Have you ever dreamed about a car-free world?
Unfortunately, in the past years, cars have become a MUST-HAVE, especially in the big cities. People need to get things done fast during the day, so having a car by their side makes a huge difference.
But let’s not forget about THE traffic, which is awful in almost every big and crowded city around the world. It represents a lot of trouble for those who need to get to different parts of the city or district daily as fast as possible. It is also bad for our health, considering the increasing pollution which is almost going out of control.
Small towns provide numerous advantages, and one of them is, of course, the car-free part. In the USA, there are a lot of places where a car is not needed. We made a top 10 list of the most beautiful towns based on Google Reviews.
These are the most beautiful car-free towns in the USA! Would you like to move into one of them?
1 ) Fire Island – New York
Fire Island is a magical location, and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime. You surely heard about the most popular underground places in New York City, but maybe you haven’t taken the time to visit Fire Island yet. You should consider doing it as soon as you can because we guarantee that you’ll not regret it!
On Fire Island, fewer than 500 people live. There are a lot of beautiful beaches and must-see places. If you plan to visit it, you should know that for transportation you can use the water taxi service or simply walk to discover the surroundings.
2 ) Santa Barbara – California
Santa Barbara is a breathtaking coastal city in California. The city has transformed itself into a model for sustainable urban living since it is increasingly embracing a car-free lifestyle. The transition made the entire area safer and healthier. Walking has become more pleasant without the air pollution and noises produced by cars. For those who plan on visiting this location, they should prepare themselves to walk or rent a bike. Being a significantly bigger city than the other ones from our top also provides public transportation.
Navigating different parts of the city is easy for those who don’t own a car because the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District offers 42 transit routes for bus riders.
3 ) Colonial Williamsburg – Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg offers a glimpse into 18th-century American life. The absence of cars allows visitors to explore the surroundings as they would have teleported in the colonial era. For transportation, horse-drawn carriages and walking tours are used. The location is ideal for history lovers.
4 ) Daufuskie Island – South Carolina
Daufuskie Island can be accessed only by boat. The absence of cars preserves its natural charm and beauty. For transportation, golf cars and bicycles are used, allowing visitors to enjoy a simple, active, and healthy lifestyle while they are exploring the island.
5 ) Governors Island – New York
The island is just minutes from Manhattan. It is accessible by ferry and represents a great way to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle by running from the awful traffic. It is a great spot for relaxation! Bicycles are used the most for transportation. Governors Island is also a popular location for cultural activities. If you prefer a relaxed experience, you should visit it when it is not crowded, but if you enjoy having fun and partying it is also a great choice.
6 ) Mackinac Island – Michigan
Mackinac Island is known for its ban on motor vehicles. The location is accessible by ferry, and the main transportation methods are horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and walking. The air quality is amazing since there is not so much pollution compared to a normal, crowded city. The island is also popular for its Victorian architecture.
7 ) Santa Catalina Island – California
Visitors enjoy the island’s hiking trails and clear waters. Santa Catalina Island is not a completely car-free location, but it has significantly reduced the use of motor vehicles. People are using electric golf cars to get from place to place, which helps the island’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and healthy lifestyle.
8 ) Supai – Arizona
Supai is one of the most car-free towns in the United States. It is located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The place is accessible only by helicopter, horseback, or foot, making the entire experience of visiting Supai even more exciting. In this way, visitors can feel the way of life of the Havasupai people. The location is known for its breathtaking views.
9) Peachtree City – Georgia
In this location, golf cars are usually used to get from place to place, providing a safe and efficient alternative to driving. Even though the distances are not always walkable, people love driving their golf cars or taking their time to walk when they aren’t under the pressure of time. The city’s commitment to a car-free infrastructure has formed a beautiful and connected community.
The benefits of living in a car-free small town
An important advantage is the absence of noise. Small towns are usually very calm, and the people are significantly more relaxed, positive, and friendly. A noise-free world also means a stress-free one. Am I right? Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are also happier. Usually, the small towns are found in areas with beautiful green spaces, rivers, lakes, or even by the seaside. Also, if you are interested in finding out which are the 9 cleanest cities in the US, that are perfect for retirees, you can find them here.
The connection with nature is also a plus when we’re speaking of small, car-free towns. Living closer to nature and less crowded places is beneficial for various reasons, but probably most importantly for our overall well-being and mental health. It was also shown that even watching a documentary about nature can improve our mood instantly.
The energy given by the stressful tasks that need to be rapidly done in a big, noisy, and crowded city has a huge impact on the citizens’ overall mood and perspective on life. They tend to be more negative, compared to those who enjoy a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature. On the other side, stress is a normal part of life. It is normal to feel stressed sometimes, but when it is not handled properly, it can have a powerful impact on our lives.
Everyone has different triggers when it comes to stress, but the most common are coming from working programs, too much responsibility, discrimination between colleagues, poor management, and even working under dangerous conditions. Most of the time, the stress comes from our professional lives. That doesn’t mean that the private reasons are not important as well. The death of a loved one, divorce, marriage, or financial management can also have an impact on the way we manage our stress levels and emotions.
If you want to be happier, keep up with your nephews, and also improve your physical activity, we recommend the perfect bicycle model. You can find it on Amazon. It is suitable for women of all ages, and there are a lot of colors you can choose from, depending on your taste… even Lilac Ginger or Mint Green! It has great reviews and a great price!
If you decide to buy it, come back here and tell us in the comment section about your experience. Let us know how you felt about the car-free experience! I am sure you already noticed the amount of time you can save and the benefits for your overall mood.
