Top 6 Most Walkable and Bikeable (Combined) Medical School Campuses

Top 6 Most Walkable and Bikeable (Combined) Medical School Campuses

The below medical schools scored the highest in walkability and in bikeability of any medical schools.  The scale is out of 5, with 5 being the most bikeable or walkable.  There are many medical schools in cities with high walkability and bikeability scores; however, not all cities can score 5 in both walkability and bikeability.  Six out of 234 medical schools achieved a perfect 5/5 for both walkability and bikeability with respect to the cities in which they are.  Note: there are many which scored a 5/5 for walkability and a 4/5 for bikeability and vice versa.  Additionally, walkability and bikeability varies greatly depending on the area of the city in which you live.

1. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo - Buffalo, NY

   The University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, situated in Buffalo's bustling downtown area, uniquely combines top-tier medical education with a vibrant urban setting that emphasizes walkability and bikeability. Aspiring medical students will be pleasantly surprised by the proximity of the campus to key landmarks, such as Canalside and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The school's location along the city's Main Street rail line facilitates easy access, while the extensive bike lanes—like the ones on Allen Street and Delaware Avenue—allow for safe and efficient cycling routes. Moreover, Buffalo's Green Code urban plan has significantly enhanced pedestrian spaces, making strolls between lectures, labs, and clinical settings a refreshing experience. Adding to the allure, the nearby Elmwood Village offers a plethora of eateries, boutiques, and cultural spots, all accessible by foot or bike. For those aiming for an elite medical education while enjoying the perks of a city committed to sustainable transport and urban walkability, UB's College of Medicine provides a distinctive and rewarding environment.

2. University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Lexington, KY

   The University of Kentucky School of Medicine (UKSOM), nestled within the vibrant city of Lexington, presents a harmonious blend of top-notch medical education with an environmentally-conscious urban campus. Hopeful students would be intrigued to know that the UKSOM campus is within walking distance of notable locations such as the Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky and Triangle Park. Lexington's commitment to sustainable urban planning is evident through the city's Legacy Trail, which provides over 12 miles of shared-use paths perfect for biking and walking, connecting directly to the UK campus. Additionally, the city's Bike Lexington initiative, with its dedicated lanes and cyclist-friendly infrastructure, makes biking not just recreational but functional for daily commutes. The campus itself boasts a plethora of pedestrian pathways and green spaces, making the transition between classrooms, labs, and research centers a rejuvenating experience. Coupled with the eclectic mix of eateries, shops, and cultural spots in the nearby Chevy Chase and Rosemont Garden areas, all accessible by foot or bike, UKSOM emerges as an exceptional choice for those wanting a holistic medical school experience in a sustainable, active urban setting.

3. University of Florida College of Medicine - Gainesville, FL

   The University of Florida College of Medicine, situated in the vibrant heart of Gainesville, offers aspiring medical students not only an exceptional academic environment but also a campus celebrated for its walkability and bikeability. Candidates who choose the UF College of Medicine are immediately introduced to a setting where lush pathways and convenient bike lanes seamlessly integrate with the educational infrastructure. This encourages both an active lifestyle and an efficient way to navigate between lectures, clinical rotations, and research labs. Beyond the confines of the medical school, Gainesville itself is a haven for pedestrians and cyclists, allowing students to explore the city's many attractions, eateries, and green spaces without the reliance on motorized transport. For those aiming to couple their rigorous medical education with a sustainable, health-conscious daily routine, the University of Florida College of Medicine emerges as a premier choice.

4. George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences - Washington, DC

   The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (GWSMHS), located in the heart of the nation's capital, seamlessly integrates premier medical education with the distinct urban advantages of Washington, D.C. Aspiring students at GWSMHS are immediately immersed in a setting where the iconic National Mall, with its monuments and museums, is just a short walk or bike ride away. D.C.'s extensive Capital Bikeshare program and the city's numerous dedicated bike lanes, such as those on Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street NW, offer students an eco-friendly mode of transportation, merging sustainability with daily convenience. Foggy Bottom, the university's home neighborhood, is a hub of walkability, ensuring students can effortlessly move between classrooms, clinical settings, and essential amenities. Additionally, the school's proximity to landmarks like the Kennedy Center and the historic Georgetown district offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, eateries, and shopping – all easily accessible on foot or bike. For medical school candidates seeking a dynamic urban experience combined with a world-class education, GWSMHS stands as an exceptional destination.

5. Georgetown University School of Medicine - Washington, DC

   Georgetown University School of Medicine, set against the historic backdrop of Washington, D.C., fuses esteemed medical education with the charm and conveniences of one of the capital's most iconic neighborhoods. Prospective students venturing into Georgetown will find themselves in a locale where cobblestone streets, the scenic Potomac River waterfront, and the bustling M Street corridor are all just a stone's throw away. D.C.'s Capital Bikeshare program, coupled with dedicated bike paths like the Capital Crescent Trail, makes cycling both a leisurely and practical commuting option. Georgetown's pedestrian-friendly environment ensures that students can easily traverse between lectures, clinical sessions, and a plethora of cafes, boutiques, and historic sites that dot the area. The school's proximity to places like the Georgetown Waterfront Park offers both recreational and study spaces with picturesque views. For those aiming to blend a rigorous medical curriculum with the cultural and environmental allure of a historic urban setting, Georgetown University School of Medicine is undeniably compelling.

6. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine - Brooklyn, NY

   SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine, strategically positioned in the diverse urban landscape of Brooklyn, New York, masterfully merges leading-edge medical education with the benefits of city life tailored for the modern student. Prospective applicants will appreciate that the campus is well-connected to some of Brooklyn's iconic neighborhoods, including Flatbush, Prospect Park, and East Midwood. Brooklyn's extensive public transit options, complemented by its growing network of bike lanes and the popular Citi Bike program, offer students a sustainable and efficient way to navigate both academic commitments and the broader cityscape. The campus itself is surrounded by a rich tapestry of eateries, shops, and cultural venues, reflecting Brooklyn's eclectic charm. The nearby 585-acre Prospect Park, designed by Central Park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, provides a verdant escape for relaxation, study, or a leisurely bike ride. For the aspiring medical professional looking to wed top-tier education with the vibrant pulse of urban life, SUNY Downstate's College of Medicine stands as a standout choice in the heart of Brooklyn.