Michigan, a state known for its Great Lakes and vibrant cities, offers a variety of walkable communities. From the bustling streets of Hamtramck to the quiet neighborhoods of Madison Heights, each city has its unique charm.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the top ten most walkable cities in Michigan, exploring their walk scores and housing market trends. So, if you’re considering a move within the state, this guide will help you find a city that suits your pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.
1. Hamtramck, MI
Walk Score: 82 Median Sale Price: $175,000 Median Rent Price: $1,075
With a walk score of 82, Hamtramck is the most walkable city in Michigan. As a suburb of Detroit, the region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Hamtramck and Campau/Banglatown. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
Walk Score: 67 Median Sale Price: $251,500 Median Rent Price: $1,550
Ferndale has a walk score of 67, making it the second most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Ferndale, like Downtown Ferndale and Woodward Heights, helping make the city explorable without a car.
Walk Score: 62 Median Sale Price: $230,000 Median Rent Price: $1,166
Ypsilanti is the third most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Ypsilanti include Depot Town, Downtown Ypsilanti, and Normal Park. These places are home to amenities like Riverside Park, Sidetrack Bar & Grill, and Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum.
Walk Score: 60 Median Sale Price: $150,000 Median Rent Price: $1,331
Lincoln Park has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Fort Street to Dix Highway, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Walk Score: 60 Median Sale Price: $190,000 Median Rent Price: $1,288
As the fifth most walkable city in the state, Wyandotte is known for its Downtown Wyandotte and Ford City. Consider exploring Bishop Park or getting a bite to eat at Portofino Restaurant with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit Wyandotte Shores Golf Course.
Walk Score: 60 Median Sale Price: $700,000 Median Rent Price: $2,508
Birmingham is the sixth most walkable city in Michigan. The region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Birmingham and Quarton Lake. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
Walk Score: 58 Median Sale Price: $240,000 Median Rent Price: $1,616
Dearborn has a walk score of 58, making it the seventh most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Dearborn, like West Downtown Dearborn and East Downtown Dearborn, helping make the city explorable without a car.
Walk Score: 57 Median Sale Price: $323,000 Median Rent Price: $1,955
Royal Oak is the eighth most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Royal Oak include Downtown Royal Oak, Vinsetta Park, and Northwood. These places are home to amenities like Royal Oak Music Theatre, Vinsetta Garage, and Starr Jaycee Park.
Walk Score: 57 Median Sale Price: $150,000 Median Rent Price: $1,325
Eastpointe has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From 8 Mile Road to Gratiot Avenue, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Walk Score: 57 Median Sale Price: $207,500 Median Rent Price: $1,508
As the tenth most walkable city in the state, Madison Heights is known for its downtown area and the John R Corridor. Consider exploring Civic Center Park or getting a bite to eat at Green Lantern Pizzeria with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit Red Oaks Nature Center.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find a walkable place to live, rating areas from least to most walkable on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a city, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
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Jamie is part of the Content Marketing team at Redfin and has spent 2+ years writing about climate change, housing affordability, and the housing market. He fell in love with writing in college, where he decided he wanted to help others understand complicated topics. He was born and raised in Seattle, where he currently lives with his wife and three pets. His dream home is a small, modern house in the forest where he can hear the wind blowing at night.