Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Delaware
Delaware ranks #30 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 39.3. Middletown is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 63.1.
- Delaware, all states
- #30 of 50
- Population
- 24,661
Delaware for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Delaware ranks #30 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a mixed outdoor profile. The outdoor access score of 24/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. At just 2.7% public land, access to wilderness requires more effort — but state and local parks fill some of the gap.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Delaware's environment score of 34/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 41) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: average living costs (index: 99.8) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (65/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (50/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Middletown | A | 63.1 | 64.5 | 56 | 85 | 24,661 |
| 2North Star | A+ | 61.8 | 72.3 | 56 | — | 7,834 |
| 3Newark | C+ | 61.1 | 55.6 | 56 | 75 | 30,330 |
| 4Hockessin | A+ | 60.7 | 72.1 | 56 | — | 13,439 |
| 5Elsmere | C | 60.2 | 50.6 | 56 | 91 | 6,203 |
| 6Pike Creek | A+ | 59.7 | 68.8 | 56 | — | 7,129 |
| 7Millsboro | C+ | 59.7 | 55.7 | 65 | 65 | 7,424 |
| 8Pike Creek Valley | B+ | 59.0 | 60.8 | 56 | — | 12,431 |
| 9Claymont | C+ | 57.0 | 53.3 | 56 | — | 8,786 |
| 10Milford | C | 56.9 | 51.9 | 65 | 59 | 12,803 |
| 11Wilmington Manor | C+ | 56.2 | 52.9 | 56 | — | 8,214 |
| 12Glasgow | B | 55.0 | 58.5 | 56 | — | 15,546 |
| 13Edgemoor | D | 54.7 | 46.9 | 56 | — | 6,349 |
| 14Bear | C+ | 54.1 | 54.1 | 56 | — | 22,370 |
| 15Brookside | C | 53.8 | 49.9 | 56 | — | 15,115 |
| 16Smyrna | D | 53.2 | 47.6 | 71 | 58 | 13,165 |
| 17Seaford | D | 51.7 | 46.2 | 65 | 37 | 8,485 |
| 18Georgetown | D | 46.9 | 42.8 | 65 | 29 | 7,660 |
| 19Wilmington | D | 46.5 | 46.9 | 56 | 23 | 71,727 |
| 20Dover | D | 44.7 | 44.9 | 71 | 11 | 39,837 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Delaware for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Delaware ranks #30 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 39.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (65/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (24/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Delaware?
Middletown ranks #1 in Delaware for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 63.1/100, followed by North Star and Newark.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Delaware?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.