Downey byr på miljøer med moderate fotgjengere, med mange boligområder i nærheten av skoler, parker og lokale fasiliteter. Det finnes fortau og fotgjengerfelt i de fleste nabolagene, noe som bidrar til trygg turkjøring til fots. Byens utforming, som inkluderer noen større veier og spredte forretningsområder, kan imidlertid gjøre det mindre praktisk å gå for å komme seg til visse destinasjoner. Været er generelt mildt, noe som er gunstig for fotturer, men avstanden mellom de viktigste severdighetene kan variere, noe som gjør det nødvendig med flere transportalternativer for lengre turer.

Cycling in Downey is generally accessible due to its bike-friendly environment and flat terrain. The city has some biking infrastructure, such as bike lanes, which can help with safety and convenience on certain routes. Many local destinations are within a reasonable distance, making biking a practical choice for short trips. The weather in the area is typically mild, which supports comfortable riding conditions most of the year.

Public transportation in Downey includes the Downey LINK Transit System, which operates on weekdays with multiple circulating routes. The city is also served by regional bus services, providing connections to nearby areas. Public transit can be a practical way to navigate the city, especially for those traveling shorter distances or accessing key locations. However, the spread-out nature of the area may make some destinations less convenient to reach by bus alone. The infrastructure supports local transit needs, but planning routes in advance is recommended for efficient travel.