Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Pennsylvania ranks #27 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a mixed outdoor profile. The outdoor access score of 20/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 5.6% 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. Pennsylvania's environment score of 38/100 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: average living costs (index: 98) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (65/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (49/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # | City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts Score | Overall | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethel Park | A | 48.1 | 63.6 | 20 | 38 | 97 | 33,070 |
| 2 | State College | B | 47.5 | 55.3 | 20 | 38 | 92 | 40,669 |
| 3 | Easton | B | 46.4 | 54.7 | 20 | 38 | 89 | 29,079 |
| 4 | Bethlehem | B | 46.2 | 56.0 | 20 | 38 | 84 | 77,841 |
| 5 | Hazleton | C | 45.6 | 47.9 | 20 | 38 | 87 | 29,886 |
| 6 | Pittsburgh | B | 45.3 | 56.3 | 20 | 38 | 65 | 303,254 |
| 7 | Lancaster | B | 45.3 | 55.4 | 20 | 38 | 69 | 57,683 |
| 8 | Altoona | C+ | 44.4 | 50.2 | 20 | 38 | 75 | 43,508 |
| 9 | Scranton | C+ | 44.4 | 49.8 | 20 | 38 | 77 | 75,803 |
| 10 | Allentown | C+ | 44.3 | 50.1 | 20 | 38 | 76 | 124,871 |
| 11 | Wilkes-Barre | C+ | 43.7 | 51.4 | 20 | 38 | 70 | 44,217 |
| 12 | Norristown | C+ | 42.9 | 51.6 | 20 | 38 | 67 | 35,782 |
| 13 | Reading | C | 42.8 | 45.7 | 20 | 38 | 65 | 94,897 |
| 14 | Levittown | B | 42.5 | 56.4 | 20 | 38 | 65 | 50,930 |
| 15 | Drexel Hill | C+ | 42.5 | 52.2 | 20 | 38 | 65 | 30,015 |
| 16 | Erie | C | 42.1 | 47.1 | 20 | 38 | 61 | 92,953 |
| 17 | York | C | 41.7 | 48.0 | 20 | 38 | 57 | 44,830 |
| 18 | Harrisburg | D | 38.5 | 42.7 | 20 | 38 | 29 | 50,092 |
| 19 | Chester | D | 37.1 | 40.2 | 20 | 38 | 27 | 33,209 |
| 20 | Philadelphia | D | 34.7 | 42.7 | 20 | 38 | 7 | 1,550,542 |