Ahh, the great outdoors. Poet Walt Whitman once wrote that the “secret of making the best person” is to “grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” Here at American Home Shield, we are inclined to agree; there’s something special and sacred about communing with nature. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best outdoor cities in the U.S.
People who love the outdoors are probably aware of the many benefits of spending time out in nature. From stress and anxiety reduction to improved vision and brain function, being outdoors is simply good for your body and soul. Studies even show that being outdoors can reduce inflammation and the cortisol levels in the body and improve your memory. These restorative capabilities give a quantifiable view of what outdoor enthusiasts already know: being in nature is—literally—a breath of fresh air.
It can be helpful to know the best places to live for outdoor activities, whether you’re into adventure recreation such as hiking and camping; outdoor sports including disc golf, snowboarding, and surfing; thrill-inducing activities such as skydiving or spelunking; or simply enjoy having the ability to take a walk in the woods.
Living in a city that allows you to have the outdoors right out your door means more time spent in Mother Nature doing what you love. If you're trying to find what city to move to and you love the outdoors, check out this list of the 15 best cities for outdoor activities.
1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
The city of Carmel-by-the-Sea (also known as Carmel) is renowned for its arts and culture community of painters, performers, writers, journalists, and crafters. It’s also one of the best small towns for outdoor enthusiasts—not only in California but also in the U.S.
For outdoorsy types who enjoy hiking for a rewarding view, the majestic Waterfall Overlook of McWay Falls is only an hour’s drive away from Carmel-by-the-Sea. One of only two waterfalls in California to fall directly into the ocean, the 80-foot-tall McWay Falls provides an awe-inspiring view. The area also offers extensive camping opportunities in Plaskett Creek, Kirk Creek, and Limekiln; nearby hiking trails in Point Lobos or through the Pine Ridge Trail to the Ventana Wilderness; and a multitude of state parks just minutes away.
However, Carmel isn’t just for campers and hikers. If you are into golf, you can play like the pros at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. With sweeping views of the coast and a history of great golfers like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods competing here, it’s no wonder that Pebble Beach is rated one of the best golf courses in the country.
Carmel is also just a short drive away from the rugged, winding coastline and pristine views of Big Sur, considered by many to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Land and sea sublimely meet on the cliffs of Big Sur, making it a sure hit for anyone who loves the outdoors.
2. Fort Collins, Colorado
Just an hour away from Denver, the college town of Fort Collins is one of the most outdoorsy cities on our list. You can park your RV or tent camp at Stove Prairie Campground, canoe down the Cache la Poudre River, catch some rays while tubing or swimming in the Horsetooth Reservoir, or enjoy nearly 300 miles of hiking and biking trails. Fort Collins is an outdoor-lover’s paradise with 966 acres of developed parks and 45 miles of paved trails.
Natural hiking and trail running areas include the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Coyote Ridge Natural Area, Gateway Natural Area, and Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. The city even provides up-to-date webcam views of these areas so that you can see trail conditions before starting on your trek. Talk about easy adventure prep.
For those interested in witnessing the animal life of the great outdoors, be sure to have your binoculars ready: elk, moose, bison, and mountain lions call this area home. Top places to observe the wildlife of Fort Collins—from a safe distance, of course—include Soapstone Prairie, Pineridge, and Cottonwood Hollow.
3. Everglades City, Florida
Home to Everglades National Park, Everglades City’s tropical savanna climate creates a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the world. Many people compare the Florida Everglades to the Galapagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s study of animal evolution. The area boasts exceptional wildlife in diverse habitats like the murky, brackish mangrove swamps and slow-moving sawgrass marsh. Everglades City’s nickname of the Gateway to the 10,000 Islands is fitting; Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Swamp include 10,000 islands zoned for conservation efforts.
So, why is this one of the best places to live for outdoorsy types? Activities for outdoor enthusiasts in Everglades City include boating, hiking, birding, fishing, crabbing, and animal-watching—to name a few. The Everglades is home to various wading birds, including the highly recognizable roseate spoonbill, the wood stork, and the white ibis. It’s also home to manatees, alligators, and even the American crocodile.
People will often try to view the extensive wildlife of Everglades City from the vantage point of a kayak or airboat; or for the braver of heart, you can always take a swamp-walking tour—just be sure to load up on mosquito repellant and to do the sting ray shuffle to try and avoid a Bluntnose sting.
When you’re ready to make the move to Florida, make sure to secure a home warranty to protect your investment. With air conditioner coverage and add-on pool coverage, the necessities in your home can be protected.
4. Portland, Oregon
Portland is more than a hipster’s paradise; it’s also one of the best places to live the outdoor lifestyle. Located only a short drive from both the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains, Portland stretches along two rivers—meaning you can hike, kayak, and visit The Gorge all on the same day. Bicyclists and hikers can explore the lush flora and fauna of the 5200-acre Forest Park, home to more than 80 miles of trails and a native wildlife refuge.
Snow sports enthusiasts can ski, snowboard, and sled down Mt. Hood, while thrill-seekers can go whitewater rafting down the White Salmon River or Husum Falls. For those who prefer urban outdoor attractions over the call of the wild, the City of Roses has 275 public parks and gardens to explore.
If you’re planning on moving here, first get a home warranty in Oregon to protect household items like your air conditioner and heater, kitchen appliances, and more. Then, consider ditching your car and opting for two-wheel transportation. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with 6.3 percent of workers commuting on 385 miles of bikeways.
5. Concord, Massachusetts
Any true outdoors-lover is familiar with Walden, Henry David Thoreau’s transcendentalist treatise of wildlife, individualism, and living simply. In honor of Thoreau’s writing, Concord, which is home to Walden Pond, is considered by many to be one of the best outdoor cities in the U.S. This historic city is a beautiful place to live for those who wish to commune with nature.
Walden Pond itself offers lots of recreational activities—from hiking, swimming, and boating to self-guided walking tours. You could also grab your canoe or kayak and venture out into one of Concord’s three rivers for a dose of adventure.
The nearby Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is another place where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and witness the majesty of uninterrupted nature. See if you can spy all 220 recorded bird species in the refuge.
6. Boise, Idaho
When a town’s nickname is “The City of Trees,” it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s one of the best places to live for outdoorsy folks. You’ll have your pick of hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The Ridge to Rivers trail system connects downtown Boise to nearly 200 miles of trails, some of which land you in Boise National Forest. Find the perfect path for your skill level, then afterward, cheers your accomplishment at one of Boise’s 15 breweries.
Beyond hiking and biking, Boise offers a wide array of camping, fishing, paddling, and winter sports opportunities. From kayaking down the scenic Boise River and rock climbing in Treasure Valley Black Cliffs in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the Bogus Basin ski area in the winter, Boise has something to offer anyone who loves the outdoors—no matter the weather.
