Massachusetts, a state steeped in history and known for its prestigious universities, also boasts some of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. From the bustling streets of Boston to the quaint charm of Northampton, there’s a city for every cyclist.
In this Redfin article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 most bikeable cities in Massachusetts, exploring the unique features that make each one a cyclist’s paradise. So, strap on your helmet and get ready to pedal through the Bay State like never before.
All data sourced January 2024.
1. Cambridge, MA
Bike Score: 96
Median Sale Price: $1,075,000
Median Rent Price: $3,370
Cambridge, the most bikeable city in Massachusetts and one of the most bikeable places in the country, boasts a bike score of 96. The city is home to several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods, like Harvard Square and Central Square. These serene areas contain bike lanes and plenty of attractions accessible by bike.
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2. Somerville, MA
Bike Score: 90
Median Sale Price: $920,000
Median Rent Price: $3,190
Somerville, a suburb of Boston, has a bike score of 90, making it the second most bikeable city in the state . There are bikeable roads, neighborhoods, and trails throughout Somerville, like the Somerville Community Path and the Mystic River Path, helping make the city accessible without a car.
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3. Brookline, MA
Bike Score: 74
Median Sale Price: $925,000
Median Rent Price: $4,216
Brookline is the third most bikeable city in the state. Particularly bikeable areas in Brookline include Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. These places are home to destinations like Larz Anderson Park, Zaftigs Delicatessen, and the Brookline Reservoir.
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4. Boston, MA
Bike Score: 69
Median Sale Price: $830,000
Median Rent Price: $3,465
Boston, the largest city in Massachusetts, has plenty of amenities a cyclist needs to succeed, including bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets. Particularly bikeable streets include Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street. So, whether you’re in the mood for commuting or a leisurely ride, you’re sure to find a route that works for you. Boston is also home to the Pan-Mass Challenege, a two-day cycling fundraising event.
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5. Watertown, MA
Bike Score: 68
Median Sale Price: $715,000
Median Rent Price: $3,100
As the fifth most bikeable city in the state, Watertown is known for its Charles River Path and Watertown Square. Cycle to the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation or get a bite to eat at Strip-T’s Restaurant with friends after a group ride. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to the Charles River Reservation.
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6. Arlington, MA
Bike Score: 65
Median Sale Price: $1,025,000
Median Rent Price: $2,675
Arlington, another suburb of Boston, is the sixth most bikeable city in Massachusetts. Consider taking a ride with friends to enjoy the views at Spy Pond Park or the Minuteman Bikeway. If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the wide roads like Massachusetts Avenue and Broadway.
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7. Northampton, MA
Bike Score: 63
Median Sale Price: $435,000
Median Rent Price: $1,735
With a Bike Score of 63, Northampton is the seventh most bikeable city in Massachusetts. Northampton has plenty of amenities a cyclist might need, from wide open roads like Elm Street, to gorgeous destinations like Look Park. Consider riding with friends, commuting to work, or starting a weekly cycling group.
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8. Belmont, MA
Bike Score: 61
Median Sale Price: $1,057,500
Median Rent Price: $2,775
Known for the Belmont Center and Waverley Square, Belmont is the eighth most bikeable city in Massachusetts. With mild hills, bike lanes, and plenty of amenities cyclists love, there’s something for every rider. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, consider cycling to Beaver Brook Reservation or Fresh Pond Reservation.
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9. Medford, MA
Bike Score: 59
Median Sale Price: $855,600
Median Rent Price: $3,140
Medford has a bike score of 59, making it the ninth most bikeable city in the state. There are a number of parks in Medford, like the Middlesex Fells Reservation and Mystic River Reservation, that are great cycling destinations. You can also stop at Modern Pastry Shop for a mid-ride snack.
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10. Amherst Town, MA
Bike Score: 55
Median Sale Price: $650,000
Median Rent Price: $2,460
According to Walk Score, Amherst Town is the tenth most bikeable city in the state. The area has many great spots for cyclists, like the Norwottuck Rail Trail, Amherst College, and the Emily Dickinson Museum. Consider planning a route and commuting to work or school if you’re able.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Bike Score for a city, Walk Score measures a location’s bikeability using four equally weighted components: Bike lanes; hills; destinations and road connectivity; and bike commuting and mode share. Points are awarded based on importance and are weighted based on total amounts. Bike Score does not take into account access to restaurants, grocery stores, parks, or other amenities. Bike Score uses data from OpenStreetMap, USGS, and the Census Bureau.
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