Is Maine a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?

Maine ranks #4 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 76.9/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (93/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (45/100).

What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Maine?

Brunswick ranks #1 in Maine for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 63.6/100, followed by Westbrook and South Portland.

What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Maine?

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.

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Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Maine

#4 of 50·Outdoor Enthusiasts Score: 76.9·See all 50 states →

Outdoor Score

45/100

Parks + trails + land

Public Land

5.8%

% of state area · PAD-US

Air Quality

34 AQI

EPA annual median

Environment

77/100

Air + renewables + risk

Cost of Living

BEA RPP · 100 = avg

Why Maine Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Maine ranks #4 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts — a premier destination for those who build their lives around access to nature. The outdoor access score of 45/100 reflects decent but not outstanding access to parks, trails, and recreation. 5.8% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.

Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Maine's environment score of 77/100 reflects clean air (AQI: 34) and strong environmental conditions. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.

The practical side: average living costs (index: 97) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (93/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (80/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.

All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts

#	City	Grade	Outdoor Enthusiasts Score	Overall	Outdoor Access	Environment	Safety	Population
1	Brunswick	A+	63.6	64.0	45	77	90	16,928
2	Westbrook	A+	63.5	68.4	45	77	87	20,484
3	South Portland	A+	62.7	65.8	45	77	91	26,780
4	Orono	B+	62.7	59.0	45	77	100	10,699
5	Bath	A	62.4	62.0	45	77	97	8,801
6	Portland	A+	61.7	65.0	45	77	80	69,104
7	Saco	A	61.5	63.4	45	77	89	20,636
8	Old Town	B+	60.2	56.4	45	77	94	7,439
9	Ellsworth	A	59.6	61.0	45	77	75	8,550
10	Caribou	B+	59.5	57.5	45	77	97	7,427
11	Auburn	B+	59.3	57.7	45	77	82	24,294
12	Old Orchard Beach	B+	58.8	58.4	45	77	85	9,150
13	Sanford	B+	57.8	57.7	45	77	77	22,095
14	Brewer	B	57.7	55.6	45	77	88	9,654
15	Bangor	B	56.6	55.3	45	77	67	31,663
16	Lewiston	B	56.6	53.4	45	77	74	37,886
17	Waterville	C+	56.3	52.4	45	77	68	16,704
18	Presque Isle	C+	55.7	52.9	45	77	72	8,736
19	Augusta	C+	55.5	52.1	45	77	57	18,999
20	Biddeford	B	55.2	55.4	45	77	62	22,463

Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings

Also See: Maine for Other Lifestyles

Data Sources

📎Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (Dec 2025)📎U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024📎FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, 2024📎America's Health Rankings, 2025📎WalletHub/NAEP, 2025📎U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024📎Cook Political Report, PVI 2024📎Tax Foundation, Facts & Figures 2025📎ALEC Rich States Poor States, 2025📎WalletHub Tax Burden Study, 2025📎U.S. Census Bureau / FHFA, 2025📎BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023📎EPA AirData, Median AQI by County 2024📎EIA State Electricity Profiles, 2024📎FEMA National Risk Index v1.20, 2025📎U.S. Census Bureau, Net Domestic Migration 2024📎FCC / BroadbandNow, Broadband Access 2025📎National Park Service API, 2024📎USGS Protected Areas Database (PAD-US), 2024📎U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2022📎U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 (Commuting)📎FHWA Highway Statistics, 2023📎U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2022📎EIA State Electricity Profiles, 2024📎EIA Natural Gas Prices, 2024📎DOL National Database of Childcare Prices, 2023📎BEA Regional Price Parities (Food), 2023📎NCES Common Core of Data (CCD), 2023-24📎EDFacts ACGR Graduation Rates, 2021-22📎NCES School District Finance Survey (F-33), 2022-23📎BEA GDP by State (SAGDP9), 2023📎NASBO Fiscal Survey of States, FY2023📎Census Bureau State Government Finances, FY2022📎Pew Charitable Trusts Fiscal 50, FY2023📎Pew Charitable Trusts, FY2022📎S&P/Moody's via Ballotpedia, 2025📎Bureau of Labor Statistics, OES (May 2023)📎IRS Statistics of Income, Migration Data 2021-2022

Why Maine Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts

All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts

#	City	Grade	Outdoor Enthusiasts Score	Overall	Outdoor Access	Environment	Safety	Population
1	Brunswick	A+	63.6	64.0	45	77	90	16,928
2	Westbrook	A+	63.5	68.4	45	77	87	20,484
3	South Portland	A+	62.7	65.8	45	77	91	26,780
4	Orono	B+	62.7	59.0	45	77	100	10,699
5	Bath	A	62.4	62.0	45	77	97	8,801
6	Portland	A+	61.7	65.0	45	77	80	69,104
7	Saco	A	61.5	63.4	45	77	89	20,636
8	Old Town	B+	60.2	56.4	45	77	94	7,439
9	Ellsworth	A	59.6	61.0	45	77	75	8,550
10	Caribou	B+	59.5	57.5	45	77	97	7,427
11	Auburn	B+	59.3	57.7	45	77	82	24,294
12	Old Orchard Beach	B+	58.8	58.4	45	77	85	9,150
13	Sanford	B+	57.8	57.7	45	77	77	22,095
14	Brewer	B	57.7	55.6	45	77	88	9,654
15	Bangor	B	56.6	55.3	45	77	67	31,663
16	Lewiston	B	56.6	53.4	45	77	74	37,886
17	Waterville	C+	56.3	52.4	45	77	68	16,704
18	Presque Isle	C+	55.7	52.9	45	77	72	8,736
19	Augusta	C+	55.5	52.1	45	77	57	18,999
20	Biddeford	B	55.2	55.4	45	77	62	22,463

Data Sources