Walkable in Washington? (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma: apartments, how much, neighborhood)

[slsl6]

Are there any walkable cities in Washington, where no car is needed to get to basic necessities like grocery stores, etc. I'm investigating Vancouver, but I don't know about this angle. Bellingham, perhaps?

[bartonizer]

Depending on where you are in Bellingham, the city can be quite walkable- or at least bikeable. There's also a substantial trail system through town. And the bus system is surprisingly convenient and efficient, so living near a stop is a big plus. My wife and I recently moved from CO to the Fairhaven neighborhood, and we are very pleasantly surprised by the transportation options in the area.

[Prple]

Pullman or Olympia; both are walkable and have good bus options too.

[spotown11]

Most of Seattle
Tacoma: Stadium district, Hilltop, 6th Ave., Proctor, Lincoln District
Bellingham: See above
Olympia, Bellevue, Spokane, Everett, or Vancouver: Downtown and immediately surrounding areas. These cities get suburban fast, especially Vancouver.

Also consider downtown Burien.

Pullman and Ellensburg are SMALL college towns that should fit the bill too.

[Lamplight]

Originally Posted by bartonizer

Depending on where you are in Bellingham, the city can be quite walkable- or at least bikeable. There's also a substantial trail system through town. And the bus system is surprisingly convenient and efficient, so living near a stop is a big plus. My wife and I recently moved from CO to the Fairhaven neighborhood, and we are very pleasantly surprised by the transportation options in the area.

All of this. Living without a car is quite doable here as long as you plan ahead and choose your location wisely. I've been here for 3.5 years now without a car. I walk, bike, and bus everywhere. Occasionally it can be inconvenient, but most of the time it's a non-issue for me.

[Ira500]

You could also live in Kirkland without a car. Or Renton.

[Fat Freddy]

Originally Posted by slsl6

Are there any walkable cities in Washington, where no car is needed to get to basic necessities like grocery stores, etc.

That depends on how much of those "basic necessities" you plan to purchase, how close is the store, and how you plan to get them home.

[Transmition]

Most cities are walkable. There are few places that don't have at least a few apartments near enough to a grocery store to cover 90% of your weekly needs. Even sprawling suburbia often has a grocery store a mile or two away. Two miles is about the limit for walking with that many groceries unless you are made of stern stuff.

[bartonizer]

Originally Posted by Transmition

Most cities are walkable. There are few places that don't have at least a few apartments near enough to a grocery store to cover 90% of your weekly needs. Even sprawling suburbia often has a grocery store a mile or two away. Two miles is about the limit for walking with that many groceries unless you are made of stern stuff.

True, though some cities are much more suited to walking and biking than others. And in some places, even though you could get around on foot you'd be risking your life do so. I'd be interested to know the OP's other requirements. What size city do they want to live in? Do they want to live in a place with its own separate identity, or are they okay with suburbs? If the answer is the former, I'd take Bellingham any day of the week over places like Vancouver, WA or most of the cities surrounding Seattle.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by Transmition

Most cities are walkable. There are few places that don't have at least a few apartments near enough to a grocery store to cover 90% of your weekly needs. Even sprawling suburbia often has a grocery store a mile or two away. Two miles is about the limit for walking with that many groceries unless you are made of stern stuff.

Just get one of these (rolling shopping cart, tote-trolley):



I'll also take a cloth bag, putting heavy/cold in the tote cart, lighter stuff in the bag. I routinely walk 10-15 blocks to (and back from) stores, pharmacies, etc. Also easy to take on the bus (much better than the more square tote-carts).