Being immersed in nature is scientifically proven to improve quality of life, which means cities and towns with easy access to green spaces are in high-demand. If you’re the type of person who would happily exchange walks through the mall for strolls on the beach, in the forest, or anywhere else in nature, you’ll have a wide range of options to consider.

From the lush Pacific Northwest and the majestic Rockies to picturesque New England, there’s sure to be the perfect pick on the list for any nature lover.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau may be Alaska’s capital city, but with a population of less than 32,000 people, it feels more like a small town. Here you’ll be surrounded by nature as the city is nestled on a hillside overlooking Gastineau Channel while Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts provide a spectacular backdrop. There are glaciers and waterfalls to marvel at and wild, driftwood-strewn beaches like Eagle Beach, featuring a high concentration of bald eagles that arrive to feast on the salmon that swim through shallow streams on the flats. A myriad of other wildlife can be spotted too, from bears to sea lions and whales.

This is one of the world’s best places to watch humpback whales from May through early September, and in July and August, you might see orcas, too. Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound, from hiking and mountain biking to paddling, ziplining, and skiing at Eaglecrest Ski Area, just minutes from downtown.

Port Townsend, Washington

A Victorian seaport town, Port Townsend sits at the north end of the Olympic Peninsula surrounded by mountains and water on three sides while the rainforests, lakes, and Pacific Ocean beaches in Olympic National Park are within easy reach. There are beaches right in town too, and just a couple of miles away, Fort Worden Historical State Park offers hiking, biking, and kayaking with rentals available onsite. Paddle among the marine life, including seals, dolphins, otters, and whales, or explore on land, watching for the deer and bald eagles that are frequently spotted throughout the area.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a true nature lover’s paradise with world-class hiking trails that bring sweeping vistas of the stunning red rock scenery. It’s surrounded by towering, fiery-colored rock formations that stretch high into the nearly always bright blue skies, while Oak Creek meanders right alongside the town through rugged Oak Creek Cannon. The climb from Sedona through the canyon brings striking views of the rushing water and the forest, leading to Slide Rock State Park and its famous natural water slide popular for summer swims. Sedona is also less than an hour's drive away from Flagstaff, home to the world's largest Ponderosa pine forest, skiing at Snowbowl, and hiking the San Francisco Peaks.

Boulder, Colorado

The town of Boulder, nestled against the foothills of the Colorado Rockies with the Flatiron Range as its iconic symbol, just might have the best “backyard” in the country. There are over 60 named trails within 30 minutes of town and countless others in the high-altitude terrain within an hour’s drive. Nearly every local you meet will tell you stories about the coolest hiking, climbing, or biking route. In the winter, the trails can be enjoyed by donning a pair of snowshoes while epic skiing awaits just 21 miles away at Eldora Mountain.

Healthy living seems to be built into the DNA here. It’s been named the “fittest city,” the “happiest city,” and among the top healthiest cities in the country.

Missoula, Montana

Surrounded by mountains and forest with the Clark Fork River cutting straight through its heart, Missoula is steps away from hiking, biking, cycling, and more. City life and nature blend spectacularly here, with residents surfing the river right downtown while elk and deer wander along the streets. The Missoula stretch of the Lewis and Clark Trail, which retraces the footsteps of the intrepid explorers, winds through soaring peaks and rugged wilderness. The area is renowned for its outstanding fly fishing and Forbes magazine once named Missoula one of the top 10 trout fishing towns in North America.

Concord, Massachusetts

Most nature enthusiasts are familiar with Walden Pond, famously featured in the writings of Henry David Thoreau. The serene pond is located just outside Concord, considered to be one of the best outdoor cities in the U.S. Located just 26 miles northwest of Boston, Concord is a magnificent place to live for those wishing to commune with nature. On and around the pond a wealth of recreational activities can be enjoyed, including paddling, swimming, and hiking. Plus, there are three rivers in Concord for kayaking and canoeing. At nearby Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, see if you can spot the 220 bird species that inhabit the area.

Highlands, North Carolina

Just 85 miles southwest of Asheville, the mountain town of Highlands is one of the best places to live for those who like to hike. There are picturesque trails on Whiteside Mountain and in the Nantahala National Forest which includes multiple waterfalls like Dry Falls, a gorgeous waterfall you can walk behind on the Cullasaja River. The town is home to many lakes where you can take out a paddleboat or canoe and be surrounded by glorious nature while Highlands Aerial Park offers zipline tours for soaring above the dazzling natural scenery.