Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in New Hampshire
Why New Hampshire Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
New Hampshire ranks #6 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts — a premier destination for those who build their lives around access to nature. The outdoor access score of 43/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 13.5% 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. New Hampshire's environment score of 45/100 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: average living costs (index: 105) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (92/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (100/100) 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 | Hanover | A+ | 61.5 | 73.1 | 43 | 45 | 98 | 8,520 |
| 2 | Lebanon | A+ | 59.2 | 68.9 | 43 | 45 | 89 | 14,759 |
| 3 | Durham | A+ | 59.2 | 67.4 | 43 | 45 | 100 | 10,577 |
| 4 | Dover | A+ | 58.8 | 65.7 | 43 | 45 | 97 | 33,070 |
| 5 | Exeter | A+ | 57.4 | 63.9 | 43 | 45 | 99 | 10,138 |
| 6 | Portsmouth | A+ | 57.2 | 68.6 | 43 | 45 | 90 | 22,332 |
| 7 | Londonderry | A+ | 57.2 | 65.6 | 43 | 45 | 99 | 12,307 |
| 8 | Milford | A | 56.7 | 62.2 | 43 | 45 | 100 | 8,857 |
| 9 | Hampton | A+ | 56.4 | 64.3 | 43 | 45 | 96 | 9,960 |
| 10 | Nashua | A | 56.4 | 63.1 | 43 | 45 | 91 | 90,997 |
| 11 | Concord | A+ | 56.2 | 64.0 | 43 | 45 | 86 | 44,219 |
| 12 | Franklin | B+ | 56.0 | 57.9 | 43 | 45 | 95 | 8,757 |
| 13 | Derry | A | 55.6 | 61.0 | 43 | 45 | 95 | 21,668 |
| 14 | Keene | A | 55.4 | 61.7 | 43 | 45 | 78 | 22,923 |
| 15 | Rochester | B+ | 55.3 | 59.1 | 43 | 45 | 91 | 32,866 |
| 16 | Somersworth | A | 54.1 | 60.2 | 43 | 45 | 86 | 12,060 |
| 17 | Laconia | B+ | 53.7 | 58.6 | 43 | 45 | 73 | 16,982 |
| 18 | Claremont | B | 52.8 | 55.8 | 43 | 45 | 83 | 13,054 |
| 19 | Manchester | B+ | 52.3 | 56.6 | 43 | 45 | 70 | 115,473 |
| 20 | Berlin | B | 52.3 | 53.8 | 43 | 45 | 88 | 9,473 |