After spending most of my life living in one of the most polluted cities in the United States, I finally decided it was time for a change, which is why my family and I choose to move to a greener city. Within the next nine months, we sold our house, packed up our belongings, and rented a moving truck. When it came to renting a moving truck, we choose to go with Allied Van Lines which is a great moving company for interstate moves. Then we had to decide where we wanted to live. This was not an easy process. I wanted to live somewhere which was not only green but also beautiful. This is my list of top 10 best green cities in the United States.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu has been continually ranked as one of the top 10 greenest cities in the United States, which is based on its smart-energy policies and green job opportunities. The city has the 5th lowest greenhouse-gas emissions per capita, as well as being ranked 1st in farmer’s markets per capita. If you love being out on the water, there is no place better than Honolulu, which is surrounded by majestic crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. The city also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
Portland, Oregon
There are so many reasons to love Portland, which is known for its amazing food, beautiful parks, and friendly people. Despite popular belief, it doesn’t rain all the time in Portland and there are plenty of outdoor activities you can do all year round including festivals, outdoor cafes, and bicycling. Portland is also known for its natural beauty and for being incredibly green. More than 10% of Portlanders use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. This helps reduce carbon emissions and creates a more sustainable planet.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has a longstanding commitment to sustainability, which features green buildings and has an 88 workability score. The city is home to dozens of parks, lovely places to eat, and stunning architecture. Cambridge also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is one of the most beautiful and environmental-friendly places in the United States. The residents strive to make their community as green as possible while embracing a greener lifestyle. More than 85% of their electricity is generated from wind power and hydroelectricity, which drastically reduces greenhouse gasses. There are also plenty of local organic markets and health-conscious eateries. Eugene is warm, clean, and features plenty of bike paths.
Iowa City, Iowa
Many people fail to realize how green the state of Iowa is. It is ranked as one of the top green cites for families. The city has an EPA air quality index of 33, which is the second-lowest in the United States. Iowa City has an unemployment rate lower than 3%, which makes it one of the lowest in the nation.
Berkeley, California
Berkeley is a city known for its environmental history, which is considered to be one of the greenest places in California. The city continually urges its residents to minimize carbon dioxide by riding bicycles and using public transportation. The city utilizes alternative-green power sources such as solar power and hydroelectricity. The city features dozens of public parks and gardens, including the Botanical Garden at UC Berkeley.
Arlington, Virginia
Arlington is one of the greenest cities on the East Coast, which has a population of a little over 200,000 people and an employment rate of 2.7%. The city is ranked first in the nation for its higher education system. Arlington has a graduation rate of 85%. Most of the city’s energy comes from renewable sources such as solar power.
San Francisco, California
What can be said about San Francisco that hasn’t already been said? The city features delicious restaurants and astounding views, blended with diverse cultures and people. San Francisco ranks as the healthiest city in America and has over 22 farmer’s markets.
Boulder, Colorado
If you’re a fan of craft beer and the great outdoors, then you should consider moving to Boulder, Colorado, which is located 25 miles northwest of Denver. The city has an EPA air quality index of 2.5% and relies almost entirely on clean energy, which was ranked as one of the Best Places to Live and Play by National Geographic Magazine.
St. Paul, Minnesota
If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful place to live, there is no place better than St. Paul, Minnesota, which is the greenest city in the state. The residents are constantly working towards minimizing CO2 emissions and creating a more sustainable environment. The city also features plenty of fresh markets, along with organic eateries.
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