As any runner can attest, having an active environment around you can be incredibly motivating. But while every city is different – some with better weather, others with a better natural landscape – which is the best for runners? We analyzed multiple datasets to answer this question, including the quantity of greenspace in a city, average temperature, number of organized running races/events, and rental affordability. Check out the results below for the top 35 cities for runners across America.
Top 10 Nationwide Results
1. San Diego, California – A+
Sunny and active San Diego topped our list as the best city for runners in America. The city mixes incredible running weather with plentiful parkland acreage. Also given the city’s desirability, rent prices are also relatively affordable.
- Parkland as % of city: 23.2%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 34.9
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 64 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 158
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,650
2. San Antonio, Texas – A+
San Antonio comes in second on our list, showcasing great weather, affordable rent prices, and over 300 organized running events per year.
- Parkland as % of city: 10.2%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 20.9
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 70 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 347
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $830
3. Houston, Texas – A+
With 23.4 park acres per 1,000 residents and a warm climate, Houston is a runners dream. The city does however come with higher rent prices when compared with other Texas cities.
- Parkland as % of city: 14.4%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 23.4
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 70 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 134
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,200
4. Las Vegas, Nevada – A+
While it may be too hot to run outside during the summer months in Las Vegas, the average temperature throughout the year is actually a comfortable 70 degrees. Mix in affordable living costs and tons of park acreage and you’ll get a solid city to be active.
- Parkland as % of city: 19.2%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 26.6
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 70 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 95
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $800
5. Phoenix, Arizona – A+
Phoenix comes in as the fifth best running city on our list. While a little hot during the summer months, the temperature the rest of the year is great for running outside. It also scores in the 83rd percentile for park acreage relative to the population.
- Parkland as % of city: 15%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 31.7
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 75 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 77
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $850
6. Austin, Texas – A
Anyone who lives in Austin knows of its active roots. Take a dip in Barton Springs, kayak on the river, or run around the many park trails. The city has mild temperatures year-round, and a great deal of organized running events.
- Parkland as % of city: 11.1%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 22.9
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 70 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 104
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,100
7. New Orleans, Louisiana – A
New Orleans comes in 7th place on our list. The city scores in the 95th percentile for park acreage per 1,000 residents.
- Parkland as % of city: 25.7%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 71.3
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 70 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 53
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,310
8. Virginia Beach, Virginia – A
Virginia Beach comes in 8th, with solid marks in all of our criteria. The city scored particularly high in its parkland acreage and number of organized races.
- Parkland as % of city: 15.6%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 54.9
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 60 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 85
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,030
9. Dallas, Texas – A
Dallas comes in strong at 9th place on our list. The city scored well in every category except for rental affordability, where it is the 19th most expensive in the country.
- Parkland as % of city: 12.5%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 21.1
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 67 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 113
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,340
10. Tampa, Florida – A
With year-round warm weather, as well as 90 running races in 2017, Tampa closes out our top 10 cities.
- Parkland as % of city: 7.4%
- Park acres per 1,000 residents: 14.4
- Average temperature (Fahrenheit): 73.5 degrees
- Number of races in 2017: 90
- Median rent (1 bedroom): $1,060
Data and Methodology
In order to identify the top cities for runners in America, we combined multiple datasets and created an index for each category. The following datasets were used:
– Average temperature throughout the year. Taken from NOAA 1981-2010 climate normals.
– Median 1-bedroom rent prices. We compared October 2017 1-bedroom apartment data to control against any variation in housing unit types across cities. 1-bedrooms are the most common type of rental housing available. Data was taken from Zumper’s robust rental market trends database.
– Acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Data from the 2017 Trust for Public Land City – Park Facts.
– Parkland as a percentage of total city acreage. Taken from the 2017 Trust for Public Land City – Park Facts.
– Total number of running races in 2017. Data compiled from runningintheusa.com.
We organized these datasets and created an index/score for each. Scores were then weighted with the following percentages to produce the “overall” score:
- Total running races (25%)
- Parkland per 1,000 residents (20%)
- Parkland as percentage of total acreage (20%)
- Average temperature (25%)
- Rental Affordability (10%)
Full Results
| 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedrooms | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos. | City | Price | M/M % | Y/Y % | Price | M/M % | Y/Y % |
| 1 | Dallas | $1,290 | -2.30% | 0.80% | $1,720 | -1.10% | 0.60% |
| 2 | Richardson | $1,200 | -2.40% | 0.00% | $1,610 | 2.50% | 2.50% |
| 3 | Irving | $1,170 | 4.50% | 10.40% | $1,410 | -0.70% | 8.50% |
| 4 | Plano | $1,160 | 0.90% | 7.40% | $1,500 | 0.70% | 1.40% |
| 5 | Frisco | $1,140 | -1.70% | 0.00% | $1,550 | 0.00% | 3.30% |
| 6 | Fort Worth | $990 | 0.00% | 5.30% | $1,210 | -1.60% | 9.00% |
| 6 | Mckinney | $990 | -2.90% | 5.30% | $1,380 | -4.80% | 7.00% |
| 8 | Carrollton | $980 | 5.40% | 3.20% | $1,230 | 3.40% | 1.70% |
| 9 | Lewisville | $950 | -2.10% | 9.20% | $1,250 | 3.30% | 8.70% |
| 10 | Garland | $840 | 1.20% | 15.10% | $1,100 | 4.80% | 15.80% |
| 11 | Denton | $830 | 2.50% | 13.70% | $1,070 | -0.90% | 11.50% |
| 12 | Grand Prairie | $820 | 5.10% | 12.30% | $1,060 | 3.90% | 8.20% |
| 13 | Mesquite | $760 | 4.10% | 15.20% | $990 | 1.00% | 15.10% |
| 14 | Arlington | $720 | 1.40% | 4.30% | $950 | 1.10% | 5.60% |
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