Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks #7 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 68.8. Hanover is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 70.9.
- New Hampshire, all states
- #7 of 50
- Population
- 8,479
Why New Hampshire Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
New Hampshire ranks #7 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: 104.2) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (94/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (74/100) 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 | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Hanover | A+ | 70.9 | 80.8 | 45 | 100 | 8,479 |
| 2Durham | A+ | 70.0 | 71.2 | 69 | 97 | 10,681 |
| 3Dover | A+ | 70.0 | 67.6 | 69 | 99 | 33,364 |
| 4Lebanon | A+ | 66.8 | 72.2 | 45 | 86 | 14,999 |
| 5Portsmouth | A+ | 65.1 | 68.9 | 63 | 86 | 22,545 |
| 6Rochester | B+ | 64.9 | 60.2 | 69 | 91 | 33,144 |
| 7Nashua | A | 64.8 | 63.2 | 62 | 92 | 91,294 |
| 8Keene | A | 64.0 | 63.7 | 52 | 82 | 22,939 |
| 9Somersworth | B+ | 63.6 | 60.8 | 69 | 88 | 12,111 |
| 10Concord | A | 63.5 | 64.4 | 58 | 85 | 44,375 |
| 11Laconia | B+ | 63.5 | 60.0 | 67 | 77 | 17,085 |
| 12Franklin | B | 62.8 | 57.6 | 58 | 92 | 8,799 |
| 13Manchester | B | 60.3 | 57.3 | 62 | 75 | 115,643 |
| 14Exeter | A | 59.9 | 65.9 | 63 | — | 9,964 |
| 15Londonderry | A | 58.7 | 66.7 | 63 | — | 12,225 |
| 16Hampton | A | 57.2 | 63.5 | 63 | — | 10,101 |
| 17Milford | B+ | 57.2 | 61.1 | 62 | — | 8,956 |
| 18Derry | B+ | 56.9 | 60.4 | 63 | — | 21,339 |
| 19Claremont | B | 56.1 | 57.2 | 37 | 82 | 13,078 |
| 20Berlin | C+ | 53.1 | 53.3 | 35 | 77 | 9,383 |
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: New Hampshire for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Hampshire a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
New Hampshire ranks #7 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 68.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (94/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (43/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in New Hampshire?
Hanover ranks #1 in New Hampshire for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 70.9/100, followed by Durham and Dover.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in New Hampshire?
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.