- 🚴 Cycling connects riders with cities, saves commuting time, boosts health, and reduces carbon footprint.
- 🏙️ Some of the most expensive real estate markets are also the most bike-friendly.
- 🛤️ Cities with bicycle-friendly infrastructure see enhanced urban livability and increased real estate values.
- 🌇 High property value cities like Cambridge, MA, and Atlantic Beach, FL, rank high for bikeability.
- 🌄 Davis, CA, and Keystone, CO, offer exceptional cycling experiences with dedicated bike paths and community support.
- 🌿 Palos Park, IL, combines suburban tranquility with extensive cycling trails.
- 📊 Realtor.com uses bikeability data from Local Logic to measure cities’ cycling suitability.
- 🏡 Affordable cities with strong cycling cultures include East Lansing, MI, and Lake Orion, MI.
- 🚴♀️ Channahon, IL, and Trenton, NJ, offer budget-friendly housing with excellent cycling infrastructure.
- 🚵♂️ Maplewood, MN, and Oregon, OH, provide scenic and tree-lined cycling paths.
Cycling has become an integral part of the urban lifestyle, offering numerous benefits like saving commuting time, enhancing health, reducing carbon footprints, and connecting riders with their cities. It’s no surprise that some of the priciest real estate markets are also the most bike-friendly. If you’re a real estate enthusiast or a cycling lover looking for the best of both worlds, this comprehensive blog post will guide you through the top bike-friendly cities, their real estate markets, and the benefits of cycling-friendly infrastructure.
The Intersection of Cycling and Real Estate
The Benefits of Cycling
- Health: Cycling is a fantastic cardiovascular workout that enhances overall fitness and health.
- Environment: Reduced reliance on cars lowers carbon emissions and promotes a cleaner, greener urban environment.
- Time-Saving: Avoid traffic congestion and enjoy quicker, more efficient commutes.
- Community Connection: Cycling fosters a closer connection to the city and its neighborhoods.
These benefits make cycling an attractive option for many urban residents, contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
High-Value Cities with Outstanding Bikeability
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge, MA, located across the Charles River from Boston, boasts historical charm and extensive bike paths. The city’s European vibe is evident as cyclists often outnumber cars during the morning commute. With a median list price of $1,397,000, Cambridge’s real estate market is on the high end, but the robust cycling culture and pedestrian-friendly design make it worth the investment.
- Median List Price: $1,397,000
- Population: 118,489
Atlantic Beach, FL
Atlantic Beach, situated along Florida’s northeastern coast, offers beautiful year-round cycling on beachside trails. This city is a favorite among cycling enthusiasts who can afford its higher home prices.
- Median List Price: $1,187,500
- Population: 13,381
Davis, CA
Known as the “Bicycle Capital of America,” Davis, CA, is famous for its extensive network of bike paths, bike education programs, and community events, fostering a robust cycling culture. It comes with a median list price of $1,048,000.
- Median List Price: $1,048,000
- Population: 67,057
Keystone, CO
Keystone is an exceptional choice for mountain biking enthusiasts. Once snow melts, Keystone’s ski resort transitions to cater to cyclists, offering world-class trails and stunning views.
- Median List Price: $995,000
- Population: 995
Affordable Bike-Friendly Cities
East Lansing, MI
East Lansing is home to Michigan State University and boasts a vibrant, youthful environment. It offers extensive bike lanes and commits to sustainable transportation, making it an affordable, bike-friendly option.
- Median List Price: $325,000
- Population: 45,403
Lake Orion, MI
Situated about 45 minutes north of Detroit, Lake Orion offers peaceful, scenic rides along lakeside paths such as the Paint Creek Trail. It’s a charming locale with high bikeability and affordable housing.
- Median List Price: $440,000
- Population: 2,915
Channahon, IL
Channahon near Chicago’s southwestern edge is budget-friendly and offers excellent cycling opportunities with riverfront trails and a robust park system.
- Median List Price: $397,900
- Population: 13,807
Trenton, NJ
Trenton features a mix of urban and scenic cycling routes with affordable real estate options. Historical streets and riverfront paths make it a diverse cycling environment.
- Median List Price: $242,450
- Population: 89,658
Maplewood, MN
Maplewood, a suburb of St. Paul, is dedicated to green spaces and extensive parks and trails. The Gateway State Trail is a scenic, tree-lined route for cyclists and home prices stand at about two-thirds of the national median.
- Median List Price: $299,950
- Population: 41,405
Oregon, OH
Located on Ohio’s western shore of Lake Erie, Oregon offers waterfront routes such as the Pearson Metropark, providing a serene cycling experience. It’s a budget-friendly city with strong bikeability.
- Median List Price: $314,900
- Population: 19,896
Final Thoughts: The Impact of Cycling on Real Estate
Cities with cycling-friendly infrastructure not only enhance urban livability but also boost real estate values. As cycling continues to gain popularity, homebuyers are more likely to seek out cities with robust biking cultures. Realtor.com effectively measures cities’ cycling suitability using bikeability data from Local Logic, shedding light on the relationship between biking infrastructure and real estate values.
Whether you’re looking for high-value housing markets with extensive biking paths or budget-friendly cities that prioritize cycling, this guide offers valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
