Whether you love hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, or enjoying other activities in nature’s beauty, the state you call home can hugely impact your enjoyment of the outdoors. Here are some top options for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts considering an interstate move to support their passion for adventure.
With over 2500 lakes and countless mountain peaks, Colorado offers unparalleled natural splendor. Activities like rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking and hiking await in places like Rocky Mountain National Park. Outdoorsy towns like Boulder allow an active lifestyle interspersed with local breweries and arts scenes. Mild summers contrast stunning aspen-filled falls, providing variety. Relocating here puts you near world-class wilderness.
The Pacific Northwest state captivates with imposing Mount Rainier, miles of rugged coastline and over 100 volcanoes including Mount St. Helens. Outdoor adventures range from whale watching and kayaking to climbing, skiing, camping under Big Sky country and biking trails like the Olympic Discovery Trail. Liberal cities like Seattle, Bellingham and Olympia with thriving music/food cultures let you enjoy culture too after a day’s exploration.
Nicknamed the “Beaver State,” Oregon charms with boundless natural treasures from the Columbia River Gorge and Smith Rock to Crater Lake, the Wallowa Mountains and more. Urban centers like Portland and Ashland offer amenities while nature access remains unparalleled. Activities abound from hiking, biking, and rafting to rock climbing, skiing and relaxing beaches. Mild climate and scenic coastline complement the Cascade and Coast mountain ranges making outdoor recreation accessible year-round.
This majestic southwestern state dazzles with national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and the mighty 5,700 square mile Lake Powell reservoir. Beyond renowned parks, activities span rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking, skiing and more. Cities like Ogden, Salt Lake City, Moab and Park City offer social hubs near untamed mountains and red rock landscapes just begging to be explored. Relocating here gives lifelong access to natural splendors.
Big Sky Country spreads natural beauty across its treasure troves of mountains, rivers, forests and wetlands. More than 10 million acres of public lands and parks like Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex mean your hobby can be right outside your door. Hiking, biking, freshwater fishing, paddling, skiing, camping and wildlife watching await, plus a culture where nature remains the heartbeat. Enjoy small town charm too in places like Bozeman, Missoula and Kalispell.
As the most populous state, California naturally varies, yet always punctuates with natural beauty. Rivaled only by its culture and economy, regions like Northern California aka ‘Caliwood’ along the Pacific Coast fill your soul with redwoods, mountains, lakes, the Lost Coast and more. Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Big Sur, Tahoe, Death Valley and Point Reyes enthral and inspire. SoCal destinations like Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego and Channel Islands National Park offer inspiration as well. From snowboarding to surfing, hiking to biking, you’ll always find your outdoor Zen in the Golden State.
The arid desert spanning Southern Arizona alone thrills with natural wonders as glorious as the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park and red rock vistas of Sedona. Lush mountain towns like Flagstaff blossom with hiking, fishing and camping too.
Phoenix and Tucson combine affordable living, 300+ days of sunshine a year and easy access to National Parks and outdoor playgrounds like Slide Rock, Oak Creek Canyon and Lake Havasu. Relocate and you’ll discover why natives call the Grand Canyon State your true outdoor playground.
Very few places can match the raw natural splendor found in the Land of Enchantment. From Carlsbad Caverns National Park to White Sands National Park, to the dramatic Gila Wilderness, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in nature (hiking, backpacking, stargazing, camping, rafting and more.
Charming towns like Santa Fe, Taos and Silver City serve as gateways to wild places like Bandelier National Monument and Wheeler Peak. An affordable index lets you focus resources on exploring, whether in an accessible Subaru or high-clearance 4×4 getting to remote spots beyond paved roads. This diverse and beautiful state welcomes outdoor lovers with open (and often uncrowded) arms.
Whatever your preferences for communing with nature, these scenic western states offer abundant opportunities together with welcoming communities and affordable living. Relocating through a full-service mover also removes stress so you can quickly start enjoying your new home’s natural amenities.
Contact us to get a free quote tailored to making the most of the great outdoors wherever your new path leads.