Napa, CA – California is making a name for itself as one of the leading states in promoting eco-friendly commuting, with several cities emerging as top destinations for those looking to live without a car. A recent report from Local Logic and Realtor.com highlighted the best U.S. cities for walking, biking, and using public transit, and California’s cities made strong appearances, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Berkeley, California, ranked as the top city in the state and the fourth-best nationwide for car-free commuting. With 64.4% of its residents opting not to drive to work, Berkeley’s reputation as an eco-conscious city is well earned. The city boasts a robust cycling culture, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), making it an ideal place for residents to forgo car ownership. Additionally, initiatives like bike boulevards, slow streets programs, and transit-priority corridors further support low-impact transportation, allowing residents to rely on walking and biking for their daily commutes.
“Sustainability has long been part of Berkeley’s identity, and that’s reflected in how people get around,” the report notes. “A legacy of progressive urban policy and strong cycling culture make it easy to commute without a car.”
Berkeley wasn’t the only Golden State city to make the list. San Francisco, known for its iconic hills and extensive public transit system, secured the sixth spot. The city’s commitment to reducing car dependence and expanding sustainable transit options continues to attract residents who prioritize eco-friendly living. Additionally, Emeryville, located just across the Bay from San Francisco, earned the 11th spot, while Culver City, in the Los Angeles area, came in at 14th. These cities reflect the growing trend in California toward walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly environments.
The report, which analyzed U.S. Census data on car-free commuters, combined it with proprietary location scores for walkability, bikeability, and public transit access to determine the rankings. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, the findings reveal how much a city’s infrastructure can shape residents’ transportation habits.
“Where we live shapes how we live,” Hale explained. “In the case of these top eco-friendly cities, an environment oriented to walking, biking, and public transit means a greater share of residents can get to work without a car.”
Other cities that made the list, such as Hoboken, New Jersey, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, emphasize how urban planning centered on sustainable transportation can contribute to a higher quality of life and more affordable, accessible commutes.
California’s efforts to prioritize sustainable transit are helping to drive a shift toward greener living, where residents can enjoy easy access to jobs, culture, and outdoor spaces—all while reducing their carbon footprint. With cities like Berkeley leading the way, California is proving that commuting without a car is not just possible but a desirable choice for many.
As cities across the country look to reduce congestion and lower emissions, the success of California’s top-ranked cities offers a blueprint for building a more sustainable, car-free future.