Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Virginia
Virginia ranks #23 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 48.0. Harrisonburg is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 71.9.
- Virginia, all states
- #23 of 50
- Population
- 51,392
Virginia for Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Full Picture
Virginia ranks #23 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. 10.5% 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. Virginia's environment score of 48/100 is middling — air quality (AQI: 37) is moderate, though environmental policy could be stronger. Natural disaster risk is low, meaning fewer disruptions to outdoor plans.
The practical side: average living costs (index: 101.1) keep outdoor lifestyles manageable. Safety (79/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (61/100) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Harrisonburg | B+ | 71.9 | 59.4 | 95 | 83 | 51,392 |
| 2Arlington | A+ | 70.6 | 75.0 | 81 | — | 236,254 |
| 3Charlottesville | A | 69.8 | 63.3 | 93 | 69 | 45,437 |
| 4Reston | A+ | 69.6 | 75.8 | 75 | — | 64,414 |
| 5Virginia Beach | A | 68.9 | 63.1 | 85 | 90 | 456,349 |
| 6Lynchburg | B+ | 67.9 | 58.8 | 87 | 72 | 79,497 |
| 7Alexandria | A+ | 67.8 | 68.9 | 70 | 86 | 156,976 |
| 8Centreville | A+ | 67.1 | 71.5 | 75 | — | 71,706 |
| 9Leesburg | A+ | 66.3 | 69.7 | 78 | 80 | 49,171 |
| 10McLean | A+ | 66.0 | 72.6 | 75 | — | 49,627 |
| 11Tuckahoe | B+ | 65.2 | 61.8 | 78 | — | 49,183 |
| 12Richmond | B | 62.1 | 56.5 | 83 | 55 | 229,359 |
| 13Chesapeake | B+ | 62.0 | 59.4 | 75 | 76 | 252,583 |
| 14Norfolk | C+ | 60.8 | 54.1 | 83 | 58 | 233,596 |
| 15Hampton | C+ | 60.5 | 55.0 | 79 | 68 | 137,557 |
| 16Roanoke | C+ | 59.9 | 53.4 | 89 | 46 | 98,355 |
| 17Suffolk | B | 59.7 | 56.0 | 75 | 75 | 98,796 |
| 18Newport News | C | 58.6 | 52.0 | 96 | 40 | 184,216 |
| 19Dale City | B | 58.5 | 57.2 | 79 | — | 71,016 |
| 20Portsmouth | D | 54.0 | 48.4 | 85 | 34 | 97,190 |
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: Virginia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Virginia ranks #23 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 48.0/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (79/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (20/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia?
Harrisonburg ranks #1 in Virginia for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 71.9/100, followed by Arlington and Charlottesville.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia?
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.