Portland: Where Cars Take a Backseat

Portland has always been a city that embraces a slower pace of life, and it turns out, it's also a place where you can easily ditch the car. This city is known for its walkability, with plenty of sights and attractions that are easily accessible on foot. But it's not just about walking; Portland also offers a variety of transportation options that make it easy to get around without a car. Recently, Portland was ranked as the 10th most car-optional city in the United States. This ranking considered factors like walkability, public transit, and bike-friendliness. Portland beat out other major cities like San Francisco and Seattle, which might come as a surprise to some. The city's public transit system, which includes MAX trains, streetcars, and buses, has consistently been reliable for getting around. Additionally, Portland is known for being a paradise for cyclists, with plenty of bike paths and greenways. This makes it easy to get around without a car, even if you need to travel outside of the city. Of course, living car-free does have its challenges, especially when it comes to exploring outside of Portland. But with options like Amtrak buses and the Columbia Gorge Express, it's still possible to travel without a car. And with initiatives like the “Better Naito” project and reduced speed limits on residential streets, Portland is continuing to make strides in becoming more bike-friendly.