One of the Country’s Best Car-Free Cities Is Portland, Maine

Congratulations are in order for our beloved Portland, Maine, after being named one of the best car-free cities in America.

Maine's largest city was one of just 26 cities to be given this recognition by the popular travel site Love Exploring. The website determined that Portland was one of the county's elite towns where a car isn't needed to enjoy all of its beauty and fun.

Here is what Love Exploring had to say about our fine city.

There's an extensive network of cycle lanes alongside a reliable and efficient public transport system, while the downtown and waterfront areas are easy to explore on foot.

This is an easy selection for the website. Portland is perfectly setup for those who enjoy exploring on foot or on a bicycle. The downtown is easy to get around, especially with the area being rather compact. The cobblestone walkways, large sidewalks, and ample greenspace are all welcoming to those who are hoofing around town.

Portland also scores points for having so much lodging. It's extremely easy for visitors to enjoy all the wonderful food, art, and storefronts, while staying perhaps just a block or two away.

But the Downtown District isn't the only highlight of Portland's car-free culture. The town can also be proud of its 70+ miles of trails that is one of the best city networks in the country. Maintained by Portland Trails, this network features many stunning sections, like Back Bay and East End Beach. It's a perfect way to see the best of the city, while on two feet or two wheels.

There's no question Portland has tried to gain this reputation. Along with the trail network, the city has added numerous bike lanes on the peninsula over the last few years. It has definitely helped make the city more bike-friendly and inherently safer.

Portland wasn't the only New England town on this car-free list. Massachusetts had two named, Boston and Salem. Rhode Island was also represented by Providence. That's a respectable representation for this region.

Congrats to Portland for getting more national attention for how great it is. It's exciting to watch the city continue to grow into its own.