Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Vermont
Vermont ranks #3 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 81.1. Middlebury is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 82.6.
- Vermont, all states
- #3 of 50
- Population
- 7,220
Why Vermont Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Vermont ranks #3 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts — a premier destination for those who build their lives around access to nature. The outdoor access score of 56/100 reflects decent but not outstanding access to parks, trails, and recreation. 17.9% 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. Vermont's environment score of 76/100 reflects clean air (AQI: 34) and strong environmental conditions. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: average living costs (index: 98) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (78/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (75/100) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Middlebury | A+ | 82.6 | 76.4 | 91 | 96 | 7,220 |
| 2Shelburne | A+ | 78.2 | 76.0 | 78 | 93 | 6,499 |
| 3Brattleboro | B+ | 70.8 | 62.6 | 82 | — | 7,657 |
| 4Winooski | A+ | 70.3 | 69.2 | 78 | 73 | 8,293 |
| 5Essex Junction | A+ | 70.2 | 70.9 | 78 | — | 10,803 |
| 6St. Johnsbury | B+ | 69.7 | 61.3 | 72 | 80 | 5,859 |
| 7Bellows Falls | C | 69.3 | 52.2 | 82 | 94 | 2,891 |
| 8South Burlington | A+ | 68.0 | 69.6 | 78 | 58 | 20,756 |
| 9Milton | A+ | 66.7 | 67.5 | 78 | — | 3,555 |
| 10Montpelier | A+ | 65.1 | 69.9 | 55 | 63 | 8,014 |
| 11Burlington | A | 65.1 | 64.4 | 78 | 47 | 44,675 |
| 12Bennington | B | 64.7 | 56.7 | 66 | — | 9,245 |
| 13Northfield | B+ | 63.9 | 59.9 | 55 | — | 3,766 |
| 14White River Junction | A | 62.8 | 65.5 | 56 | — | 3,364 |
| 15Rutland | B | 61.8 | 57.9 | 77 | 55 | 15,712 |
| 16Newport | C | 61.1 | 51.8 | 64 | 72 | 4,394 |
| 17Springfield | B+ | 60.9 | 60.2 | 56 | — | 4,237 |
| 18Wilder | C+ | 59.7 | 55.6 | 56 | — | 3,087 |
| 19Barre | C+ | 55.6 | 52.5 | 55 | 45 | 8,412 |
| 20St. Albans | C+ | 52.8 | 53.1 | 84 | 17 | 6,954 |
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: Vermont for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Vermont ranks #3 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 81.1/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (78/100) and its weakest is Growth (30/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont?
Middlebury ranks #1 in Vermont for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 82.6/100, followed by Shelburne and Brattleboro.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont?
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.