While some cities pose endless challenges for drivers, others offer a smooth and convenient driving experience. Here are 20 U.S. cities where driving is not just easy, but often the best way to get around.
1. Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix features wide, well-maintained streets and minimal traffic congestion, making driving here a breeze. The city’s spread-out layout makes a car almost essential.
2. Charlotte, NC
Charlotte boasts an efficient street grid and relatively low congestion outside of rush hours, making car travel straightforward and stress-free.
3. Indianapolis, IN
With its well-planned roads and affordable parking, Indianapolis is tailor-made for drivers. The city’s layout ensures that driving is often the quickest way to navigate.
4. Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville’s expansive geographic area makes driving the most practical mode of transportation. Traffic is typically light compared to other major cities.
5. Nashville, TN
Nashville may be growing, but it still offers a driver-friendly environment with manageable traffic and plenty of parking, especially outside of the downtown area.
6. Columbus, OH
Columbus features an extensive highway system that helps prevent serious congestion, making it easy for drivers to get around quickly.
7. Kansas City, MO
Known for having one of the highest numbers of highway miles per capita, Kansas City is a place where driving is an efficient way to commute.
8. Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth provides a laid-back driving experience with less traffic than many large cities and plenty of parking, particularly in its sprawling suburbs.
9. Omaha, NE
Omaha’s well-maintained roads and light traffic make it one of the more pleasant major cities for driving in the U.S.
10. Colorado Springs, CO
The scenic city of Colorado Springs offers ample parking and a straightforward layout that makes driving enjoyable and often necessary, given its geographic spread.
11. Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque drivers enjoy low congestion levels and a simple grid layout, making navigation easy across the city.
12. Tulsa, OK
Tulsa features an easy-to-navigate road network with less congestion, allowing for a smooth driving experience throughout the city.
13. Fresno, CA
Fresno offers wide roads and manageable traffic conditions, making it conducive for drivers who need to navigate the city regularly.
14. Sacramento, CA
Sacramento provides an extensive network of freeways and highways, facilitating straightforward and quick commuting across the city.
15. Wichita, KS
In Wichita, drivers benefit from light traffic and a well-planned road network that helps minimize commute times and hassle.
16. Louisville, KY
Louisville’s roadways are well-designed for easy navigation, and the city maintains a consistently low level of traffic congestion.
17. Oklahoma City, OK
With one of the shortest average commute times in large U.S. cities, Oklahoma City is designed to be navigated by car.
18. Raleigh, NC
Raleigh features a number of well-maintained roadways and strategic traffic management, making driving the preferred method of commuting.
19. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach offers spacious roads and ample parking, which is beneficial during the tourist-heavy summer months.
20. Mesa, AZ
Mesa’s wide streets and low-density layout make driving the most practical choice for residents, with minimal traffic issues even during peak hours.
Buckle Up
These cities showcase how a well-planned road network and supportive infrastructure can make driving not just feasible but enjoyable. In these locations, having a car can enhance your mobility and significantly reduce the stress of daily commutes.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
