The 10 Most Bikeable Cities in Massachusetts: 2024 Data on Affordability and Cycling Infrastructure

Massachusetts offers some of the nation's most bike-friendly communities, with cities like Cambridge and Somerville leading the way. Based on 2024 data from Walk Score, a widely recognized measure of bikeability, the state's top cycling cities combine extensive infrastructure like dedicated bike lanes and multi-use paths with access to amenities. This analysis provides a data-driven overview of the ten most bikeable cities, including median home sale prices and rental costs, to help you find a community that supports a car-lite lifestyle.

What is a Bike Score and How is it Calculated?

To understand these rankings, it's important to know how bikeability is measured. A Bike Score is a metric from Walk Score that rates the bike-friendliness of a location on a scale from 0 to 100. The score is calculated using four equally weighted components: the availability of bike lanes (dedicated paths on roads); topography (hills); destinations and road connectivity (ease of accessing services); and bike commuting and mode share (how many people actually use bikes for transportation). This objective standard helps cyclists assess a city's infrastructure before they visit or move.

The Top 10 Most Bikeable Cities in Massachusetts

The following list is ranked by Bike Score, with data valid as of January 2024. Each entry includes the median sale price for a home and the median rent price to provide context on housing affordability.

1. Cambridge, MA

   • Bike Score: 96
   • Median Sale Price: $1,075,000
   • Median Rent Price: $3,370 Cambridge is not only the most bikeable city in Massachusetts but also one of the top in the entire country. Neighborhoods like Harvard Square and Central Square are known for their cyclist-friendly design, featuring numerous bike lanes and easy access to attractions, making car ownership optional for many residents.

2. Somerville, MA

   • Bike Score: 90
   • Median Sale Price: $920,000
   • Median Rent Price: $3,190 This Boston suburb boasts a robust network of bikeable roads and trails. Key features include the Somerville Community Path and the Mystic River Path, which provide safe and scenic routes for both commuters and recreational cyclists.

3. Brookline, MA

   • Bike Score: 74
   • Median Sale Price: $925,000
   • Median Rent Price: $4,216 Brookline offers highly bikeable areas such as Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Cyclists can easily reach destinations like Larz Anderson Park and the Brookline Reservoir, enjoying a blend of urban convenience and green space.

4. Boston, MA

   • Bike Score: 69
   • Median Sale Price: $830,000
   • Median Rent Price: $3,465 The state's largest city provides essential cycling amenities, including bike paths and wide residential streets. Major routes like Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street cater to daily commuters and leisure riders alike, supporting a vibrant cycling culture that includes events like the Pan-Mass Challenge.

5. Watertown, MA

   • Bike Score: 68
   • Median Sale Price: $715,000
   • Median Rent Price: $3,100 Watertown's appeal for cyclists is anchored by the Charles River Path and the accessibility of Watertown Square. Rides can be combined with visits to the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation or a meal at a local restaurant.

6. Arlington, MA

   • Bike Score: 65
   • Median Sale Price: $1,025,000
   • Median Rent Price: $2,675 Another Boston suburb, Arlington features scenic rides along Spy Pond Park and the renowned Minuteman Bikeway. Commuters frequently use wide roads such as Massachusetts Avenue and Broadway for easy travel.

7. Northampton, MA

   • Bike Score: 63
   • Median Sale Price: $435,000
   • Median Rent Price: $1,735 In Western Massachusetts, Northampton stands out with amenities like the wide Elm Street and beautiful destinations such as Look Park. It presents a more affordable option for cyclists seeking a community-oriented atmosphere.

8. Belmont, MA

   • Bike Score: 61
   • Median Sale Price: $1,057,500
   • Median Rent Price: $2,775 Known for areas like Belmont Center, this city offers mild hills, bike lanes, and proximity to nature reserves like Beaver Brook Reservation, providing a balanced environment for cycling enthusiasts.

9. Medford, MA

   • Bike Score: 59
   • Median Sale Price: $855,600
   • Median Rent Price: $3,140 Medford’s bikeability is enhanced by large green spaces such as the Middlesex Fells Reservation, offering extensive trails for adventure-seeking cyclists within a suburban setting.

10. Amherst Town, MA

    • Bike Score: 55
    • Median Sale Price: $650,000
    • Median Rent Price: $2,460 Rounding out the list, Amherst Town provides access to routes like the Norwottuck Rail Trail and cyclist-friendly destinations including Amherst College, making it ideal for academic and recreational cycling.

Finding the Right Bikeable Community for You

Choosing a city based on bikeability often involves balancing infrastructure with budget. Cambridge and Somerville offer top-tier cycling networks but come with premium housing costs. For those seeking greater affordability without sacrificing bikeability, cities like Northampton and Amherst Town in Western Massachusetts present strong value. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal budget, commuting needs, and lifestyle preferences. Prospective home buyers and renters should consider visiting these communities to experience the cycling infrastructure firsthand.