Where Parks Boost Health and Wellness: The 10 Cities with the Best Parks in 2026

Parks have become integral to renters’ lives as more people prioritize health and wellness. In apartment communities, access to outdoor space can be limited, which makes nearby parks even more valuable. Green spaces have been proven to be beneficial to people’s health; the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) says that, “People living more than 1 kilometer away from a green space have nearly 50 percent higher odds of experiencing stress than those living less than 300 meters from a green space.”

That is why more and more renters are looking to live near parks. According to the Q4 2025 survey by Apartments.com, 35 percent of renters are searching for a place close to parks or outdoor green spaces, making it the fourth-most-popular location preference.

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) reported similar findings in their National Survey on Outdoor Public Spaces, with more than 35 percent of respondents choosing “anywhere outdoors” as one of the top three places where they wished they had gone to find joy in the past year.

This growth shows up in residents’ access to parks as well. According to TPL, the national average in 2025 for residents in the 100 most populous U.S. cities who live within a 10-minute walk of a park is 76 percent, up from 74 percent in 2024. That two percent increase in just a year shows the continued investment in parks, trails, and green spaces to meet the needs of residents.

Since parks and green spaces have become a priority for renters, their main question is which cities offer the best overall park experience. To make it easy for people to evaluate the best cities in the U.S. for parks and green spaces, TPL has been publishing the annual ParkScore® since 2012. This ranking system compares the 100 most-populous cities in the U.S. by five park categories: equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage.

The cities with the best parks in 2026 are:

• Washington, D.C.
• Irvine, CA
• Minneapolis, MN
• Cincinnati, OH
• Saint Paul, MN
• San Francisco, CA
• Arlington, VA
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR
• Denver, CO

Washington, D.C.

• Average rent in Washington, D.C.: $2,245/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 99 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 21.5 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. ranks as the top U.S. city for parks and green spaces. Performing well across every ParkScore® category, it’s a standout for residents who want the outdoors to be central to their life. Parks are an integral part of the city’s cultural and historical identity, and that shows in their upkeep, accessibility, and range of amenities. Altogether, the city is home to 693 parks, each offering a distinct experience.

Many city parks reflect Washington, D.C.’s historical nature, with monuments, public art, and cultural institutions integrated into the natural landscape. The most well-known is the National Mall. It’s called “America’s Front Yard” for a reason. Its sweeping lawn is lined with memorials, museums, and landmarks that honor and tell the story of the nation’s past.

For a more forested setting, Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre urban park with historical buildings, equestrian facilities, and miles of trails. The Rock Creek Trail continues south beyond the park, eventually meeting up with the trails along the Potomac River near Georgetown. Residents on the east side of the city have strong trail access, with the 12-mile Anacostia Riverwalk Trail that goes from Navy Yard up to Bladensburg.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

West End: Next to Downtown Washington, D.C., West End puts renters close to some of the city’s most iconic green spaces. The neighborhood is a short trip from the National Mall and within walking distance of the Rock Creek Trail. Wide sidewalks, shaded with trees, keeps the area walkable, even during the summer.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Exceptionally Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Exceptional Wellness Amenity Variety
$3,297 The average rent in West End is $3,297/month.	100 West End has a walkability score of 100 out of 100.	90 West End has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100.	100 West End has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	100 West End has a wellness score of 100 out of 100.

 

Navy Yard: On the city’s southeast side, Navy Yard provides a place to settle down right on the Potomac River. That puts the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and multiple waterfront parks, at most, three to four blocks away. Head north to discover cozy city parks, like Garfield Park, where playgrounds and sports courts hide beneath trees.

Average Rent	Moderately Walkable	Very Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Exceptional Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,490 The average rent in Navy Yard is $2,490/month.	70 Navy Yard has a walkability score of 70 out of 100.	80 Navy Yard has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100.	90 Navy Yard has a parks score of 90 out of 100.	90 Navy Yard has a wellness score of 90 out of 100.

 

Irvine, CA

• Average rent in Irvine: $2,926/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 94 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 26.5 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Irvine

As a master-planned community, parks and green spaces are built directly into Irvine’s layout to be accessible and enrich residents’ lives. That long-term investment is especially clear in the Great Park, one of the largest public park projects in the country. The space is designed to serve a wide range of residents’ needs, from lawns and playgrounds to community gathering areas, amphitheaters, cultural spaces, and a mixed-use area for food and shopping.

Each of Irvine’s 369 parks have been shaped with intention to best serve residents. William R. Mason Regional Park offers winding trails around a small lake. Learn all about the native wildlife and plants at the IRWD San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Across the city, trails follow roads, creeks, and open space corridors, including the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, San Diego Creek Trail, and Shady Canyon Trail.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

University Town Center: It may be a smaller neighborhood, but University Town Center shines for the availability of outdoor spaces and city amenities within a couple of blocks. In terms of parks, William R. Mason Regional Park is only a block or two away, with the San Joaquin Marsh a bit farther. The Mountains to the Sea Trail also runs along the San Diego Creek, just west of the neighborhood.

Average Rent	Fairly Walkable	Exceptionally Bikeable	Very Large Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,366 The average rent in University Town Center is $2,366/month.	50 University Town Center has a walkability score of 50 out of 100.	90 University Town Center has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100.	80 University Town Center has a parks score of 80 out of 100.	60 University Town Center has a wellness score of 60 out of 100.

 

Woodbury: On the north side of Irvine, Woodbury is a residential neighborhood that incorporates parks into everyday life. Woodbury Community Park sits right in the center of the neighborhood, making it easy for residents to reach the space on foot, regardless of where they live. The Jeffrey Open Space Trail borders the west side of the neighborhood. Many of the neighborhoods that make up the larger area also have their own pocket parks, giving residents green space outside their door.

Average Rent	Fairly Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Large Amount of Park Space	Fair Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,740 The average rent in Woodbury is $2,740/month.	50 Woodbury has a walkability score of 50 out of 100.	70 Woodbury has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100.	60 Woodbury has a parks score of 60 out of 100.	40 Woodbury has a wellness score of 40 out of 100.

 

Minneapolis, MN

• Average rent in Minneapolis: $1,403/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 99 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 15.3 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Minneapolis

Minneapolis lives up to its “City of Lakes” nickname with 13 lakes connected by the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a sweeping system of approximately 102 miles of trails and parks. The byway follows the length of the Mississippi River downtown, giving residents miles of waterfront recreation. That access is part of what makes the city stand out: Minneapolis has 308 parks across 5,305 acres, and the river itself is a popular place for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities.

The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile path across south Minneapolis, completely separate from road traffic for a more relaxing experience for walkers and cyclists. As the Mississippi River divides the city, navigating both sides of the city requires bridges. Along with road crossings, Minneapolis also has pedestrian-only connections, including the Stone Arch Bridge.

Many of Minneapolis’s larger parks are anchored by lakes and the river. Minnehaha Regional Park is a favorite riverfront for dramatic views of a rushing dam and the Minnehaha Falls. The park is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, so residents can follow the Minnehaha Creek westwards towards Lake Hiawatha and Nokomis before turning north.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Uptown Minneapolis: For living next to both Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska lake, Uptown Minneapolis is the place to be. Both lakes have large beaches and miles of trails for all types of outdoor recreation. As part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, residents can connect to the larger system of paths. The Midtown Greenway also runs through the center of the neighborhood.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Exceptionally Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,355 The average rent in Uptown Minneapolis is $1,355/month.	80 Uptown Minneapolis has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	90 Uptown Minneapolis has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100.	100 Uptown Minneapolis has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	80 Uptown Minneapolis has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Mill District: Set on the Mississippi River waterfront, Mill District puts the river trail and scenic views just minutes away for renters. Both Gold Medal Park and Mill Ruins Park offer a place to unwind. The Stone Arch Bridge extends over the river, creating a direct path to the east side of Minneapolis, as well as the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Exceptionally Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,013 The average rent in Mill District is $2,013/month.	90 Mill District has a walkability score of 90 out of 100.	90 Mill District has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100.	100 Mill District has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	80 Mill District has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Loring Park: Just minutes from downtown, Loring Park's natural scene is anchored by its namesake park. Centering around Loring Pond, trails unfurl from its banks, connecting to the playground and tennis courts. The Loring Greenway adds a landscaped network of urban walkways where residents can stroll away from traffic. Enjoy a more artistic outdoor experience at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which connects to Loring Park via the pedestrian-only Irene Hixon Whiteney Bridge.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Very Bikeable	Very Large Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,281 The average rent in Loring Park is $1,281/month.	90 Loring Park has a walkability score of 90 out of 100.	80 Loring Park has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100.	80 Loring Park has a parks score of 80 out of 100.	70 Loring Park has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Cincinnati, OH

• Average rent in Cincinnati: $1,136/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 91 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 17 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Cincinnati

On the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati has a park system that blends nature and cultural destinations. Eden Park sits atop the Mount Adams neighborhood as a standout green space with a garden, trails, a lake, and breathtaking views of the river. It’s also home to the Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

In Downtown Cincinnati, Smale Riverfront Park sits next to major entertainment venues, including Paycor Stadium, Great American Ball Park, and several museums. The Ohio River Trail starts from Smale Riverfront Park and takes you past the stadiums to TM Berry International Friendship Park.

Experience the wild side of Ohio by heading to Mount Airy Forest. The park sits on the northern edge of the city, with trails diving through a dense forest and leading to picnic areas, a beautiful arboretum, and more. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden adds a structured exploration of the natural world through animal habitats and landscaped gardens.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Mount Adams: The Ohio River supports the bountiful nature found in Mount Adams, particularly along the river trail, TM Berry International Friendship Park, and Eden Park. It incorporates the arts into nature through the Cincinnati Art Museum and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Average Rent	Moderately Walkable	Fairly Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,497 The average rent in Mount Adams is $1,497/month.	70 Mount Adams has a walkability score of 70 out of 100.	40 Mount Adams has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100.	100 Mount Adams has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	70 Mount Adams has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Clifton: For space to spread out near large parks, check out Clifton. Home to both the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, there is a never-ending stream of events within walking distance. For a more traditional park setting, Burnet Woods contains crisscrossing trails under trees, next to a small lake. Get a bird’s eye view of the neighborhood from Mount Storm Park.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$962 The average rent in Clifton is $962/month.	80 Clifton has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	60 Clifton has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100.	90 Clifton has a parks score of 90 out of 100.	70 Clifton has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Saint Paul, MN

• Average rent in Saint Paul: $1,281/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 99 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 15.5 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Saint Paul

Southeast from Minneapolis, Saint Paul’s outdoor scene flourishes due to the Mississippi River supporting the greenery that fills the city’s 265 parks and countless trails. With an extensive system that connects to the overarching Twin Cities’ network, Saint Paul has separated pedestrian and bike paths that give residents a continuous route through some of the city’s greenest areas.

Smaller city parks are woven throughout Saint Paul’s neighborhoods, while larger regional parks add even more room to explore. Crosby Farm Regional Park and Hidden Falls Regional Park both feature wooded riverfront trails. Farther east, Phalen Regional Park on Lake Phalen is a popular weekend destination with trails, golf courses, and more. Como Regional Park is another favorite with trails and park amenities around Lake Como, along with Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and the nearby Como Town amusement park.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Como Park: Between Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, Como Park is a primarily residential neighborhood, bordered by retail and entertainment spaces, like the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Lake Como and Como Regional Park are the heart of the neighborhood, with miles of trails, fields, and some of the city’s best attractions.

Average Rent	Fairly Walkable	Exceptionally Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Fair Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,342 The average rent in Como Park is $1,342/month.	40 Como Park has a walkability score of 40 out of 100.	90 Como Park has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100.	100 Como Park has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	50 Como Park has a wellness score of 50 out of 100.

 

Highland: Along the river, Highland stands out for the two regional parks within its borders. Hidden Falls and Crosby Farm act as an escape into nature with winding paths along the river, through trees and next to creeks. While most of the neighborhood is well established, the west side is undergoing redevelopment, adding newer apartment communities alongside urban parks and public green spaces.

Average Rent	Fairly Walkable	Fairly Bikeable	Very Large Amount of Park Space	Fair Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,224 The average rent in Highland is $1,224/month.	50 Highland has a walkability score of 50 out of 100.	50 Highland has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100.	80 Highland has a parks score of 80 out of 100.	40 Highland has a wellness score of 40 out of 100.

 

San Francisco, CA

• Average rent in San Francisco: $3,306/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 100 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 21.4 percent

Why renters enjoy living in San Francisco

Between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, San Francisco's landscape gives residents a wide range of outdoor settings, from beaches and waterfront paths to wooded hills and expansive urban parks. Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's crown jewel, a 1,017-acre retreat of green spaces and gardens. The park not only offers hiking trails and open meadows, but also cultural destinations, such as the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

For views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, head to the Presidio and its mix of beaches, scenic overlooks, and trails heading through forests and historic sites. Along the eastern waterfront, the Embarcadero puts waterfront views on one side and the unmistakable San Francisco skyline on the other. This trail is also part of the San Francisco Bay Trail if you want to travel around the entire body of water.

Larger natural areas sit just beyond San Francisco’s borders. Across the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais and the Marin Headlands offer steeper hikes with breathtaking views of the coast and beaches tucked between bluffs. To the south, San Bruno Mountain State Park follows a ridge with sweeping views back toward San Francisco.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Western Addition: With short trips to the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and Downtown San Francisco, Western Addition is known for its central location. Local parks, such as Jefferson Square Park and Buchanan Street Mall, give renters outdoor space without requiring them to leave the neighborhood.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Very Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$3,422 The average rent in Western Addition is $3,422/month.	90 Western Addition has a walkability score of 90 out of 100.	80 Western Addition has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100.	100 Western Addition has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	80 Western Addition has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Rincon: With both the Embarcadero and several parks within a couple blocks, Rincon is the place to be for waterfront green spaces. The rooftop Salesforce Park adds a unique twist to urban parks, while Rincon Park is the perfect place to relax and watch boats go by.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Very Bikeable	Large Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$4,572 The average rent in Rincon is $4,572/month.	100 Rincon has a walkability score of 100 out of 100.	80 Rincon has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100.	70 Rincon has a parks score of 70 out of 100.	70 Rincon has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Arlington, VA

• Average rent in Arlington: $2,378/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 99 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 11.3 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Arlington

Next to Washington, D.C., Arlington capitalizes on its location along the Potomac River and the network of green space that comes with it. The city has fewer parks than some other cities on this list, but its 193 parks perfectly serve residents’ outdoor needs and are carefully maintained to provide the best experiences.

Theodore Roosevelt Island, accessible via footbridge, is a wooded nature sanctuary in the middle of the Potomac featuring walking trails through marsh and forest. Arlington National Cemetery may not be a traditional park, but it is one of the city’s most significant green and landscaped spaces, with a deep commemorative and historic purpose.

Outdoor access is part of daily life in Arlington, thanks to a trail network that runs through most of the city. The Mount Vernon Trail runs along the riverbank for miles, connecting Arlington to Alexandria while providing skyline views of Washington, D.C. to cyclists and pedestrians. The Custis Trail branches west from the river, connecting to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and the Four Mile Run Trail which curve around the rest of the city.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Ballston/Virginia Square: Ballston/Virginia Square combines a suburban atmosphere, city living, and greenspaces into one neighborhood. Community parks, like Quincy Park, sit in the center of the neighborhood. The Custis Trail follows the northern edge, with multiple entry points for easy access. On the west side, the Bluemont Junction Trail adds another option for outdoor recreation.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,575 The average rent in Ballston/Virginia Square is $2,575/month.	90 Ballston/Virginia Square has a walkability score of 60 out of 100.	60 Ballston/Virginia Square has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100.	80 Ballston/Virginia Square has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Pentagon City: Parks sit between apartment communities and retail space in Pentagon City. Entrances to the Mount Vernon Trail sit just beyond the neighborhood’s eastern edge. For space to spread out and enjoy the sun, Long Bridge Park is just a quick trip away. Virginia Highlands Park puts green space closer to home, with trails that pass sports fields and gathering areas.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,387 The average rent in Pentagon City is $2,387/month.	80 Pentagon City has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	70 Pentagon City has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100.	80 Pentagon City has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Seattle, WA

• Average rent in Seattle: $2,087/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 12.6 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 99 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Seattle

Between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, Seattle is built around nature, water, mountains, and evergreen forests with 897 parks and just as many trails. Looping around North Seattle, all the way up to Bothell, the Burke-Gilman Trail consists of 20 miles of dedicated multi-use paths, separated from the road.

For Downtown Seattle renters, the Elliott Bay Trail passes by bustling piers and through serene waterfront parks. The Seattle Center may be touristy with its stadiums, arenas, museums, and attractions, but it’s also a beautiful place to stroll.

Seattle goes big with its parks; Discovery Park is a 560-acre park the covers an outcropping into Puget Sound with a lighthouse and trails along bluffs for endless views. Woodland Park contains both a zoo and a rose garden, in addition to the miles of trails and park amenities, while connecting to the trails and parks around Green Lake. Explore rare trees and curated gardens at Washington Park Arboretum, a 230-acre park of plants that you won’t see anywhere else in the Northwest. If you really want to get lost in nature, then take a short trip outside the city to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Fremont: With Woodland Park and Green Lake to the north and the Burke-Gilman Trail to the south, wherever you live in Fremont, you are only a couple of blocks away from green space.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Very Large Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,025 The average rent in Fremont is $2,025/month.	80 Fremont has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	70 Fremont has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100.	80            Fremont has a parks score of 80 out of 100.	70 Fremont has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Uptown: Live next to the entertainment in Belltown but with more green space by renting in Uptown. The Seattle Center is a fun place to go, but there’s also the Elliott Bay Trail, which leads to Elliott Bay Park through Centennial Park.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,059 The average rent in Uptown is $2,059/month.	100 Uptown has a walkability score of 100 out of 100.	60 Uptown has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100.	90 Uptown has a parks score of 90 out of 100.	80 Uptown has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Portland, OR

• Average rent in Portland: $1,521/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 89 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 15.8 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Portland

Portland has over 10,000 acres of parkland across 332 parks. The most famous of them all is Washington Park, with the Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and miles of trails. Forest Park is one of the country’s largest urban forests at 5,200 acres, which contain more than 80 miles of trails. Over in East Portland, Mt. Tabor Park is a 200-acre park built on an extinct volcano. Its elevation provides the perfect spot for panoramic views of the city.

The city’s nature doesn’t just extend to forest but also to the water. During good weather, the Willamette River is filled with residents floating, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Beaches and boat launches all up and down the river’s edge make water recreation part of everyday life. Sellwood Riverfront Park is a favorite for both boat access and relaxation by the water while Audrey McCall Beach and Tom McCall Waterfront Park bring that same access to downtown.

Downtown Portland shows how nature is a part of the city’s culture. The Waterfront Trail runs along the river, through parks that host beloved events and attractions, like Tom McCall Waterfront Park. On the east side, the Eastbank Esplanade connects to the Springwater Corridor, extending the trail far beyond the edge of the city. Connecting the two sides is the Tilikum Crossing Bridge, a pedestrian bridge atop the streetcar routes. Even in Portland’s denser areas, green space is built into the city’s grid.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Uptown Portland: Right next to both Washington Park and Forest Park, Uptown Portland gives residents easy access to two of the city’s biggest parks. With multiple entry points, residents can reach the extensive trail systems by simply heading down the block.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Great Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,662 The average rent in Uptown Portland is $1,662/month.	90 Uptown Portland has a walkability score of 90 out of 100.	60 Uptown Portland has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100.	100 Uptown Portland has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	80 Uptown Portland has a wellness score of 80 out of 100.

 

Waterfront: True to its name, Waterfront is closely tied to the river, with trails and green space built into the neighborhood. Since this downtown neighborhood is denser, the Waterfront Park Trail is only ever a couple blocks away. Head a little farther south, and Tilikum Crossing provides a car-free connection to the east side of Portland.

Average Rent	Exceptionally Walkable	Very Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Exceptional Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,666 The average rent in Waterfront is $1,666/month.	100 Waterfront has a walkability score of 100 out of 100.	80 Waterfront has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100.	90 Waterfront has a parks score of 90 out of 100.	90 Waterfront has a wellness score of 90 out of 100.

 

Sellwood-Moreland: With a more suburban feel, Sellwood-Moreland is all about slowing down and embracing nature. Along the Willamette River, the Sellwood Riverfront Park is a local favorite for water recreation. The Springwater on the Willamette trail runs past the park, continuing south, where it transforms into the longer Springwater Corridor Trail. Get a glimpse of the local wildlife and nature at the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,491 The average rent in Sellwood-Moreland is $1,491/month.	80 Sellwood-Moreland has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	70 Sellwood-Moreland has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100.	100 Sellwood-Moreland has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	70 Sellwood-Moreland has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Denver, CO

• Average rent in Denver: $1,616/month
• Percentage of residents who live near a park: 96 percent
• Parkland as percentage of city area: 10 percent

Why renters enjoy living in Denver

Denver residents enjoy more than 7,000 acres of urban and natural parks and trails. Many of the major parks sit outside of downtown, where they have the space to cover more ground. Denver City Park is the standout park in the city, as it is also home to the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Just a couple of blocks away, Cheesman Park spans over 80 acres and connects to the Denver Botanic Gardens.

The South Platte River hosts miles of trails, waterfront parks, and attractions. The South Platte River Trail runs along both sides of the river, with pedestrian bridges making it easy to cross. It continues for miles north and south beyond the city limits. Running along Cherry Creek is the Cherry Creek Trail, another major route that extends all the way from downtown to outside the city.

Best neighborhoods near parks for renters

Cheesman Park: Centered around its namesake green space, renters in Cheesman Park only have to travel a block or two to find the grassy expanse. Denver City Park is also within reach, though it takes a longer walk or bike ride to get there.

Average Rent	Moderately Walkable	Exceptionally Bikeable	Exceptional Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$1,459 The average rent in Cheesman Park is $1,459/month.	70 Cheesman Park has a walkability score of 70 out of 100.	90 Cheesman Park has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100.	100 Cheesman Park has a parks score of 100 out of 100.	70 Cheesman Park has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

LoDo: In the heart of Downtown Denver, LoDo puts renters right next to major attractions and venues, while also giving them access to the South Platte River, Cherry Creek, and their respective trails. Commons Park adds a place to spread out and relax on a lawn in the middle of the city.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Moderately Bikeable	Large Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,044 The average rent in LoDo is $2,044/month.	80 LoDo has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	70 LoDo has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100.	70 LoDo has a parks score of 70 out of 100.	70 LoDo has a wellness score of 70 out of 100.

 

Cherry Creek: Named for the creek that runs through it, Cherry Creek feels like a city within a city due to the wide selection of shops and apartment communities. All of this is only blocks from the Cherry Creek Trail, which provides a comfortable separation from busy roads and is perfect for commuting downtown via bike or on foot.

Average Rent	Very Walkable	Very Bikeable	Very Large Amount of Park Space	Good Wellness Amenity Variety
$2,457 The average rent in Cherry Creek is $2,457/month.	80 Cherry Creek has a walkability score of 80 out of 100.	80 Cherry Creek has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100.	80 Cherry Creek has a parks score of 80 out of 100.	60 Cherry Creek has a wellness score of 60 out of 100.

 

Methodology

Rent data is from CoStar Group’s April 2026 reports. Park data and ParkScore® are from the Trust for Public Land. Walkability, bikeability, neighborhood park, and wellness scores are sourced from the Aparmtents.com Area Guide, courtesy of LocalLogic.

Find an Apartment Near Parks on Apartments.com

When you’re narrowing down the best cities for parks, Apartments.com makes it easier to turn that research into your next move. Each community has nearby points of interest detailed on their listing page, including parks and recreation. With both distance and travel time details on Apartments.com, it’s easy to find rentals near green spaces.