Washington State, with its lush forests, towering mountains, and vibrant cities, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. But have you ever wondered how bike-friendly these cities are?
In this Redfin article, we delve into the most bikeable cities in Washington, exploring the ease of cycling in each location. From the bustling streets of Seattle to the misty charm of Bellingham, join us as we pedal through the Evergreen State’s top cycling destinations.
All data sourced January 2024.
1. Seattle, WA
Bike Score: 71
Median Sale Price: $774,125
Median Rent Price: $1,980
Seattle, the largest city in Washington, is the most bikeable city in the state with a bike score of 71. The region boasts several cyclist-friendly neighborhoods, like Fremont, Montlake, and Ballard. These areas contain bike lanes and plenty of attractions accessible by bike. Seattle is also home to the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, a testament to the region’s commitment to bicycling.
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2. Walla Walla, WA
Bike Score: 62
Median Sale Price: $375,000
Median Rent Price: $1,560
Walla Walla has a bike score of 62, making it the second most bikeable city in the state. There are bikeable roads, neighborhoods, and trails throughout Walla Walla, like the Mill Creek Trail and the Whitman Mission Route, helping make the city accessible without a car. Walla Walla is also home to Whitman University, contributing to the area’s bikeability.
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3. Hazel Dell, WA
Bike Score: 60
Median Sale Price: $475,500
Median Rent Price: $1,805
Hazel Dell, a suburb of Vancouver, is the third most bikeable city in the state. Particularly bikeable areas in Hazel Dell include the Hazel Dell Park and the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. These places are home to destinations like the Hazel Dell Community Park, the DuckTales Kitchen, and the Vancouver Lake Trail.
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4. Vancouver, WA
Bike Score: 59
Median Sale Price: $450,000
Median Rent Price: $1,810
Vancouver has plenty of amenities a cyclist needs to succeed, including bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets. Particularly bikeable streets include Main Street and Columbia 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.
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5. Olympia, WA
Bike Score: 59
Median Sale Price: $525,000
Median Rent Price: $1,800
As the capital and fifth most bikeable city in the state, Olympia is known for Capitol Lake and the East Bay Public Plaza. Cycle to the Olympia Farmers Market or get a bite to eat at the Old School Pizzeria with friends after a group ride. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to Billy Farnk Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
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6. Bellingham, WA
Bike Score: 58
Median Sale Price: $739,900
Median Rent Price: $1,870
Bellingham, with amenities like wide residential streets, Western Washington University, and plenty of coffee shops, is the sixth most bikeable city in Washington. Consider taking a ride with friends to enjoy the views at Whatcom Falls Park or the Sehome Hill Arboretum. If you’re a commuter, take advantage of the wide roads like Cornwall Avenue and State Street.
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7. Everett, WA
Bike Score: 55
Median Sale Price: $555,000
Median Rent Price: $1,830
With a Bike Score of 55, Everett is the seventh most bikeable city in Washington. Everett has plenty of amenities a cyclist might need, from wide open roads like Broadway, to gorgeous destinations like the Everett Marina. Consider riding with friends, commuting to work, or starting a weekly cycling group.
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8. Orchards, WA
Bike Score: 55
Median Sale Price: $517,450
Median Rent Price: $2,280
Known for Orchards Community Park and the Vancouver Mall, Orchards is the eighth most bikeable city in Washington. 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 the Pacific Community Park or the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway.
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9. Ellensburg, WA
Bike Score: 55
Median Sale Price: $450,000
Median Rent Price: $1,535
Ellensburg has a bike score of 55, making it the ninth most bikeable city in the state. There are a number of parks in Ellensburg, like the Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park and the Rotary Park, that are great cycling destinations. You can also stop at the D&M Coffee Downtown for a mid-ride snack.
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10. Five Corners, WA
Bike Score: 53
Median Sale Price: $475,000
Median Rent Price: $2,645
Five Corners, another suburb of Vancouver, is the tenth most bikeable city in the state. The area has many great spots for cyclists, like the NE 76th Street, NE 117th Avenue, and the Dutch Bros Coffee. 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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