The average U.S. driver lost 42 hours to congestion in 2023, according to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. It’s little wonder, then, that data shows some of the highest-priced real estate markets often coincide with the most bicycle-friendly communities.
Cycling not only saves commuting time, but being on two wheels—free from the confines of the driver’s seat—it connects the rider with the city. Bonus: Cruising around on pedal power boosts your health while reducing your carbon footprint.
Some cities are more welcoming to cyclists than others, often by offering bicycle-friendly infrastructure and policies. These bike-friendly features not only enhance urban livability but they also boost 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 data clearinghouse for neighborhood analytics. The bikeability data measures how suitable an area is for cycling based on “nearby bicycle infrastructure and calm streets, as well as the number of destinations that can be reached by bicycle.”
By combining this with the Realtor.com listing data, we were able to identify the most bicycle-friendly cities when price is no 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 are abundant, and paths weave through urban landscapes.
The best cycling cities when money is no object
Coastal cities like Cambridge, MA, and Atlantic Beach, FL, are prime examples of cities where bicycles are a part of everyday life.
In Cambridge, it’s common to see more cyclists than cars during the morning commute, giving the city a European vibe. Atlantic Beach offers sunny, year-round cycling with beautiful coastal paths. These premium locales showcase how cycling culture and high property values go hand in hand.
Both Cambridge and Atlantic Beach rank far above most U.S. cities, according to Local Logic’s bikeability data. The locations also offer real estate far above the national average.
Two inland cities also make the list: Davis, CA, and Keystone, CO. Davis is the “Bicycle Capital of America,” renowned for its extensive network of bike paths. The city’s proactive approach to cycling, including bike education programs and community events, fosters a robust cycling culture.
Keystone, nestled high in the Rockies in Central Colorado, offers an exceptional experience, especially for those who enjoy mountain biking. When the snow melts and the skiers have packed up their equipment, Keystone switches its operation to deliver cyclists and their bikes to the top of world-class trails, offering stunning views and a mountain town vibe.
About 30 minutes southwest of Chicago, is Palos Park, IL, a small suburb engulfed in green space. It combines the tranquility of the suburbs with access to extensive cycling trails.
1. Atlantic Beach, FL
Median list price: $1,187,500
Population: 13,381
Atlantic Beach, located along Florida’s northeastern coast, offers year-round cycling on beachside trails. This city is a top choice for cycling aficionados who can afford its higher home prices.
2. Cambridge, MA
Median list price: $1,397,000
Population: 118,489
Cambridge, across the Charles River from Boston, is famous for its historical charm and extensive network of bike paths. Its compact, pedestrian-friendly design makes it ideal for cyclists.
“ Cambridge is also easy to bike around. Not very hilly. They’ve got the river, and they’re doing a good job at opening up 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, boasting more bikes than cars. Its proactive approach to cycling, including bike education programs and community events, fosters a robust cycling culture.
“More households here have more bicycles 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 biking enthusiasts. When the snow melts, the ski resort transitions to cater to cyclists, delivering 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 tranquil suburban environment with extensive cycling trails.
The best cycling cities with less-than-average-priced homes
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 with the national average.
The Upper Midwest is home to several of these bike-friendly, 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 transportation 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 rides along lakeside paths, such as the Paint Creek Trail. This charming locale combines top-rated bikeability with a tranquil atmosphere, making it a great place for leisurely and heart-pumping rides.
In the larger 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 provides a mix of urban and scenic cycling routes. Historical streets and riverfront paths, 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 median, making it the most affordable on our list.
Maplewood, MN, a suburb of St. Paul, is dedicated to green spaces and extensive parks and trails. The Gateway State Trail, which runs from Maplewood to Pine Point Regional Park, provides a scenic, tree-lined route for cyclists. Home prices in Maplewood are about two-thirds of the national median.
Lastly, Oregon, OH, located on Ohio’s western shore of Lake Erie, offers cyclists waterfront routes such as the Pearson Metropark, which includes bike trails through wetlands and woodlands, providing a serene cycling experience in a city with affordable housing options.
1. East Lansing, MI
Median list price: $325,000
Population: 45,403
East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, has a youthful, vibrant environment because of the heavy 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: 2,915
Lake Orion, about 45 minutes north of Detroit, is perfect for those seeking scenic, tranquil rides on lakeside paths, including the Paint Creek Trail.
Lake Orion and East Lansing are nearly tied with their top-rated bikeability scores, but they’re very different places. Lake Orion’s very small population pales in comparison to the large student population of East Lansing.
3. Channahon, IL
Median list price: $397,900
Population: 13,807
Channahon, near the Chicago metro area’s southwestern edge, offers a bicycle-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 historical streets and riverfront paths, which provide 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, coupled with a dedication to green spaces. The Gateway State Trail, which runs from Maplewood to Pine Point Regional Park, provides 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 cyclists waterfront routes. One standout feature is the Pearson Metropark, which includes a bike trail winding through wetlands and woodlands, offering a serene cycling experience.
