Are you environmentally conscious? 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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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