Fascinating data from Governing magazine comparing auto dependency of various municipalities around the United States: Arlington, Alexandria and the City of Richmond led the pack in Virginia as the least auto-dependent, with Norfolk, Lynchburg and Roanoke close behind.
There are two main variables affecting automobile dependency: income and availability of transportation alternatives.
Transportation alternatives: Core urban jurisdictions have the best developed transportation alternatives. In Virginia, traditional cities (and Arlington County) tend to be highly walkable and have access to mass transit.
By way of comparison, New York has the lowest rate of auto dependency in the country — o.6 vehicles per household.
— JAB