Walking isn’t just convenient. It creates a serious sense of community.
If you’re considering a move to the suburbs but aren’t ready to give up the sense of independence and community you get from city living, here’s something to keep in mind: walkability isn’t just about lifestyle convenience. In towns where kids walk to school, independence starts young, friendships grow fast, and the sidewalk becomes more than just a route. It becomes part of your family’s rhythm.
Why Walking to School Matters
There’s something special about living in a community where your child can walk (or scoot or bike) to school. These everyday routines build confidence, resilience, and connection. Kids start to navigate their community, learning how to cross the street, follow a schedule, and even just say good morning to the neighbor walking their dog.
And for parents? There’s something grounding about walking your child to school in the morning or watching them head off with a group of friends, backpacks bouncing in unison. It anchors your day and roots you and your family in your neighborhood.
But what truly makes a town walkable? As you’re exploring, look for:
- Safe, continuous sidewalks
- Well-enforced school zones
- Compact town layout
- Neighborhood schools
- Local crossing guards and community watch programs
- Culture of walking and biking
Some good examples?
Larchmont, NY
In Larchmont, walking to school isn’t an exception, it’s the rule. This highly walkable village has a well-connected sidewalk network that makes it easy for kids to get to Murray Avenue School and Chatsworth Avenue School on foot. The local elementary schools sit right in the neighborhoods they serve, so morning drop-off is less about traffic jams and more about seeing which friends your child meets on the way.
After school, kids walk to the library, the bagel shop, or sports practice. The town’s layout supports this independent movement, and local crossing guards know the children by name. It’s a total win if walkability is important to your family.
Pelham, NY
One of the most walkable school districts in Westchester, Pelham is ideal for families who value independence. The town is dense but residential, and all six of its public schools are within walking or biking distance for most families. Many homes are within a 10-minute walk of Hutchinson Elementary, Pelham Middle School, and Pelham Memorial High School.
After school, expect to see clusters of kids in Pelham hoodies walking in groups, often stopping for a slice or a smoothie after school. Parents know the town and its routines are designed for foot traffic, and the community prioritizes pedestrian safety at every level.
New Canaan, CT
Downtown New Canaan is a hub for families, and kids walking to school is a big part of the town’s charm. South and East Elementary Schools are close to many residential areas, while Saxe Middle School and New Canaan High School are both just off South Avenue—walkable for many students in town.
Elm Street is the go-to spot after school, with kids grabbing ice cream, pizza, or just hanging out at the park. During the school year, the sidewalks are buzzing before and after the bell. This compact downtown delivers big on the benefits of suburban walkability.
Rye, NY
Rye is more than just a picturesque coastal town. It’s one of the most walkable communities in Westchester. Osborn, Midland, and Milton Elementary Schools, along with Rye Middle and Rye High, are all embedded into the community. Many kids walk or bike to school, giving them a low-key daily rhythm.
The town has invested in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including traffic-calming measures near schools and wide sidewalks. Rye’s walkability extends beyond school, too, with kids walking to soccer practice at Rye Rec or heading downtown for a snack with friends.
Darien, CT
Darien offers a quieter vibe than some of its Fairfield County neighbors, but the schools are deeply integrated into the town. Hindley, Royle, and Tokeneke Elementary Schools all have nearby neighborhoods where kids regularly walk or bike. Middlesex Middle and Darien High are also accessible from nearby communities.
Darien has sidewalks, community watch programs, and an active parent community that champions safe routes to school. What’s more, kids often walk to the library or beach with friends after school, further embedding them in the town.
Bronxville, NY
Bronxville is compact and extremely walkable. It has one unified school campus that houses the elementary, middle, and high schools—all walkable from just about anywhere in town. The entire community was designed to be pedestrian-oriented, with winding streets and a downtown district that connects easily to the school grounds.
You’ll see older students walking younger siblings, parents walking their dogs after drop-off, and kids heading straight from school to their extracurriculars downtown. It’s suburban living with a distinctly urban pace.
Westport, CT
While more spread out than some others on this list, Westport’s neighborhoods around schools like Long Lots Elementary and Bedford Middle are tight-knit and highly walkable. Some families even move to specific pockets of Westport to ensure their kids can walk to school.
The town has invested in Safe Routes to School programs and has a strong culture of biking and walking, especially in the warmer months. On weekends, families walk to Winslow Park, Compo Beach, or Main Street for coffee and errands, continuing the walkability vibe.
Scarsdale, NY
Scarsdale’s school campuses are integrated into quiet, residential neighborhoods that encourage walking. From Fox Meadow to Greenacres to Edgewood Elementary, kids often walk or bike to school with friends. The high school and middle school are located on a central campus, again walkable from many parts of town.
The village itself is also incredibly pedestrian-friendly. Scarsdale station acts as a hub for families and teens, and it’s not uncommon to see middle and high schoolers grabbing coffee at Martine’s or chatting on benches before school.
Final Thoughts: Walking = Connecting
There’s more to walking than just transportation. In the right town, it creates habits and memories that shape your child’s experience growing up. Walking to school builds routine, independence, and a deep-rooted connection to community.
So if you’re looking for a suburb that still feels like home, consider the ones where kids aren’t just dropped off. They’re walking there, and waving to neighbors on the way.
Need help finding the suburb that checks all your boxes? Schedule your FREE initial strategy call with a Suburban Jungle expert today.
