Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Vermont
Why Vermont Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Vermont ranks #2 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: 97) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (79/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (96/100) 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 | Shelburne | A+ | 67.6 | 67.5 | 56 | 76 | 91 | 6,292 |
| 2 | Middlebury | A+ | 66.9 | 64.2 | 56 | 76 | 87 | 7,145 |
| 3 | Montpelier | A+ | 65.6 | 65.4 | 56 | 76 | 81 | 8,038 |
| 4 | Northfield | B+ | 65.2 | 58.7 | 56 | 76 | 89 | 4,165 |
| 5 | Essex Junction | A+ | 64.8 | 66.0 | 56 | 76 | 79 | 10,720 |
| 6 | South Burlington | A+ | 64.2 | 68.4 | 56 | 76 | 51 | 20,488 |
| 7 | Milton | A | 64.2 | 62.0 | 56 | 76 | 90 | 3,510 |
| 8 | White River Junction | B+ | 63.6 | 60.2 | 56 | 76 | 79 | 2,878 |
| 9 | Wilder | B+ | 62.9 | 59.8 | 56 | 76 | 79 | 3,394 |
| 10 | Winooski | A | 62.8 | 63.2 | 56 | 76 | 60 | 8,198 |
| 11 | Springfield | B | 61.7 | 55.1 | 56 | 76 | 80 | 3,882 |
| 12 | Bennington | B+ | 61.3 | 59.9 | 56 | 76 | 60 | 8,888 |
| 13 | Bellows Falls | C+ | 60.0 | 53.0 | 56 | 76 | 77 | 2,851 |
| 14 | Burlington | B+ | 59.0 | 57.5 | 56 | 76 | 36 | 44,649 |
| 15 | St. Johnsbury | C+ | 58.4 | 52.9 | 56 | 76 | 56 | 5,945 |
| 16 | Newport | C+ | 57.9 | 52.2 | 56 | 76 | 59 | 4,413 |
| 17 | Barre | C+ | 57.0 | 52.3 | 56 | 76 | 51 | 8,461 |
| 18 | Brattleboro | C+ | 56.5 | 51.4 | 56 | 76 | 34 | 7,793 |
| 19 | Rutland | B | 56.4 | 53.3 | 56 | 76 | 51 | 15,747 |
| 20 | St. Albans | C+ | 51.6 | 49.7 | 56 | 76 | 19 | 6,910 |