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New York City, San Francisco, and Boston lead the United States for the best public transportation systems in 2024, based on Transit Score data. A high Transit Score indicates superior access to frequent and reliable public transit, a major factor for homebuyers and renters prioritizing commute efficiency and reducing car dependency. This analysis of cities with populations over 200,000, utilizing Walk Score methodology, ranks metro areas by their transit networks' usefulness, considering route distance, frequency, and type of service.
What Defines a Transit-Friendly City? A transit-friendly city provides residents with viable alternatives to private car ownership. According to Walk Score, the authority on neighborhood walkability and transit access, key metrics include the number of routes, distance to the nearest stop, frequency of service, and the type of transit available. Heavy rail systems, like subways and light rail, are weighted most heavily due to their higher capacity and reliability, followed by unique modes like ferries, and then bus services. Based on our experience assessment, cities that invest in a multi-modal network—integrating subways, buses, and regional rail—typically offer the most comprehensive coverage.
Top 10 U.S. Cities for Public Transportation in 2024 The following ranking is based on Transit Score data from February 2024, which aggregates public transit usefulness on a scale from 0-100. Median sale and rent prices provide context for each housing market.
| City | Transit Score | Median Sale Price | Median Rent Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 88 | $779,500 | $4,085 |
| San Francisco, CA | 77 | $1,190,000 | $3,335 |
| Boston, MA | 72 | $830,000 | $3,435 |
| Jersey City, NJ | 71 | $747,000 | $3,000 |
| Washington, D.C. | 69 | $602,500 | $2,600 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 67 | $234,700 | $1,695 |
| Newark, NJ | 65 | $419,950 | $2,130 |
| Chicago, IL | 65 | $322,000 | $2,290 |
| Seattle, WA | 60 | $775,000 | $1,950 |
| Arlington, VA | 59 | $770,000 | $2,450 |
How Do the Top Transit Cities Compare? New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the nation's most extensive system, with its subway network alone facilitating over 2.3 billion trips annually. Neighborhoods like the Upper East Side and Upper West Side offer exceptional access. San Francisco's system, operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA), is notable for its historic cable cars and a regional network that includes BART trains and ferries. Boston's "T" system, run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), seamlessly integrates subways, buses, and commuter rail, making it a model for regional connectivity, particularly in areas like Beacon Hill and Downtown.
What Should You Consider When Evaluating a City's Transit? When assessing public transportation for a potential move, look beyond the overall score. Investigate the specific neighborhoods you're interested in, as access can vary significantly within a city. Consider your commute: does the system efficiently connect your home to your workplace? Also, review future expansion plans. Cities like Seattle are undertaking massive light rail expansions, which could enhance accessibility in certain areas over the next decade. It's also prudent to check the current ridership recovery and service levels post-pandemic, as these can impact frequency and reliability.
Key Takeaways for Home Buyers and Renters Prioritizing access to public transportation can influence your housing budget and lifestyle. While cities like New York and San Francisco command premium housing costs, their robust transit can reduce or eliminate the need for a car, saving on expenses like car payments, insurance, and fuel. Evaluate the full cost of ownership when comparing cities. For example, a lower-priced home in a car-dependent area may have higher associated transportation costs. Use tools like Walk Score to research specific addresses and understand the true walkability and transit-friendliness of a neighborhood before making a decision.
