Several cities located in the Northeast, especially in the New York region, saw a significant increase in the number of car-free households.
Although car ownership is increasing as the economy improves following the Great Recession (that is, fewer American households are car-free), there are exceptions to that trend to be found in a surprising kind of place—the country's medium-sized cities.
"Several mid-sized cities recorded notable increases in shares of car-free households when averages from the 2015 and 2016 American Community Surveys are compared with those for 2009 and 2010," according to an article by Mike Maciag.
The list of medium-sized cities with an increasing number of car-free households include:
- Paterson, New Jersey
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Davenport, Iowa
- Elizabeth, New Jersey
- Peoria, Illinois
The article includes additional data about car-free households, along with some helpful infographics to presenting the trends in visual form.
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After peaking in 2007, new research shows that the rate of vehicle ownership in the U.S. took a dive over the next five years. Researchers argue the growth in car-free households suggests the country has surpassed peak motorization.
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According to one local writer, the city’s low rate of car ownership should encourage officials to support public transit and reduce parking minimums.
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North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
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