At 6.4 square miles, Cambridge packs an entire world into a walkable footprint. Here's what makes the city so exceptionally pedestrian-friendly.
A City Built for Walking
Cambridge consistently scores above 90 on Walk Score, making it one of the most walkable cities in America. But numbers don't capture what it actually feels like to live here without a car. The city is 6.4 square miles — you can walk from one end to the other in about an hour. Every neighborhood has its own commercial district with groceries, restaurants, and services. The T connects you to Boston. For most residents, a car is genuinely optional.
What Makes Cambridge Walkable
Dense, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods
Cambridge's squares — Harvard, Central, Kendall, Porter, Inman — each function as self-contained villages with everything residents need within a 10-minute walk.
The T and Bus Network
Six Red Line stations and an extensive bus network mean you can get almost anywhere without driving. The 1, 66, 69, 77, and 83 bus routes cover areas between T stops.
Protected Bike Infrastructure
Cambridge has invested heavily in separated bike lanes, especially along Cambridge Street, Hampshire Street, and Mass Ave. Bluebikes stations are everywhere.
Compact Size
At 6.4 square miles, Cambridge is physically small. Even the "far" neighborhoods like Alewife are only 30 minutes on foot from Central Square.
The Car-Free Lifestyle
Over 30% of Cambridge households don't own a car — one of the highest rates in the country outside New York City. The combination of transit access, bike infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods makes car-free living not just possible but genuinely convenient. Many residents report that giving up their car was one of the best quality-of-life decisions they've made.