind successful car-free cities: “People will choose the means of transport that makes the most sense for their trip.”
In Chicago, having trains, buses, sidewalks, bike routes, rideshare services, and neighborhood amenities gives residents more ways to make that choice.
Where Car-Free Living Can Work Especially Well in Chicago
The ability to live without a car varies significantly by neighborhood.
Areas with a combination of CTA rail access, frequent bus service, grocery stores, restaurants, parks, entertainment, and everyday services within walking distance generally make car-free living easier.
That can make neighborhoods such as The Loop, South Loop, West Loop, River North, Streeterville, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and parts of the Near West Side particularly appealing to buyers and renters who prioritize transit and walkability.
The specific location within a neighborhood still matters. A condo two blocks from an 'L' station and grocery store can offer a very different daily experience from a home farther from major transit routes.
For buyers and renters relocating to Chicago, it is worth comparing not only the home itself but also the distance to CTA stations, bus routes, grocery stores, workplaces, schools, parks, and other destinations used throughout the week.
Why Transit Access Matters in Chicago Real Estate
Transportation can directly influence how a buyer or renter evaluates a Chicago property.
Living close to reliable transit may reduce the need for a vehicle, parking space, monthly garage fee, fuel, insurance, and other transportation expenses. For some condo buyers, that can make a building without included parking more practical than it would be in a car-dependent area.
For sellers and landlords, proximity to the CTA, Metra, major bus routes, bike infrastructure, and walkable neighborhood amenities can also become an important part of how a property is marketed.
Investors should consider transportation access as well. Renters relocating from cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., or San Francisco may specifically look for Chicago neighborhoods where they can continue living without owning a car.
Thinking About Living in Chicago Without a Car?
Chicago's No. 9 national ranking highlights one of the city's biggest lifestyle advantages, but choosing the right neighborhood is still essential. Transit access, commute times, grocery options, parking costs, building location, and everyday walkability can vary substantially from one block to another.
If you are buying, renting, investing, or relocating to Chicago, connect with The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for help comparing Chicago neighborhoods, transit-friendly condos, apartments, walkability, commute options, and homes near CTA and Metra service.
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