The average American driver lost 42 hours to congestion in 2023, according to INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. It’s no surprise, then, that the data shows that some of the highest-priced real estate markets often coincide with the most bike-friendly communities.
Cycling not only saves travel time, but being on two wheels — free from the confines of the driver’s seat — connects the rider to the city. Bonus: Pedaling boosts your health while reducing your carbon footprint.
Some cities are more welcoming to cyclists than others, often offering bike-friendly infrastructure and policies. These bike-friendly features not only enhance urban livability, but they also increase real estate values, especially in the post-pandemic market, where quality of life remains a top priority for buyers.
Curious about where you can get on your bike and ride? Realtor.com® dug into the data for every city in the U.S., measuring bikeability according to scores aggregated by Local Logic, a neighborhood analytics data clearinghouse. Bike data measures how suitable an area is for cycling based on “nearby cycling infrastructure and quiet streets, as well as the number of destinations that can be reached by bike”.
By combining this with Realtor.com listing data, we were able to identify the most bike-friendly cities when price is not a concern, as well as those where home prices are at or below the national average.
These are the cities where cyclists dominate the morning commute, bike lanes abound and paths weave through urban landscapes.
The best cities for cycling when money is no object
Coastal cities such as Cambridge, MA and Atlantic Beach, FL, are prime examples of cities where bicycles are a part of everyday life.
In Cambridge, it is common to see more cyclists than cars on the morning commute, giving the city a European feel. Atlantic Beach offers year-round sunny cycling with beautiful coastal paths. These premium properties show how cycling culture and high property values go hand in hand.
Both Cambridge and Atlantic Beach rank well above most U.S. cities, according to Local Logic’s bicycling data. The locations also offer real estate well above the national average.
Two inland cities also make the list: Davis, CA and Keystone, CO. Davis is the “Biking Capital of America,” known for its extensive network of bike paths. The city’s proactive approach to cycling, including bicycle education programs and community events, fosters a strong cycling culture.
Keystone, located high in the Rockies in Central Colorado, offers an incredible experience, especially for those who enjoy mountain biking. When the snow melts and the skiers have packed away their gear, Keystone switches gears to send cyclists and their bikes to the top of world-class trails, offering stunning views and a mountain town atmosphere.
About 30 minutes southwest of Chicago, lies Palos Park, IL, a small suburb surrounded by green space. It combines the tranquility of suburbia with access to extensive cycle paths.
1. Atlantic Beach, FL
Median list price: $1,187,500
Population: 13,381
Atlantic Beach, located along Florida’s northeast coast, offers year-round biking on beachfront trails. This city is a top choice for cycling enthusiasts who can afford the higher house prices.
2. Cambridge, MA
Median list price: $1,397,000
Population: 118,489
Cambridge, across the Charles River from Boston, is famous for its historic charm and extensive network of bike paths. Its compact and pedestrian-friendly design makes it ideal for cyclists.
“Cambridge is also easy to get around by bike. Not too hilly. They have the river and are doing a good job of opening bike lanes,” says Eve Dougherty, founder and CEO of Eve Dougherty & The ACE Team Realty, in Cambridge.
3. Davis, CA
Median list price: $1,048,000
Population: 67,057
Davis is known for its extensive cycling infrastructure, with more bikes than cars. Its proactive approach to cycling, including cycling education programs and community events, fosters a strong cycling culture.
“More families here have bikes per capita than cars,” says Murre Traverso, a real estate agent with Re/Max in Davis.
4. Keystone, CO
Median list price: $995,000
Population: 995
Keystone offers a unique experience for mountain bike enthusiasts. When the snow melts, the ski resort switches over to cater to cyclists, sending them and their bikes to the top of world-class trails.
5. Palos Park, IL
Median list price: $649,000
Population: 4,836
Palos Park, located southwest of Chicago, is surrounded by green space, including the Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve. It offers a quiet suburban setting with extensive cycling paths.
The best cities for cycling with houses for less than the average price
Cycling offers an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to driving, making bike-friendly cities especially attractive to homebuyers on a budget. These cities not only prioritize cycling infrastructure, but also offer real estate options that are more affordable compared to the national average.
The Upper Midwest is home to some of these bike-friendly and affordable cities. East Lansing, MI, is known for its extensive bike lanes and vibrant cycling culture, influenced by the large student population at Michigan State University. The city’s commitment to sustainable transport reflects its forward-thinking approach, making it a dynamic place for cyclists.
Lake Orion, MI, a small suburb about 45 minutes north of Detroit, offers peaceful, scenic drives along lakeside trails such as the Paint Creek Trail. This charming place combines award-winning bikeability with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place for relaxed and hearty rides.
In the greater Chicago area, Channahon, IL, stands out for its robust park system and riverfront trails at the confluence of the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee rivers.
The capital of New Jersey, Trenton offers a mix of urban and scenic cycling routes. Historic roads and riverside trails like the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail offer diverse riding experiences in a city where the median home price is nearly half the national average, making it the most affordable on our list.
Maplewood, MN, a suburb of St. Paul, is dedicated to green spaces and wide parks and trails. The Gateway State Trail, which runs from Maplewood to Pine Point Regional Park, offers a scenic tree-lined route for cyclists. Home prices in Maplewood are about two-thirds of the national average.
Finally, Oregon, OH, located on the western Ohio shore of Lake Erie, offers cyclists waterways such as Pearson Metropark, which includes bike paths through wetlands and forests, providing a quiet cycling experience in a sheltered city affordable.
1. East Lansing, MI
Median list price: $325,000
Population: 45,403
East Lansing, home of Michigan State University, has a youthful and vibrant environment due to its large student population—4 out of 5 East Lansing residents are students. The city offers extensive bike lanes and a commitment to sustainable transportation.
2. Lake Orion, MI
Median list price: $440,000
Population: 2915
Lake Orion, about 45 minutes north of Detroit, is perfect for those looking for scenic, quiet rides on lakeside trails, including the Paint Creek Trail.
Lake Orion and East Lansing are nearly tied for their top-rated bike scores, but they’re very different places. Lake Orion’s very small population pales in comparison to East Lansing’s large student population.
3. Channahon, IL
Median list price: $397,900
Population: 13,807
Channahon, near the southwest edge of the Chicago metro area, offers a bike-friendly environment for homebuyers on a budget. There are scenic trails at the confluence of the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee rivers and a robust park system.
4. Trenton, NJ
Median list price: $242,450
Population: 89,658
Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, offers historic streets and riverside trails that offer a mix of urban and scenic cycling routes.
5. Maplewood, MN
Median list price: $299,950
Population: 41,405
Maplewood, a suburb of St. Paul, offers extensive parks and trails, along with a commitment to green spaces. The Gateway State Trail, which runs from Maplewood to Pine Point Regional Park, offers a scenic tree-lined route for cyclists.
6. Oregon, OH
Median list price: $314,900
Population: 19,896
The city of Oregon, on Ohio’s western shore of Lake Erie, offers waterways for cyclists. A distinctive feature is Pearson Metropark, which includes a bike path that winds through wetlands and forests, offering a leisurely cycling experience.
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