27 Environmentally Friendly Cities to Live
With
air pollution, traffic and gas prices all on the rise, it increasingly makes
sense to consider how environmentally friendly a city is before moving there.
As conditions worsen across the country, these proactive cities are poised
to handle growth well. Whether you are just starting a family or are thinking
about retirement, everyone in your household will benefit from the clean
air, renewable energy and growth management provided in these cities.
Austin, Texas
By the year 2020, Austin plans to have 20 percent of its power needs met
by solar power and other renewable energy resources. Anticipating continued
growth, the city has implemented a plan called “S.M.A.R.T” which
encourages development of affordable housing.
Austin
Texas - Population: 656,562, - Median Income: $43,731
- Median House Value: $170,900 - Google
Maps
Charlottesville, Virginia
In addition to an abundance of trees and parks in the area, the city
has also adopted an Environmental
Sustainability policy. This policy addresses issues such as storm water
management, alternative fuels and water quality.
Charlottesville,
Virginia - Population: 45,049 - Median Income: $36,900
- Median House Value: $207,000 - Google
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Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is blessed with a naturally green environment that the city takes
full advantage of. Over 85 percent of power comes from hydroelectric and wind
sources. There are also abundant parks, trails and wetlands for residents
to enjoy.
Eugene,
Oregon - Population: 137,893 - Median Income: $33,070
- Median House Value: $187,000 - Google
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Santa Rosa, California
Enjoy restaurants
and public–places smoke–free in Santa Rosa. Also take advantage
of the naturally clean water and air in this northern California town.
Santa
Rosa, California - Population: 147,595 - Median
Income: $51,454 - Median House Value: $561,200
- Google
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Honolulu, Hawaii
This tropical paradise is a good place to vacation and to live. The Oahu
aquifer provides plenty of fresh water and the city burns 500,000 tons of
trash each year to limit how much accumulates in landfills.
Honolulu,
Hawaii - Population: 371,657 - Median Income: $50,793
- Median House Value: $481,000 - Google
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Burlington, Vermont
Burlington takes its recycling
very seriously. The city has a compost facility that takes leftover
food from local businesses, and yard waste from residents, and turns it
into soil that can be used by farmers and gardeners.
Burlington,
Vermont - Population: 38,889 - Median Income: $37,500
- Median House Value: $211,300 - Google
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Huntsville, Alabama
In 2005 the city started “Operation
Green Team ” which has educated residents and equipped them to
help make Huntsville green. Approximately one third of the city is devoted
to green spaces and a healthy thirteen percent use public transportation
to commute to work.
Huntsville,
Alabama - Population: 158,216 - Median Income: $44,000
- Median House Value: $128,700 - Google
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St. Paul, Minnesota
This capital city is noted for having twenty–five percent of its land
as green space. To meet C02 level goals by 2020, the city is completing a
light rail system and working to achieve 25
percent renewable energy.
St.
Paul, Minnesota - Population: 287,151 - Median
Income: $44,103 - Median House Value: $200,100
- Google
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Denver, Colorado
When finally completed, Denver will have the nation' s largest light
right system. The city also has one of the biggest
collections of hybrid vehicles as well.
Denver,
Colorado - Population: 554,636 - Median Income: $42,370
- Median House Value: $231,900 - Google
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Lexington, Kentucky
The city has a growth management plan in place and has a smoking ban to
keep the already clean air fresh. It was recently named a bike–friendly
community and plans are underway for the 35–mile Healthway Trail
System.
Lexington,
Kentucky - Population: 260,512 - Median Income: $42,442
- Median House Value: $142,900 - Google
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Ithaca, New York
The residents here don' t let their northern latitude stop them from
being green friendly. Approximately 16 percent of residents brave the snow
and cold and walk
to work - one of the highest rates in the nation.
Ithaca,
New York - Population: 29,287 - Median Income: $24,900
- Median House Value: $131,400 - Google
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Kansas City, Missouri
The city has nice clean water. There are also waste pickup programs and
the million lights campaign to change the city over to compact
fluorescent bulbs.
Kansas
City, Missouri - Population: 441,545 - Median
Income: $41,069 - Median House Value: $124,900
- Google
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Berkeley, California
This progressive city has one of the highest environmental
organization membership rates. Approximately 19 percent use public
transportation and residents can enjoy one of the more than 20 community
gardens.
Berkeley,
California - Population: 102,743 - Median Income: $48,123
- Median House Value: $700,300 - Google
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Madison, Wisconsin
Home of the main campus of the University of Wisconsin, this city established
an environment
commission back in 1975. Madison has an employee bikes at work program
and is working on a 1,000 rain gardens program to improve water quality.
Madison,
Wisconsin - Population: 208,054 - Median Income: $48,123
- Median House Value: $200,000 - Google
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Asheville, North Carolina
To keep the air clean, Asheville has developed a green
vehicles campaign. The city is buying more Ford Escapes and has started
a new government office to find ways to improve public transportation.
Asheville,
North Carolina - Population: 68,889 - Median
Income: $38,837 - Median House Value: $161,400
- Google
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Anchorage, Alaska
It is hard to beat the clean air and water and natural beauty in Alaska' s
biggest city. There is also a smoking ban in the city and many residents
are in excellent health thanks to the many recreational activities in the
area.
Anchorage,
Alaska - Population: 260,283 - Median Income: $61,217
- Median House Value: $230,600 - Google
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Oakland, California
By 2017, the city plans to have 50 percent of its power come from renewable
sources. Approximately 20 percent or residents use public transportation
or ride a bicycle to work.
Oakland,
California - Population: 399,484 - Median Income: $44,124
- Median House Value: $487,300 - Google
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Springfield, Illinois
The capital of Illinois is known for having quality drinking
water and fresh air. The city also has a comprehensive
park system.
Springfield,
Illinois - Population: 111,454 - Median Income: $43,054
- Median House Value: $102,200 - Google
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Boulder, Colorado
Those who appreciate organic foods should consider relocating to Boulder.
The city has many organic
food companies and the largest farmers market in Colorado.
Boulder,
Colorado - Population: 94,673 - Median Income: $46,002
- Median House Value: $457,400 - Google
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Durham, North Carolina
This city in the research triangle has numerous parks and trails to enjoy.
The Parks
and Recreation Department sponsors free environmental
programs to educate residents.
Durham,
North Carolina - Population: 187,035 - Median
Income: $42,321 - Median House Value: $157,100
- Google
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Wenatchee, Washington
This small town in central Washington is in apple country — many fresh
fruits and vegetables are grown here. The city sponsors environmental education
for youths by holding an annual solar–power
drag race.
Wenatchee,
Washington - Population: 27,856 - Median Income: $35,800
- Median House Value: $155,100 - Google
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Boston, Massachusetts
The city has a smoking ban in place to keep the air clean and a good
public transportation system. In addition, the city is committed to
using renewable
energy resources.
Boston,
Massachusetts - Population: 589,141 - Median
Income: $42,562 - Median House Value: $420,400
- Google
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Seattle, Washington
The emerald city relies on more than rain to remain green. A large percentage
of energy comes from clean hydroelectric
sources and the smoking ban helps as well.
Seattle,
Washington - Population: 563,374 - Median Income: $49,297
- Median House Value: $384,900 - Google
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Chattanooga, Tennessee
What used to be a polluted city only 30 years ago, Chattanooga
has made a remarkable turnaround. Residents are moving downtown to
enjoy the Riverwalk Park.
Chattanooga,
Tennessee - Population: 155,554 - Median Income: $32,174
- Median House Value: $109,400 - Google
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Syracuse, New York
The Syracuse
Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems focuses on
renewable energy, indoor air quality and water resources. This is aided
by naturally clean air and a smoking ban.
Syracuse,
New York - Population: 147,306 - Median Income: $25,935
- Median House Value: $75,200 - Google
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Many residents ride public transportation or bikes to work. There are also plenty
parks and green spaces within the city to enjoy.
Ann
Arbor, Michigan - Population: 114,024 - Median
Income: $45,798 - Median House Value: $238,100
- Google
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Daytona Beach, Florida
This city is one of only several that rank in the top 25 for least amount
of ozone and small particles in the air. As if you needed another reason
to move to the beach.
Daytona
Beach, Florida - Population: 64,112 - Median
Income: $27,800 - Median House Value: $145,600
- Google
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