Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in New Jersey
New Jersey ranks #35 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 34.3. Hoboken is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 64.6.
- New Jersey, all states
- #35 of 50
- Population
- 58,668
New Jersey for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
New Jersey ranks #35 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 7/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 7.3% 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 Jersey's environment score of 37/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 40) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: above-average living costs (index: 108.8) can squeeze recreation budgets. Safety (82/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (78/100) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Hoboken | A+ | 64.6 | 74.2 | 45 | 84 | 58,668 |
| 2Clifton | A | 61.6 | 63.4 | 51 | 82 | 89,379 |
| 3Hackensack | B+ | 61.1 | 62.2 | 54 | 78 | 46,057 |
| 4Bayonne | B+ | 59.6 | 60.0 | 45 | 81 | 71,553 |
| 5West New York | B | 59.3 | 58.1 | 45 | 83 | 52,004 |
| 6Union City | B | 57.8 | 55.9 | 45 | 81 | 66,463 |
| 7Jersey City | B+ | 57.7 | 60.5 | 45 | 63 | 294,078 |
| 8Perth Amboy | C | 57.0 | 51.4 | 63 | 84 | 55,855 |
| 9Vineland | C | 57.0 | 50.7 | 72 | 65 | 61,006 |
| 10New Brunswick | C | 56.4 | 51.5 | 63 | 62 | 56,345 |
| 11Elizabeth | C | 54.4 | 52.3 | 56 | 68 | 137,302 |
| 12East Orange | C | 54.4 | 49.7 | 64 | 66 | 70,090 |
| 13Toms River | B+ | 53.9 | 59.7 | 52 | — | 94,956 |
| 14Newark | D | 53.9 | 47.7 | 64 | 61 | 310,178 |
| 15Plainfield | C | 53.8 | 50.7 | 56 | 69 | 55,236 |
| 16Passaic | D | 51.7 | 47.9 | 51 | 57 | 70,002 |
| 17Lakewood | C | 50.6 | 50.9 | 52 | — | 69,585 |
| 18Trenton | D | 46.3 | 42.8 | 45 | 38 | 90,338 |
| 19Camden | F | 44.4 | 38.0 | 68 | 20 | 71,496 |
| 20Paterson | D | 44.3 | 43.1 | 51 | 34 | 158,735 |
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 Jersey for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
New Jersey ranks #35 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 34.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (82/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (7/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in New Jersey?
Hoboken ranks #1 in New Jersey for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 64.6/100, followed by Clifton and Hackensack.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in New Jersey?
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.