Studies: Atlanta shines for recreation—but still lacks walkability Josh Green Mon, 07/14/2025 - 17:08
Two recent analyses could help shed light on how Atlanta is evolving outside the realms of traditional real estate development. The news is both good and disconcerting.
First, the bad news.
A revised analysis by Walk Score slots the City of Atlanta at 48 out of 100 possible points in its numerical walkability index, as 11Alive News first relayed.
By that measure, the city is considered car-dependent, in that most errands require a vehicle.
Atlanta’s scores for overall transit access (44) and bike infrastructure (42) are even lower. Rankings in the 40s signal “a few nearby public transportation options” and “minimal bike infrastructure,” respectively, per Walk Score.
On the bright side, as Walk Score analysts noted, “many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods have that ‘small town in a big city’ vibe that makes it a pleasant place to live, even if you have to commute.” And there are some standouts around town, in terms of walkability, bikeability, and transit access—or all three at once:
A revised ranking of Atlanta's most walkable intown places, according to WalkScore's tabulations. Walkscore.com
Meanwhile, Atlanta fares much better in a new national ranking of best U.S. cities for getting outside and enjoying yourself.
As a nod to July being National Parks and Recreation Month, personal finance website WalletHub today published its “Best & Worst Cities for Recreation” ranking, which slotted Atlanta at No. 4.
WalletHub’s study compared the country’s 100 largest cities across 47 key indicators of “recreation-friendliness,” including weather, quality of parks, and accessibility of entertainment and recreational facilities.
Westward views over Piedmont Park in April 2023. Shutterstock
Atlanta captured the top spot in two categories: Spending on parks and recreation per capita, and number of swimming pools per capita.
The ATL also scored exceptionally well for tennis courts (No. 4), music venues (No. 12), park playgrounds (No. 17), and bike rental facilities (No. 20) per capita.
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Westward views over Piedmont Park in April 2023. Shutterstock
A revised ranking of Atlanta's most walkable intown places, according to WalkScore's tabulations. Walkscore.com
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We're a car-dependent parks and leisure boomtown, per unrelated analyses
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