I'm a native Portlander (Oregon) and was surprised to see my hometown on the list. We do have great nightlife but we definitely DON'T have affordable housing or anything remotely resembling "solid job prospects." There's still a hundred applicants for every job opening, people living in their cars and I know plenty people who've been unemployed and scrambling to sell pencils or something like that for more than two years. Affordable rentals are hard to find, forget having pets, and real estates prices are still insanely inflated.

Issaquah washington is a beautiful place to live and has excellent hiking in the area. However the housing prices are 400,000 on average. I don't see that as affordable. I would remove the 'affordable homes' and 'solid job prospects' from the criteria. Affordable homes and solid job prospects should be reserved for North Dakota.

wow. again Outside proves that its world only exists in the US. Has anyone that writes for the mag ever visited any place outside the US. Please title these articles properly.

Hell yeah...madison wi has everything, except for sharks. The biking, camping, hiking, disc golf are amazing here! Nightlife is always exciting too.

Chattanooga only won because it is the catchiest name....hahaha Chattanooga Choo Choo

As someone who lived in VT for a few years..... you had better have a good paying job ($90k +) or retired with wealth to be taxed away. It is also overrun with liberals with a Big L. Outside the city is different to a degree, but there are many liberals everywhere. Not fun running into anti hunters (twice for me). Once grouse hunting by two old gay bird watchers who verbally harassed me and a second event when some jackhole cut my fuel line while I was on stand. I knew no one there as a contractor so I assume the second was due to NRA sticker, etc... It is a summer retreat for the rich city folks of NY and Mass. A fall leaf peeper retreat, and a winter fun ski trip if you have the money. The fishing is outstanding, and the upland hunting isn't too bad for grouse. Deer are plentiful and a moose tag can be had after some years. Lake Champlain is a very good fishery overall and the DNR does a B to B+ job with what little they are funded. There are a couple good gun stores here and there (A+ for gun law) surprisingly. Chittenten Gun Range ($30/yr) is a decent range and good hours. The Winooski River and tribs are great for trout fishing. For me it would only be a place to spend May - November 25 and back to SC for the winter. I would not own property here unless you like to pay very high property taxes. Charleston SC has lost some charm due to all the rich Yankees influx after Hugo....needing another Hugo to blow them back out. Mt. Pleasant needs an enema bad from the liberal bent that has occurred the past few years. Here is hoping for a Cat 5.

These types of lists remind me of something Mark Twain said, and which I'll paraphrase, "I'll never live anywhere that a collection of readers, like lemmings, would favor." There are scores, maybe hundreds, of other places not mentioned. I can think of a dozen in western Washington alone.

Pete, you picked up Outside by mistake. The magazine you're looking for is called "Guns and Ammo."

I'm so glad to see Austin off the list for a change. With all the people moving here, it's not so great anymore. It was once a great place to be... still is to an extent, but it's not the same place it was before the onslaught of people moved in.

Hurray for Traverse City, Michigan..........22 miles east of Sleeping Bear Dunes....the highest & longest sand area in North America. Sitting on Grand Traverse Bay, with a peninsula in between the east and west Bay, tall ships sailing, some of the best winery's in the northern Midwest, and known for their sweet cherries.

Affordable housing and jobs no longer exist. period. Just stay where you are, for the love of God I'm tired of my neighbors always moving away. What ever happened to comunity? Roots?

Affordable housing and jobs no longer exist. period. Just stay where you are, for the love of God I'm tired of my neighbors always moving away. What ever happened to comunity? Roots?

Missoula is one of the last best places!!!! I'm not fortunate enough to live there now (husband from the east coast and where his job is), but our kids can't wait to go to the University of Montana when they graduate high school.

Stop complaining people. You don't live in Gary, Indiana.

Stop complaining people. You don't live in Gary, Indiana.

Missoula is a great place. But solid job prospects, and affordable housing? Lets be real. As someone said "Missoula has one of the most highly educated sevice industry work forces in the US". That pretty much sums up the job prospects. I always wonder what the criteria is in these magizens for affordable is. Yes if you come from NYC or a similer area it might seem that way. But in general the housing in Missoula isn't what I would call affordable considering thr local wages. Don.t get me wrong. I love missoula. So much going on. But don't mislead people.

Missoula is a great place. But solid job prospects, and affordable housing? Lets be real. As someone said "Missoula has one of the most highly educated sevice industry work forces in the US". That pretty much sums up the job prospects. I always wonder what the criteria is in these magizens for affordable is. Yes if you come from NYC or a similer area it might seem that way. But in general the housing in Missoula isn't what I would call affordable considering thr local wages. Don.t get me wrong. I love missoula. So much going on. But don't mislead people.

Issaquah was great until everyone found out how great of a place to live it is. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to do outdoors but that's about it. All started in the late 80's. Probably no need to mention why; the article points it out pretty clearly. Now it is just like countless of other towns in Western Washington. I'm surprised to see a town from California on the list. Californians love to move to Washington and we still have to supply them with our water.

As many will agree CHICO, CA is a wonderful place to RAISE A FAMILY, great place to go to COLLEGE, fantastic WEATHER, DIVERSE community, SAFE to live, do BUSINESS in, a BEAUTIFUL ACTIVE DOWNTOWN yet the malls are always busy too. It offers, Rivers, HUGE Parks, Sports teams, baseball, basketball and more, a winning city in SPORTS. What more can I say, I'm glad I live in Chico. Come Visit !

CHICO, CA.....continued.... And HOME of SIERRA NEVADA BREWING COMPANY.....A must place to visit in Chico!

missoula is a great town, but no one besides outside magazine would ever tout "solid job prospects" and "affordable housing"!!! the previous comment regarding the most highly educated service industry work force is spot on. housing may be affordable to people who don't rely on missoula incomes. on the bright side, this is an overlooked key component of what makes missoula the amazing place it is: relative lack of wealth and consequent widespread gentrification and a status quo! missoula is ideal for people who prefer a simple, down to earth lifestyle and don't prioritize money in terms of quality of life. like most university of montana graduates, i had to move away to find work, although i would have loved to stay.

I love OUTSIDE magazine and have been reading it for over 30 years but they have never had a grip on what is "affordable" or places with GOOD job prospects. They do pick beautiful areas with alot of interesting activities close by but are rarely realistic. SW Pennsylvania is alway overlooked (THANK YOU) but we have great whitewater on several very close rivers, great hiking, great biking, nice leaf peeking, good hunting and fishing, close cultural events, good schools and colleges and although income isn't spectacular ability to purchase NICE $60,000 houses is or build new for $100,000.

I love OUTSIDE magazine and have been reading it for over 30 years but they have never had a grip on what is "affordable" or places with GOOD job prospects. They do pick beautiful areas with alot of interesting activities close by but are rarely realistic. SW Pennsylvania is alway overlooked (THANK YOU) but we have great whitewater on several very close rivers, great hiking, great biking, nice leaf peeking, good hunting and fishing, close cultural events, good schools and colleges and although income isn't spectacular ability to purchase NICE $60,000 houses is or build new for $100,000.

Although I agree with some of the above comments regarding the job industry and affordable housing in Missoula, I also routinely pinch myself when I realize we get to live the life that most people only dream about. Wide open spaces, small town character and charm with big city amenities, amazing restaurants, culture and activities that the University of Montana brings to town, three rivers that flow right through the middle of town, pretty much any outdoor activity you could want is either walking distance or within an hours drive, the most wonderful, down to earth people, views from my deck to die for, beautiful and thriving downtown....I could go on and on. We have the privilege of living here and raising our family in a place that still feels "safe" and has beauty every where you look! You can't beat it! I agree with the statement that sometimes the lack of a "thriving" job/housing market forces us to choose what is really important and I for one LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Missoula, MT!

BTW, my sister lives in Burlington and loves it there however after living there for 20 years, her and her husband are ready to retire...in SC. They can't afford to retire in VT. due to taxes and yes they have a great income.

There are comprimises with every location. Where you live and what you make of it, whether it be Gary, Indiana or Boulder, Co is what matters.

There are comprimises with every location. Where you live and what you make of it, whether it be Gary, Indiana or Boulder, Co is what matters.

Repeatedly, I see Portland, ME on both the best place to retire and great place to live list. I visited Portland on a beautiful day this August. We ate at some great restaurants. It also has a true commercial waterfront with modest housing. My wife and I (and some friends) could not figure how it consistently makes it on the top lists. I welcome comments on what we were missing?

Repeatedly, I see Portland, ME on both the best place to retire and great place to live list. I visited Portland on a beautiful day this August. We ate at some great restaurants. It also has a true commercial waterfront with modest housing. My wife and I (and some friends) could not figure how it consistently makes it on the top lists. I welcome comments on what we were missing?

Wilmington NC? Seriously? Stayed there once, will never go back. I was looking over my shoulder the entire tme. Not to mention that someone said there had been a murder in the hotel across the street the week before. I live in the foothills of NC. I have visited many states across the US and NC, is one of the most beautiful, diverse states that I've seen. There is something for everyone here. BUT Wilmington? Out of the entire state, it would rank dead last on my list of places to relocate. NC is gorgeous.

Wilmington NC? Seriously? Stayed there once, will never go back. I was looking over my shoulder the entire tme. Not to mention that someone said there had been a murder in the hotel across the street the week before. I live in the foothills of NC. I have visited many states across the US and NC, is one of the most beautiful, diverse states that I've seen. There is something for everyone here. BUT Wilmington? Out of the entire state, it would rank dead last on my list of places to relocate. NC is gorgeous.

Love Durango. I've lived here for 20 years. Very affordable housing if you don't mind living in your car. Lots of jobs if you like cleaning condos. I am one of the lucky ones that got in on the ground floor in real estate and I'm happy I did. My home is in the picture that Outside chose to use of the Animas Valley. But I can't afford to work here. I have a wife and three kids and work as a nurse. I commute to Northern California twice a month to work, where the wages are literally 3x what they are in Durango. Most employers here think that the scenery is worth half of the wage, and there are a gazillion people waiting in line for your job, so the pay sucks here. As the old saying goes; If you want to become a millionaire in Durango, you need to get here as a billionaire!

I used to live in Missoula and i LOVE it (best hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, you name it), but I would definitely agree with the comments about the job market. I might still be there if there were any decent jobs for a recent college grad. My friends who still live there definitely prove that Missoula has 'the most highly educated service industry workforce.'

Missoula is a crap-hole run by idiots. There are about 10-20 nice days per year. There are NO JOBS. The housing is absolutely disgusting. If you're not breathing smoke your eyeballs are frozen. Pabst and frozen pizza is the local cuisine. There are either rich people or completely impoverished people who deserve better. People are constantly moving away. Nobody stays here. Aside from my sarcasm Missoula does have something to offer: two cool strip clubs. C'mon people...

Who said Durango housing is affordable?! It does have the lowest unemployment rate in Colorado. This is amazing because most people have to work more than one job just to be able to pay rent. You can take affordable housing off the list for Durango!

I live in a town of 700 in rural Illinois, surrounded by cornfields, oil wells, and mud. Our employment consists of a Wal-Mart distribution center, and you can buy a decent house for $50,000. If you live in one of the towns on this list, please contact me so we can trade! :)

I live in a town of 700 in rural Illinois, surrounded by cornfields, oil wells, and mud. Our employment consists of a Wal-Mart distribution center, and you can buy a decent house for $50,000. If you live in one of the towns on this list, please contact me so we can trade! :)

I grew up and still live in small town central Pa, Great place to live! Dont really care about night life, but the area does has some to offer. Most places are what you make of them. There's crappy people and good people wherever you go, you have to make it great. on your own. Plenty of trail systems and some of the best trail running on the east coast hands down. Come visit!

I grew up and still live in small town central Pa, Great place to live! Dont really care about night life, but the area does has some to offer. Most places are what you make of them. There's crappy people and good people wherever you go, you have to make it great. on your own. Plenty of trail systems and some of the best trail running on the east coast hands down. Come visit!

Will someone please explain to me how a town's politics impacts the citizens' enjoyment of the outdoors? You guys write about the outdoors and leave the rest to CNN & Fox. And for Chrissake, do not come to my red state and write about our beaches, extensive trail networks and excellent trout fishery with the backhanded compliments you stacked on Chattanooga.

Once again I'm reminded why I don't normally bother to read Outside- totally misleading headlin. I was expecting to read about the best cities to live in the world, but of course it's all about America. Disappointing.

Once again I'm reminded why I don't normally bother to read Outside- totally misleading headlin. I was expecting to read about the best cities to live in the world, but of course it's all about America. Disappointing.

Kudos to "Rex In An Adjacent Red State" for his spot-on comment. Since when does political affiliation matter on the trail? Boy Scouts espouse a conservative set of values - does that make them less worthy conservationists? Would Teddy Roosevelt be a bad guy to have on safari? Grow up. People (like States and Cities) are more complex than Red and Blue. How about a little color-blindness, Outside?

Kudos to "Rex In An Adjacent Red State" for his spot-on comment. Since when does political affiliation matter on the trail? Boy Scouts espouse a conservative set of values - does that make them less worthy conservationists? Would Teddy Roosevelt be a bad guy to have on safari? Grow up. People (like States and Cities) are more complex than Red and Blue. How about a little color-blindness, Outside?

i always hold my breath hoping my little mountain town gets overlooked on great places to live! how about the nearest traffic light is 57 miles away. and some of the typical occupations are taxidermist, beekeeper, sawmill, forest service (largest employer), firewood cutters. you can fly in to two airports a private one in which you get the rancher's permission and the only stipulation is do not run over his cows! or you can land in the forest service strip. and both are nothing more than a strip carved out of the terrain! no homeland security to frisk you anatomy! and last but not least, the bars (3) outnumber the churches (2) making this mtn town tilt in the right direction!

i always hold my breath hoping my little mountain town gets overlooked on great places to live! how about the nearest traffic light is 57 miles away. and some of the typical occupations are taxidermist, beekeeper, sawmill, forest service (largest employer), firewood cutters. you can fly in to two airports a private one in which you get the rancher's permission and the only stipulation is do not run over his cows! or you can land in the forest service strip. and both are nothing more than a strip carved out of the terrain! no homeland security to frisk you anatomy! and last but not least, the bars (3) outnumber the churches (2) making this mtn town tilt in the right direction!

I'm a native Arizonan and to see Flagstaff and Tucson on this list is really surprising. Well, not Flagstaff so much as it is beautiful, but it is a college town so the cost of living is high and wages are not. As for Tucson...I have a roommate that is from there and he goes back periodically to visit family and was recently looking for property to invest in. He said the place is dirty and the neighborhoods are getting more rundown. If you factor in Arizona's continuing budget woes and illegal alien problems.....well, I think my husband (another native Arizonan), might be right: its time to leave Arizona.

I'm a native Arizonan and to see Flagstaff and Tucson on this list is really surprising. Well, not Flagstaff so much as it is beautiful, but it is a college town so the cost of living is high and wages are not. As for Tucson...I have a roommate that is from there and he goes back periodically to visit family and was recently looking for property to invest in. He said the place is dirty and the neighborhoods are getting more rundown. If you factor in Arizona's continuing budget woes and illegal alien problems.....well, I think my husband (another native Arizonan), might be right: its time to leave Arizona.

Half Million Dollar houses are called "affordable" homes in here !!!! Those 'Outside" staffers must be pretty well paid to call half-a-mill' cheap... I'll bet a lot more among the readers here would think of affordable housing as being more like $150k to $250k or so ???

Hey all....Just be glad you don't live in Philadelphia!! Anywhere is better than here my friends. I'd pay a load to be in any of those places good and bad. Flash mobs and random shooting just don't make life good.

Hey all....Just be glad you don't live in Philadelphia!! Anywhere is better than here my friends. I'd pay a load to be in any of those places good and bad. Flash mobs and random shooting just don't make life good.

Maybe you'll see this comment as insignificant....From the comments above, it seems that the article was once entitled Best Places to Live in World. A couple of comments noted that this was (more than) misleading based on the fact that all of the cities are in the United States. The article is now entitled The Top 19 Towns in America. Some including myself see America as a lazy, even inconsiderate, abbreviation (in light of Canada, Mexico and Central America also being part of North America). Why not call it like it is: the US or USA or the United States.

I too am surprised to see Flagstaff, AZ on the list. I lived there for 6 years in the 90's. During 2 of those years, the drought was so bad that they closed the forests. I mean closed, you could not hike, walk ... nothing in the forest. It was terrible! Our outside became our yard and that was it. Once the forests were re-opened, you start hiking the various ways to the top of the Peaks. And you realize any water, that would previously have been a river or creek, is piped directly into colverts to provide water to residents and Phoenicians. Cost of living is high and jobs there are somewhat scarce. Close to the worst 6 years of my life! Avoid it!

I too am surprised to see Flagstaff, AZ on the list. I lived there for 6 years in the 90's. During 2 of those years, the drought was so bad that they closed the forests. I mean closed, you could not hike, walk ... nothing in the forest. It was terrible! Our outside became our yard and that was it. Once the forests were re-opened, you start hiking the various ways to the top of the Peaks. And you realize any water, that would previously have been a river or creek, is piped directly into colverts to provide water to residents and Phoenicians. Cost of living is high and jobs there are somewhat scarce. Close to the worst 6 years of my life! Avoid it!

Asheville, NC: Beer City USA, rock climbing, white water, mountain biking, music galore....

Kevin, you could live in NJ. What exit? It don't matter, we will never make the list.

It's breezy crap like this that has me deleting these emails more and more. (And yes I know I can unsubscribe) Boulder and affordable housing do not belong in the same sentence! What a joke. What is a shocker is that you're trying to tell me otherwise...

This article is way off reality; most of the town on this list are completely out of the ball park for working people--no affordable housing in Durango or Boulder (i'm born and raised in Colorado), nothing close to it in Santa Fe, NM and Burlington Vermont is too expensive to even visit!! Missed the mark on this article for sure.

MAYBE one day 'Outside' will do an "International" version of this list ~ after all there's probably a dozen or more countries that can match the USA for "outdoorsy" meccas... For example: New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, the southern parts of Spain or France ~ there are "outdoorsy-oriented" towns to be found in all of these countries..

MAYBE one day 'Outside' will do an "International" version of this list ~ after all there's probably a dozen or more countries that can match the USA for "outdoorsy" meccas... For example: New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, the southern parts of Spain or France ~ there are "outdoorsy-oriented" towns to be found in all of these countries..