Cities aren’t typically synonymous with the term car-friendly, as the large populations and tightly condensed attractions of urban centers generally don’t result in an efficient driving experience. Still, there are some cities in the U.S. that are commendably car-friendly compared to others. Here are 10 of the best:
1. Omaha, Nebraska
With an 11.4 percent lower-than-average chance of a potential accident and a very low 24 hours of average annual traffic delays, Omaha is one of the most driver-friendly cities in the country. While winters in Omaha can pose some risks for a nonprepared vehicle, it’s typically very easy to drive and park in.
2. Kansas City, Missouri
That Kansas City has some of the lowest gas prices in the country is certainly one clear benefit. The low likelihood of an accident – 16.8 percent lower than the national average – is another added bonus. Plus, with ample parking garages and 40,000 parking spaces inside the downtown’s Central Business District, parking is a lot easier here than the typical city.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has one of the nation’s lowest average annual car insurance premiums at just $772.23. Also, with scenic routes aplenty within an earshot of the city, the beautiful sights combined with low gas prices and ample parking makes driving in Salt Lake City a breeze.
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
With numerous city parking facilities and a generally scenic downtown that’s tidily organized, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a fine city for driving. The general area provides a straightforward, easy and relaxing driving experience, with generally low populations and straightforward routes.
5. Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins ranks as one of the safest U.S. cities for driving a car, showing up at No. 1 on Bankrate’s list for a stunning 28.2 percent less likely chance of getting in an accident compared to the national average. Fort Collins is another place with scenic routes, so as long as you’re not driving through harsh winter conditions, the drive should be easy.
6. Boise, Idaho
Boise is just behind Fort Collins on Bankrate’s list of driving safety. As this video shows, wide roads and generally low traffic makes it a pleasant enough place to drive around and get from point A to point B.
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh actually ranks as one of the better commuter cities, thanks to a large public transit system – relative to the metro area’s 2.4 million population – that touts a daily ridership of 240,000. The city also has three bus-only highways, which helps alleviate commuting time for drivers significantly. This results in a tidy average commute time of 23 minutes.
8. Ann Arbor, Michigan
This big college town is particularly easy on drivers, since the centralized location of most hotspots – like Google and JSTOR – makes public transit to downtown abundant and easy. More commuters who are walking, biking and taking public transit means less crowded roads for those who drive cars.
9. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Despite their tough winters, those who live in Minnesota often get where they need to, thanks in part to a very successful public transit system. The city has the 14th-largest light rail system and the 13th-largest bus system in the country, according to the American Public Transportation Association. This creates more space for drivers, who need it during the colder months.
10. San Diego, California
Despite its large population, San Diego’s highways are fully prepared for traffic jams. Its planning shows more foresight than many cities with comparable populations. San Diego can brag about an extensive freeway network that features cohesive interchanges and various north-south east-west routes. In addition to that, most of the freeways are eight lanes – with four on each side – and feature high speed limits. Plus, San Diego’s agreeable climate makes the chances of weather-related accidents or damages lower relative to other cities.
These 10 cities all have typical city amenities and thriving unique charm – yet they won’t make drivers feel overwhelmed, as some cities like NYC, Los Angeles and Boston do. If you visit any of the cities above, you can be assured that driving will be a cinch if you’re familiar with other, more truly chaotic cities to drive in.
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