Two Pacific Northwest cities among most accessible in U.S., study finds

Portland has been ranked as the fourth most accessible city due to its wheelchair-friendly trails and rental properties, exceeding ADA compliance guidelines.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two Pacific Northwest cities are among the top 10 most accessible in the U.S., according to a recent study by Forbes Health.

Accessible trails and wheelchair-friendly rental properties made Portland stand out as the county’s fourth most accessible city — extending “well beyond” the American with Disabilities Act compliance guidelines, researchers said.

“This beloved Pacific Northwest city, known for its coffee houses, microbreweries and eco-friendly focus, ranks fourth, with the 11th highest number of accessible nature trails and the 15th highest number of wheelchair-accessible rental properties,” according to the Forbes Health report.

Seattle followed, ranking eighth on Forbes' list, "largely due to its overall layout."

"The city has the 11th highest Transit Score from Walk Score, which speaks to the effectiveness of its public transportation system in terms of accessibility," researchers said. "Meanwhile, it has the 17th highest Walk Score, speaking to its pedestrian friendliness."

Researchers used at least 10 data points to rank 93 cities, including the number of wheelchair-accessible restaurants, grocery stores, and attractions in each U.S. city.

The country’s most accessible city is Honolulu, which ranked fifth for its Walk Score — which accounts for wheelchair accessibility —and has the ninth highest number of wheelchair-accessible rental properties.

Top 10 most accessible cities in the U.S.

1. Honolulu, Hawaii
2. Irving, Texas
3. St. Paul, Minn.
4. Portland, Ore.
5. Minneapolis, Minn.
6. Orlando, Fla.
7. Atlanta, Ga.
8. Seattle, Wash.
9. Arlington, Va.
10. Aurora, Co.