Best Cities for Outdoor Lovers Basecamps for your next adventure

West Jordan snagged the #1 spot for outdoor lovers for a reason: you’re literally minutes from the Wasatch Mountains. The median home price of $550,000 feels steep, but that’s 3.6% below the national average for a place where you can hike the Oquirrh foothills before work.

The big advantage is the sheer access. You’re a 15-minute drive from both the Salt Lake Valley and the stunning wilderness of the West Desert. With a median household income of $105,396 and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, the job market is stable, supporting a cost of living index of 96.4. The catch? It’s a classic suburb. You’ll need a car for everything, and the social scene is quieter than downtown Salt Lake. The violent crime rate (234 per 100k) is lower than the national average, but the lack of walkable, dense urban cores is a real trade-off.

Insider tip: The growing Bingham Creek area has some of the newer, more affordable housing and direct trail access.

Best for: Families and avid hikers who prioritize mountain access over nightlife.
Skip if: You crave a vibrant, walkable downtown or a car-free lifestyle.

West Valley City isn't your typical mountain town, but that's exactly why it landed at #2 for outdoor lovers. You get the Wasatch Front's epic trail network, from the foothills to the Great Salt Lake, all from a surprisingly affordable suburban base.

The key advantage is easy access. The 3.6% unemployment rate and median income of $80,889 mean stable jobs, while the cost of living index at 96.4 keeps things reasonable. A median home price of $480,000 is far less than Salt Lake City proper, putting a backyard and trail access within reach. For renters, a 1-bedroom averages $1,301.

The catch? It’s a sprawling suburb. You’ll need a car for everything, and the vibe is more family-focused than funky. The violent crime rate of 345 per 100k is higher than the national average, so research specific neighborhoods carefully.

Insider tip: The Mountain View Corridor (5600 West) is your lifeline. Living just east of it puts you in park systems like West Valley’s Centennial Park, with its popular dog park and disc golf, while giving quicker access to the real mountains.

Best for: Families and serious hikers who want affordable housing and don’t mind a car-centric, practical lifestyle.
Skip if: You crave walkable urban energy, a vibrant arts scene, or a commute without traffic.

Torrance made the 2026 list for a simple reason: you’re never more than a 10-minute drive from a serious trail or the ocean. The median household income here is $109,019, reflecting a solid middle-class base that can afford the $2,252 median rent for a one-bedroom, but the catch is brutal—median home prices soar to $1.232 million, pushing ownership out of reach for many.

The real magic happens at the Madrona Marsh Preserve, a rare urban wetland where you can spot bird species you’d normally need binoculars for miles from the city. It’s a local secret that keeps the city’s soul grounded.

Best for: Families who want top-tier public schools (over 52.9% have a bachelor’s degree) and easy access to both the South Bay bike path and the 405 for a commute.

Skip if: You’re seeking a walkable, urban vibe or can’t stomach a cost of living index of 115.5.

Burbank made the "Best Cities for Outdoor Lovers" list for a reason: it's your gateway to the San Fernando Valley's best trails. You're a 15-minute drive from the rugged, dusty hikes of Wildwood Canyon Park, where the elevation gain is real and the views of the valley are unbeatable. The city itself is packed with green spaces like the Verdugo Mountains, offering a quick escape without leaving town.

The catch? That access comes at a steep price. The median home price sits at $1.12 million, and the overall cost of living is 15.5% higher than the national average. While the median household income is a solid $91,926, you'll feel the squeeze, especially with rent for a one-bedroom averaging $2,252. It’s a working city—home to Warner Bros. and Disney—with a commute that can test your patience.

Insider tip: For a true local vibe, skip the big-box stores near the mall and head to Magnolia Park. Its stretch of quirky boutiques and classic diners feels a world away from the studio lots.

Best for: Studio professionals who want to clock out and hit the trail within the hour.
Skip if: You're seeking a quiet, low-cost suburban life or a bustling downtown nightlife.

Inglewood made #5 for "Best Cities for Outdoor Lovers 2026" for a simple reason: you’re not just near the outdoors, you’re in it. With a cost of living index of 115.5, it's pricier than the national average, but your money buys immediate access. The crown jewel is the 430-acre Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, a local's escape with trails that loop past ponds and offer sweeping skyline views. For a specific, gritty dose of local life, the weekly Farmers Market at The Forum is a must.

But here’s the catch: the median home price of $749,000 and a median rent of $2,252 for a 1-bedroom make it a serious financial commitment. The city also faces challenges, with a violent crime rate of 678 per 100k, so street smarts are essential.

Insider Tip: The neighborhoods just east of the Inglewood Park Cemetery, near Darby Park, offer a quieter, more residential feel with slightly more space for your dollar.

Best for: Active families and young professionals who prioritize outdoor space and don't mind a longer commute into LA.

Skip if: You're looking for a quiet, low-crime suburb or need to be in the heart of the nightlife scene.

Spokane Valley isn't just a suburb of Spokane; it’s the gateway to the outdoors, which is why it landed at #6 for outdoor lovers. You're minutes from the Centennial Trail for biking and a short drive to Mt. Spokane for skiing. The city’s population of 108,232 offers a suburban feel without total isolation.

The key advantage is that you get immediate access to nature without the insane price tag of a major metro. The median home price is $407,336, a figure that feels almost mythical compared to Seattle. While the cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 101.0, the trade-off is worth it if your priority is a backyard that opens onto a trail system.

The catch? It’s not a cultural hub. If you’re looking for a bustling, walkable downtown with diverse nightlife, you might find the Valley a bit sleepy. You’ll likely drive to Spokane's South Perry District for a more eclectic vibe. The education levels (24% hold a bachelor's degree) are lower than the national average, reflecting a more working-class, practical demographic.

Insider tip: Look for housing near Mirabeau Point Park. You get the best of the Spokane River right in your backyard, and the community there is tight-knit.

Best for: Families and serious hikers who want direct access to trails and a quieter, community-oriented life.
Skip if: You crave a dense, urban environment with a high-energy arts and nightlife scene.

Roseville isn't just a suburb; it's a launchpad for adventure, which is why it landed #7 for outdoor lovers. With the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area practically in your backyard, you’re never more than a 15-minute drive from a trailhead or a kayak launch.

The median household income here is a solid $107,888, supporting a community that values its green spaces. However, that access comes at a price. The median home price is $625,000, and the cost of living index sits 8.9% above the national average. It’s a trade-off: you’re paying for the lifestyle.

Insider tip: Skip the generic mall-area apartments and look for housing in the gated communities near Woodcreek Golf Club. The proximity to the oak-studded trails there is unmatched, and it feels like you're living in the foothills, not a subdivision.

Best for: Active families and professionals who want immediate access to nature without sacrificing city amenities.

Skip if: You’re on a strict budget or crave the gritty, artistic energy of a downtown core.

Provo consistently lands on those "best for outdoor lovers" lists, and it's not just hype. You're minutes from the Wasatch Front, with Mount Timpanogos looming like a backyard playground. The median home price sits at $500,000, which feels steep until you realize you're buying instant access to world-class hiking, skiing, and climbing.

The catch? The culture. It's deeply rooted in the LDS faith, and while the city has diversified, social circles and community events often revolve around church. If you're not part of that world, it can feel isolating. The dating scene, for instance, is famously challenging if you're not LDS.

Insider tip: For a more secular, artsy vibe, look at the neighborhood around Center Street downtown. It's where you'll find the best local coffee shops and breweries, a welcome contrast to the city's conservative core.

Best for: Families who prioritize outdoor access and a strong sense of community (and are comfortable with the dominant culture).
Skip if: You're seeking a progressive, culturally diverse social scene or are sensitive to a very conservative political and religious atmosphere.

Surprise made #9 on the 2026 list for a reason: it’s a 133-square-mile canvas of desert trails, golf courses, and open space, with the White Tank Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. For outdoor lovers, that means endless sunshine and immediate access to hiking and biking.

The key advantage is the sheer amount of public land. You’re minutes from the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, where the Waterfall Trail offers a surprisingly lush 3-mile hike. It’s a surprisingly affordable base for an active lifestyle, with a median home price of $419,495—well below the state average.

The catch? The city’s immense size can feel sprawling and car-dependent. You’ll drive everywhere, and that desert heat from May to September is no joke; it dominates life. The job market is also more local, with a higher-than-average unemployment rate of 4.3%.

Insider tip: For a more established community feel, look at the Asante neighborhood. It has mature landscaping, community pools, and is close to the top-rated schools and shopping centers.

Best for: Families and retirees who prioritize outdoor access, space, and a quieter pace over urban buzz.
Skip if: You crave a walkable downtown, a bustling nightlife, or a short commute.

So you're eyeing Rio Rancho for its outdoor cred, huh? It’s #10 for a reason. With the Sandia Mountains as your backyard, hiking and biking trails are literally minutes away, and you get more house for your money—the median home price is a relatively approachable $326,800. The cost of living sits at 93, so your paycheck stretches further than it would in Albuquerque proper.

But here’s the real talk: it’s a sprawling car-centric suburb. You’ll drive everywhere. And while the violent crime rate (456 per 100k) is lower than some nearby areas, property crime is a notable issue, so lock your car doors. It’s quiet, sometimes too quiet, with a distinct lack of urban energy.

Insider tip: For a bit more character, look for homes in the older Northern Meadows area. It’s closer to the foothills and has a less cookie-cutter feel than the newer developments.

Best for: Families and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize space and mountain access over walkability and nightlife.
Skip if: You crave a vibrant downtown scene, walkable neighborhoods, or a robust public transit system.

So, Pasadena made the list for outdoor lovers, and honestly, it’s the Rose Bowl loop that seals the deal. That 3.1-mile trail circling the historic stadium isn't just a path; it's the city's beating heart, where you’ll jog alongside everyone from Caltech students to retirees.

The key draw is that you’re never far from nature. You can hike the San Gabriel Mountains in the morning and be back home for lunch. It’s a city where the median household income is $103,282, supporting a community that clearly values its green spaces and public gardens. The vibe is intellectual, historic, and very active.

But the catch is brutally simple: the cost of living. With a median home price of $1,250,000, buying here is a monumental challenge for most. The overall cost of living index sits at 115.5, meaning everything, from groceries to utilities, is noticeably pricier than the national average.

Insider tip: Skip the mansion hunt in San Marino and look at the vibrant, more affordable (relatively speaking) neighborhoods like East Pasadena or the area near Victory Park. You get more house for your money and a friendlier, less stuffy vibe.

Best for: Academics, outdoor enthusiasts who want city amenities, and families with a solid budget.

Skip if: You’re on a tight budget, crave a bustling nightlife, or hate driving (because you’ll be in your car a lot).

Fullerton made #12 on the list because you can hike the full-loop trail on Carbon Canyon before lunch and still be home for dinner. With 139,254 people, it feels like a proper city but with enough green space to breathe.

The key advantage is the access. You’re minutes from trails and a 30-minute drive to the beach or mountains. The median household income is a solid $97,427, and the community has a well-educated vibe, with 41.4% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The catch is the cost. The cost of living index is 115.5, and the median home price is a steep $952,500. Even renting a one-bedroom will set you back about $2,252 a month. The unemployment rate sits at 5.5%, and property crime, while not violent, is something you learn to be mindful of.

Insider tip: Hillcrest Park is the local gem, with its classic rose garden and steep stairs that double as a workout. It’s where you’ll see everyone from joggers to grandparents.

Best for: Active families and professionals who want suburban comfort with genuine outdoor access and don’t mind paying a premium for it.

Skip if: You’re on a tight budget, crave a nightlife scene, or hate driving everywhere.

West Covina made the list for a reason: you’re minutes from the San Gabriel Mountains and a network of trails, yet you’re in a city, not a remote outpost. The median household income of $96,525 supports the parks department, and you can feel it—golf courses are public, and you’re a short drive from Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park’s lakes and equestrian paths.

But the catch is the cost. The cost of living index is 115.5, and with a median home price of $830,000, owning a place with a yard is a serious financial hurdle. The 25.2% bachelor's degree rate and 5.5% unemployment rate hint at a blue-collar, practical community, not a tech hub.

Insider tip: Explore the quieter, hillside streets of the South Hills neighborhood. It’s a different world from the busy Valley Blvd corridor, with better walking access to open space.

Best for: Families who prioritize weekend hikes and a suburban feel over a trendy downtown.
Skip if: You’re young, single, and crave a vibrant nightlife or are priced out of the $2,252/month rent for a one-bedroom.

Downey might surprise you. Ranked #14 for outdoor lovers, it’s not about mountain peaks but something more accessible: a network of over 1,000 acres of parks, including the sprawling 188-acre Furman Park and the Rio Hondo River Trail. It’s perfect for someone who wants a genuine suburban backyard without sacrificing city access.

The key advantage is its location and relative affordability for the region. With a median household income of $96,699 and a median home price of $937,000, it’s a foothold in the L.A. metro area where a single-family home is still a tangible goal for many, not a distant dream. The 5.5% unemployment rate is also a point of stability.

The catch is the classic suburban trade-off. You’re trading gritty, walkable urban energy for car-dependent convenience. The cost of living index at 115.5—driven primarily by that housing cost—means your grocery and utility bills will still feel like Southern California prices, even if your mortgage seems more manageable than in neighboring cities.

Insider tip: For a more established, quiet feel, look at the neighborhoods east of Paramount Boulevard. They’re closer to the 5 freeway for an easier commute but feel a world away from the commercial buzz.

Best for: Families seeking a backyard-centric, stable suburban life with easy access to L.A. for work or play.
Skip if: You’re a young professional craving a walkable, vibrant nightlife or a strict urbanite who can’t imagine life without a coffee shop and grocery store within a 10-minute walk.

Santa Clarita landed #15 on the 2026 "Best Cities for Outdoor Lovers" list for a reason: you’re literally surrounded. With over 60 parks and trails right in the city, you can hike the Santa Clarita Overlook in the morning and be back for lunch. The median household income is a solid $118,489, which helps offset a cost of living index of 115.5—about 15% above the national average.

The catch? You’ll pay for that sunshine. The median home price is $776,500, and a one-bedroom rents for around $2,252. Commuting to LA is a beast; the 5 and 14 freeways are notoriously congested. The city also feels more suburban than urban; it’s quiet, family-oriented, and can lack a vibrant nightlife scene.

Insider tip: Don't overlook the Saugus neighborhood. It’s more affordable than Valencia, has great access to the trails, and hosts the popular weekly farmers market.

Best for: Families seeking active, suburban living with easy access to nature and top-rated schools.
Skip if: You crave a bustling, walkable downtown scene or have a strict budget under $750k for a home.