How walkable is Fresno? These are the 10 most walkable neighborhoods and areas
Just how walkable is Fresno?
Let’s start by diving into a Walk Score, a grade that attempts to quantify how pedestrian friendly a neighborhood is. When grading how walkable a neighborhood is, Redfin’s Walk Score takes into consideration proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, medical services, schools and even restaurants. It also takes into account population density, how long blocks are and how dense intersections can get.
Fresno has an overall Walk Score of 47.
At that score, Fresno is considered “Car Dependent” city where most errands require a car. But there are some neighborhoods that are considered “Very Walkable” and “Somewhat Walkable.”
This Walk Score does not include Clovis or Fresno County; it ranked areas only within the city limits. That means areas such as the Old Fig Garden and the Sunnyside neighborhoods are not included.
And surprising to locals: The Walk Score ranking didn’t include historical Huntington Boulevard, a greenbelt area where an old trolley-like service once ran through the neighborhood and into downtown Fresno. Residents walk, jog and ride bicycles along and through the wide grassy median.
To find additional information on bike trails, click here, or explore a trail map from the City of Clovis here.
Below are the most walkable neighborhoods in Fresno, according to Walk Score and Redfin.
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Note: Walk Score is measured on a scale from 0-100 broken out into five classifications. Here’s what those scores mean:
0-24: Car Dependent where almost all errands require a car
25-49: Car Dependent but only most errands require a car
50-69: Somewhat Walkable meaning some errands can be done by foot
70-89: Very Walkable meaning most errands can be completed by foot
90-100: Walker’s Paradise meaning daily errands do not require a car
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The Cultural Arts District
Walk Score: 76/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Also known as the “Mural District,” this neighborhood is known for its public art, shops and restaurants, many of which can be found along Fulton Street. Start your Fulton Street walk at the intersection of Divisadero Street and follow it down through the “Mural District” and into downtown Fresno.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Little Italy
Walk Score: 73/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: The nearby Courthouse Park is home to several memorials, offering visitors a chance to enjoy a walk while learning about Fresno’s history. It’s also a popular stop for many of Fresno’s food trucks.
Size: 0.3 square mile
Lowell
Walk Score: 70/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: The family friendly Dickey Playground offers plenty of space for children to play. In addition to having a playground and a splash pad, the park is used for baseball, kickball and other local community events.
Size: 0.1 square mile
Tower District
Walk Score: 69/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Cutting through the heart of the Tower District, East Olive Avenue is a walkable street and an entertainment hub. With lots of restaurants, bars and cafes, it is known for its nightlife.
Distance: 0.4 mile
Southeast Downtown Fresno
Walk Score: 57/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Just east of Southeast Downtown Fresno is the McKenzie Trail, a paved path that runs parallel to East McKenzie Avenue. The 3.2-mile trail goes by residential neighborhoods, schools and fields, but note the path intersects with three intersections.
Distance: 3.2 miles
Germantown
Walk Score: 57/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Just across the border from Germantown is the tree-lined California Tupman Park, which has a playground, field, and picnic areas.
Size: 0.1 square mile
Sun Garden Acres
Walk Score: 52/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Just north of Sun Gardens Acres is Fresno State. The campus has a network of sidewalks and paths that make for a great place to go for a walk or for a jog.
Size: 363 acres
McLane
Walk Score: 51/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: This neighborhood is home to the Fresno Art Museum, which overlooks Radio Park. Explore the exhibits at the art museum and then head over to Radio Park to enjoy the greenspace and playground.
Size: 0.3 square mile
Pinedale
Walk Score: 46/100 Car-Dependent
Where to go for a walk: Just east of Pinedale, next to the Kaiser Hospital is the Kaiser Permanente Neighborhood Park, which has a playground, sports fields and a skate park.
Size: 2.5 acres
Woodward Park
Walk Score: 41/100 Car-Dependent
Where to go for a walk: Woodward Park is the largest park in Fresno County. The vast park offers five miles of walking trails, three playgrounds, a dog park, a disc golf course, an amphitheater and the Shinzen Friendship Garden, a traditional Japanese garden that features a koi pond.
Size: 300 acres
