The 10 Most Sustainable Cities in America

Have you ever wondered how eco-friendly your city is? Well, look no further: HGTV and LawnStarter have uncovered the top 10 most sustainable cities in the US. The rankings were based on the number of energy-efficient policies and incentives, zero-energy buildings, green commuters, pollution and food production. Read on to see if your city made the list.

Los Angeles made the list because it has a high number of zero-energy buildings. San Diego and Sacramento were the only cities with more zero-energy buildings.

Number nine in overall sustainability, Sacramento is also ranked number two in the US in a list of cities with the most zero-energy buildings.

The eighth most sustainable city in the country, Baltimore also ranks #1 (tied with New York City) for having the most incentives and policies supporting renewables and energy efficiency.

The Emerald City moved up in ranking from 10 to 7 because of its passion for eating local, urban gardens and car-free living. The city also possesses the nation’s first carbon-neutral electric utility and is home to the self-proclaimed “world’s greenest commercial building,” the Bullitt Center.

Home to Silicon Valley, this city of innovation is poised to become the nation’s electric car capital by 2030. The city currently ranks 26 in alternative fuel stations per square mile. San Jose also boasts the sixth in self-sustainable housing-friendliness and is ninth in the number of zero-energy buildings.

With great weather, plenty of gorgeous natural space and lots of options for thrifting and green dining, it’s not hard to believe that San Diegans value the environment. San Diego decreased emissions by 25% between 2010 and 2020 and is planning to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. The city also ranks first for having the most zero-energy buildings in the US.

Tied with five other cities for the lowest greenhouse gas emissions, Oakland residents are at the forefront of living sustainably. It is the home to the first carbon-neutral healthcare system in the nation and sustainable housing made with the help of mushrooms.

The city that never sleeps ranked third because it has the best transit score in the country. When it comes to incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency, NYC ranks #1 (tied with Baltimore). Other cities in New York State — Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Yonkers — also ranked high for these sustainable policies.

Boston met and exceeded its 2020 carbon reduction goal, and is planning to be carbon-neutral by 2050. In 2018, Boston implemented a plastic bag ordinance and is currently working to become a zero-waste city, with a 2030 goal of 80-90% trash diversion from landfills by reducing, reusing, recycling and composting. In 2023, Boston ranked third in the most alternative fuel stations per square mile.

It's not too surprising that one of the country's most forward-thinking cities is also the most sustainable in a state full of progressive trailblazers. In 2007, San Francisco became the first American city to ban plastic bags and has since banned the sale of plastic bottles on city-owned properties. According to the 2021 San Francisco Climate Action Plan, the city is striving to have net-zero emissions by 2040. San Francisco is also working toward reducing waste and currently diverts 80% of its trash from landfills to recycling and composting programs. The City by the Bay also ranks #1 for the most alternative fuel stations per square mile and ranks third for the most zero-energy buildings.