Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in North Carolina
North Carolina ranks #34 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 34.6. Apex is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 73.1.
- North Carolina, all states
- #34 of 50
- Population
- 70,630
North Carolina for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
North Carolina ranks #34 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 14/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 9.3% 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. North Carolina's environment score of 35/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 41) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 94.3) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (63/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (47/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 22 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Apex | A+ | 73.1 | 74.9 | 63 | 98 | 70,630 |
| 2Cary | A+ | 71.7 | 71.2 | 63 | 95 | 179,306 |
| 3Wake Forest | A+ | 69.9 | 69.2 | 63 | 94 | 52,844 |
| 4Huntersville | A+ | 67.0 | 68.0 | 49 | 92 | 63,969 |
| 5Mooresville | B+ | 66.8 | 60.5 | 81 | 77 | 52,381 |
| 6Chapel Hill | A | 66.6 | 65.1 | 52 | 88 | 61,607 |
| 7Raleigh | B+ | 62.8 | 61.2 | 63 | 65 | 481,031 |
| 8Concord | B+ | 62.0 | 60.8 | 44 | 93 | 108,719 |
| 9Kannapolis | B | 59.5 | 57.9 | 44 | 85 | 57,890 |
| 10Durham | B | 57.7 | 57.4 | 63 | 49 | 291,467 |
| 11High Point | C+ | 57.7 | 53.3 | 66 | 60 | 116,245 |
| 12Charlotte | B | 55.5 | 56.3 | 49 | 47 | 903,844 |
| 13Burlington | D | 55.3 | 48.1 | 76 | 47 | 59,610 |
| 14Greenville | C | 54.6 | 49.6 | 48 | 61 | 92,857 |
| 15Asheville | C | 53.8 | 51.7 | 68 | 27 | 94,535 |
| 16Wilmington | B | 53.7 | 55.7 | 32 | 60 | 120,805 |
| 17Greensboro | C | 53.3 | 49.7 | 66 | 41 | 301,198 |
| 18Gastonia | D | 51.7 | 47.3 | 76 | 30 | 82,884 |
| 19Fayetteville | D | 51.3 | 46.8 | 59 | 48 | 210,815 |
| 20Jacksonville | C+ | 50.6 | 53.4 | 1 | 80 | 71,279 |
| 21Winston-Salem | D | 50.2 | 47.8 | 60 | 38 | 252,037 |
| 22Rocky Mount | D | 49.2 | 44.4 | 57 | 40 | 54,297 |
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: North Carolina for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
North Carolina ranks #34 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 34.6/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (74/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (14/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in North Carolina?
Apex ranks #1 in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 73.1/100, followed by Cary and Wake Forest.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in North Carolina?
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.