Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in New Jersey
New Jersey for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
New Jersey ranks #28 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a mixed outdoor profile. 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: 109) can squeeze recreation budgets. Safety (81/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (82/100) 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 | Hoboken | A+ | 46.8 | 70.6 | 7 | 37 | 87 | 58,340 |
| 2 | Bayonne | B+ | 43.3 | 58.0 | 7 | 37 | 79 | 70,303 |
| 3 | Clifton | B+ | 42.3 | 59.1 | 7 | 37 | 81 | 88,478 |
| 4 | West New York | B | 42.1 | 54.2 | 7 | 37 | 82 | 51,683 |
| 5 | Toms River | B | 41.1 | 56.2 | 7 | 37 | 81 | 95,515 |
| 6 | Hackensack | B+ | 40.6 | 56.8 | 7 | 37 | 74 | 45,768 |
| 7 | Jersey City | B | 40.0 | 55.0 | 7 | 37 | 61 | 291,663 |
| 8 | Lakewood | C+ | 39.5 | 50.9 | 7 | 37 | 81 | 67,764 |
| 9 | Union City | C+ | 39.0 | 52.4 | 7 | 37 | 75 | 64,470 |
| 10 | Vineland | C | 35.8 | 46.8 | 7 | 37 | 59 | 60,692 |
| 11 | Newark | D | 35.8 | 45.0 | 7 | 37 | 60 | 304,943 |
| 12 | Camden | D | 35.7 | 40.2 | 7 | 37 | 81 | 71,099 |
| 13 | Perth Amboy | C | 35.5 | 45.9 | 7 | 37 | 72 | 55,278 |
| 14 | Plainfield | C | 35.4 | 45.9 | 7 | 37 | 62 | 54,515 |
| 15 | East Orange | C | 35.4 | 45.8 | 7 | 37 | 62 | 69,553 |
| 16 | Elizabeth | C | 35.1 | 48.7 | 7 | 37 | 50 | 135,836 |
| 17 | Passaic | D | 34.7 | 43.7 | 7 | 37 | 51 | 68,917 |
| 18 | New Brunswick | D | 31.5 | 43.0 | 7 | 37 | 25 | 55,744 |
| 19 | Trenton | F | 30.7 | 37.7 | 7 | 37 | 30 | 89,607 |
| 20 | Paterson | D | 29.7 | 39.3 | 7 | 37 | 30 | 156,419 |