Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks #16 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 55.3. Brookline is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 75.7.
- Massachusetts, all states
- #16 of 50
- Population
- 63,266
Massachusetts for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Massachusetts ranks #16 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, offering strong outdoor access alongside reasonable livability. The outdoor access score of 32/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 7.7% 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. Massachusetts's environment score of 54/100 is middling — air quality (AQI: 37) is moderate, though environmental policy could be stronger. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: above-average living costs (index: 105.8) can squeeze recreation budgets. Safety (76/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (89/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.
All 25 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Brookline | A+ | 75.7 | 79.5 | 77 | 94 | 63,266 |
| 2Newton | A+ | 74.8 | 78.3 | 77 | 99 | 89,044 |
| 3Somerville | A+ | 70.6 | 72.4 | 77 | 83 | 81,036 |
| 4Medford | A+ | 70.5 | 71.9 | 77 | 89 | 59,354 |
| 5Waltham | A+ | 69.9 | 69.3 | 77 | 87 | 64,902 |
| 6Malden | A | 68.5 | 64.0 | 77 | 85 | 65,906 |
| 7Quincy | A | 68.2 | 66.1 | 77 | 79 | 102,114 |
| 8Weymouth Town | B+ | 66.9 | 62.2 | 77 | 87 | 58,505 |
| 9Methuen Town | A | 66.6 | 65.3 | 68 | 95 | 53,475 |
| 10Cambridge | A+ | 66.4 | 70.4 | 77 | 60 | 118,796 |
| 11Revere | B+ | 66.3 | 60.2 | 82 | 79 | 60,012 |
| 12Framingham | A | 66.2 | 64.5 | 77 | 84 | 72,399 |
| 13Boston | B+ | 63.9 | 61.1 | 82 | 56 | 666,442 |
| 14Peabody | B+ | 62.9 | 61.6 | 68 | 84 | 54,695 |
| 15Haverhill | B+ | 62.4 | 59.1 | 68 | 81 | 67,698 |
| 16Lowell | B | 62.1 | 56.5 | 77 | 65 | 118,368 |
| 17Taunton | B | 61.6 | 56.5 | 79 | 75 | 60,433 |
| 18New Bedford | C+ | 60.7 | 52.5 | 79 | 74 | 100,998 |
| 19Worcester | B | 59.3 | 56.0 | 75 | 58 | 207,055 |
| 20Lawrence | C | 58.7 | 52.1 | 68 | 78 | 88,736 |
| 21Chicopee | C+ | 58.6 | 55.1 | 64 | 66 | 55,295 |
| 22Lynn | C+ | 57.6 | 55.6 | 68 | 63 | 101,709 |
| 23Brockton | C | 56.1 | 52.3 | 76 | 63 | 105,386 |
| 24Fall River | D | 55.3 | 48.2 | 79 | 47 | 94,082 |
| 25Springfield | D | 48.8 | 45.5 | 64 | 34 | 154,749 |
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: Massachusetts for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Massachusetts ranks #16 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 55.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Health (89/100) and its weakest is Growth (19/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Massachusetts?
Brookline ranks #1 in Massachusetts for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 75.7/100, followed by Newton and Somerville.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Massachusetts?
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.