Providence was named the 2nd most walkable city in the country. Here's why
If you're looking for a city you can explore on foot this summer, look no further than Providence.
The capital of the Ocean State was named second most walkable city in the country by USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards. Only Philadelphia was considered to be a more walkable city.
Exploring neighborhood's like Providence's Federal Hill on foot gives visitors a chance to slow down and really notice everything a neighborhood has to offer, such as a cute restaurant, a book shop or public art. Over the past few decades, walkable cities have become more and more desirable.
Why did Providence rank so high?
![Published Caption: An early-evening view of the reflecting pool of Waterplace Park with WaterFire in progress. This year’s lightings were canceled. [The Providence Journal photos / Sandor Bodo]
Original Caption: Published Caption: A nostalgic, early-evening view of the reflecting pool of Waterplace Park with WaterFire in progress. With no tourists, students, office workers, and cultural and sporting events, Providence is in limbo. [Journal files] Original Caption: PROVIDENCE, RI -- 6/8/2013 Early evening view of the reflecting pool of Waterplace Park with WaterFire in progress. The reflecting pool is a nod to the history of the Providence Cove. Providence skyline buildings are in back: From left are Sovereign Bank, Bank of America, and the now unoccupied Industrial National Bank. Biltmore Hotel is at left. The Providence Journal/Sandor Bodo](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cF5Dd6ljH6sOKSNARofsIg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0Ng--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the-providence-journal/7c49691103c9a2f76379f88e3ede00c1)
What they said: "During "your visit to Providence, enjoy a stroll along the river and snap a photo by the pedestrian bridge, shop along the city's cobblestone streets, and check out all the murals and public art on display throughout downtown."
Providence's walkability has been recognized as a selling point before. In an article at the beginning of this year, Redfin gave the city a walking score of 76, ranking it second on their own top 10 list of walking cities in the state.
Redfin specifically cited neighborhoods throughout, like College Hill and Federal Hill, that make Providence more easily explorable without a car.
How did USA Today compile their list?
Cities were nominated by a panel of travel experts, based not only on pedestrian accessibility but things to do, and places to eat and stay.
The nominations were narrowed down to 10, and as the per the name implies, the rankings were left up to the readers.
What other cities made the list?
Philadelphia took first place, but Providence was not the only New England city, with Boston taking sixth.
1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2. Providence, Rhode Island
3. Key West, Florida
4. St. Augustine, Florida
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. Boston, Massachusetts
7. Chicago, Illinois
8. New York City, New York
9. Chattanooga, Tennessee
10. St. Louis, Missouri
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Providence was named the 2nd most walkable city in the US. Here's why