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The 50 Greenest Cities in the U.S.

The 50 Greenest Cities in the U.S.

Gone are the days when sustainability was seen as a distinct, standalone issue with its own set of supporters. The climate crisis is now a defining fact of our era, and we all share a responsibility to shift our individual lifestyles and collective awareness in order to respond to the moment accordingly.

But the truth is, there is no single metric that indicates whether something is “sustainable.” That’s certainly true when you look at the cities of the world. What makes a city “green” or sustainable?

a city is a dynamic and ever-changing place

Like a living ecosystem, a city is a dynamic and ever-changing place where a matrix of interlocking factors — from carbon emissions and available green space to waste management and infrastructure — all contribute to its degree of sustainability.

As a leading travel insurance provider, battleface believes in preparing our customers for whatever they may face on the road, whether they’re traveling to the next city or the next continent. Today, in the wake of a world-changing pandemic and accelerating crises caused by climate change, we believe the places most worth visiting are also the greenest, most sustainable, and resilient ones.

Hover over each city below to see more details on its ranking.

50 greenest cities in the U.S..

Whether you’re an intrepid traveler, a longtime local, or someone who’s looking to relocate more permanently, we set out to create a list of the most sustainable cities in the U.S. to equip you with the knowledge and context you need.

Synthesizing data points around CO2 emissions, sustainable transportation like public transit networks, green spaces, and even vegan restaurants and sustainable food options, the team at battleface narrowed down the 50 greenest cities in the U.S..

Read more on our methodology.

The Top 50 Sustainable Cities in the US

Overall Ranking City, State Carbon Emissions Rank Sustainable Transportation Rank Electric Vehicle Rank Green Spaces Rank Vegan Options Rank
1
Washington, D.C.
1
1
6
2
3
2
New York, NY
2
2
23
3
6
3
Portland, OR
4
4
16
8
4
4
Seattle, WA
10
6
3
19
5
5
Boston, MA
9
3
5
11
16
6
Las Vegas, NV
5
36
20
5
11
7
Los Angeles, CA
8
21
10
18
15
8
San Francisco, CA
38
18
1
4
2
9
Chicago, IL
6
7
22
28
12
10
Denver, CO
13
11
15
39
23
11
Phoenix, AZ
3
33
32
15
32
12
Albuquerque, NM
7
30
38
1
40
13
Philadelphia, PA
15
5
25
16
7
14
Minneapolis, MN
26
12
19
13
10
15
Baltimore, MO
11
26
11
27
14
16
Omaha, NE
12
9
35
17
29
17
San Diego, CA
33
20
13
6
18
18
Milwaukee, WI
21
8
30
31
21
19
San Jose, CA
37
19
7
10
22
20
Long Beach, CA
46
15
9
25
13
21
Columbus, OH
27
23
24
36
19
22
Atlanta, GA
35
46
4
33
9
23
Charlotte, NC
16
35
28
21
25
24
Nashville, TN
14
50
34
35
34
25
Colorado Springs, CO
23
10
40
32
42
26
Miami, FL
41
37
2
44
1
27
Oakland, CA
47
14
8
22
8
28
Sacramento, CA
43
16
12
26
17
29
Virginia Beach, VA
28
22
44
9
26
30
Raleigh, NC
34
34
26
15
30
31
Detroit, MI
32
28
27
42
24
32
Kansas City, MO
30
29
21
29
33
33
Tucson, AZ
20
32
41
50
39
34
Louisville, KY
24
24
37
34
45
35
Austin, TX
44
42
17
24
20
36
Memphis, TN
18
49
49
46
43
37
Jacksonville, FL
31
38
45
12
44
38
Mesa, AZ
22
31
42
49
47
39
Oklahoma City, OK
17
48
50
47
50
40
Dallas, TX
40
43
29
30
27
41
San Antonio, TX
39
44
36
20
28
42
Houston, TX
36
45
31
23
31
43
Fresno, CA
42
17
14
48
37
44
Indianapolis, IN
25
25
46
45
38
45
Wichita, KS
19
27
47
43
50
46
El Paso, TX
49
40
48
7
46
47
Bakersfield, CA
48
13
33
40
36
48
Tulsa, OK
25
47
43
38
39
49
Fort Worth, TX
45
41
39
42
35
50
Arlington, TX
50
39
18
37
41

Top 10

Here’s a breakdown of the top ten greenest cities in America out of our total list of 50, including where each of these cities stood out in their efforts towards a more sustainable future.

01

Washington, D.C.

02

New York, NY

03

Portland, OR

04

Seattle, WA

05

Boston, MA

06

Las Vegas, NV

07

Los Angeles, CA

08

San Francisco, CA

09

Chicago, IL

10

Denver, CO

#1
Washington D.C.

While being home to the seat of the federal government may be what Washington D.C. is most known for, its sustainability credentials shouldn’t be overlooked. The city ranked first overall on our list for both lowest carbon emissions and sustainable transportation. This was thanks in no small part to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s “Sustainable D.C.” plan to halve carbon emissions by 2032 and reach net zero by 2050 in line with the UN Paris Climate Agreement goals. To get there, the city has done things like modernize infrastructure, increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use in residential and commercial buildings, scale up micro-mobility options including solar powered bikeshare and scooter programs, all on top of its zero emissions circulator bus network.

A diverse city with a vibrant food scene, D.C. placed 3rd in the ranking for vegan-friendliness and 2nd for its parks and greenspace – boasting more than 150 acres of park per square mile in the city.

#2

New York City, NY

It calls itself the “greatest city in the world,” but New York wants to be the greenest, too. Like D.C., it’s pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but it also has committed to providing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, earning it the second spot in our carbon emissions ranking.

More than half of the city’s population regularly use public transportation. Plus, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “The Big Apple” boasts the second-highest percentage of commuters who report walking their commute, earning it the number two spot on our transportation ranking. Finally, while the 840 acres of Central Park may be known the world over, less known is that the city actually contains 2,300 parks and greenspaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, ranking it at number three in the greenspace category.

#3
Portland, OR

Portland has long been hailed as the land of eccentric hipsters, artisanal vegan bakeries, and craft breweries. But at number three on our list, Portland also deserves to be known as one of the most progressive and most environmentally friendly cities in the U.S. as well.

The Portland Clean Energy Fund, passed by ballot initiative in 2018, is one of the first programs of its kind to look at climate justice through the lens of race, diversity, and income. It offers services like job training for people of color entering green industries as well as funding for high-efficiency heat pumps to help low-income communities prepare for future heatwaves, which are worsening in the Pacific Northwest.

#4

Seattle, WA

Seattle has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike – including a bold vision of a future without fossil fuels under its Clean Transportation Electrification Blueprint. The city is incentivizing both individuals and businesses to switch to electric vehicles, take up biking, and rely on public transportation instead of cars. It’s also looking to take the bold step of forbidding cars from a major area of the city, and require that all ride-hailing trips be electric and emissions free. In fact, it ranks number three for cities with the most electric vehicle charging stations per square mile.

#5
Boston, MA

Boston earned itself the top spot in our ranking for sustainable commuting and transportation, thanks to the city’s ambitious goals when it comes to electric and alternative transportation. Plus, nearly a third of its population report using public transportation for their commutes, and 5% walk to work. Only DC and New York have a higher number of walking commuters. Among other steps, it has pledged to ensure that every household is a less than a ten minute walk from a public electric vehicle charging station or EV car-share program. With its location on the Boston Harbor making it particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, the city clearly has a keen eye on reversing the trend of climate change to protect its historic position.

#6

Las Vegas, NV

The famed Las Vegas Strip may not immediately come to mind when you try to think of the greenest city in America. But, if you take into account the greater Las Vegas metro area, the picture looks quite different. With places like Red Rock Canyon, Springs Preserve, Floyd Lamb Park and many more, the city boasts 123 acres of park for residents to enjoy per square mile. Plus, aggressive targets to lower carbon emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement have helped Vegas earn the number five rank in the carbon emissions category on our list. The city also recently introduced the country’s first battery-powered, driverless shuttle, offering modern mobility options to visitors and locals, alike.

#7
Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is known the world over as a car-dependent city. But it’s making strides to improve its green credentials and become one of the most sustainable cities in the U.S. Thanks to all that sunshine, it has consistently ranked as the number one city in America for solar power generation. In addition, Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the Los Angeles Green New Deal in 2019, intended as a model for how cities might meet the UN Paris Climate Agreement goals. And despite all those cars, LA’s emissions are already at least 24% lower than 1990 levels, with goals to go much farther.

#8

San Francisco, CA

In many ways, the nation’s environmental consciousness was first raised in the Bay Area, and specifically San Francisco, decades ago. The city has held onto the reputation to the present day. Transportation-wise, San Francisco offers more electric vehicle charging stations per mile than any other city on our list, as well as the most developed cycling infrastructure per square mile, helping to offset the use of personal vehicles. Plus, people following a plant-based diet will be especially happy here, with more vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants and chains per capita than all but one city on our overall list.

#9
Chicago, IL

Chicago is another city that perhaps doesn’t immediately spring to mind for a lot of people when they think of the greenest cities in the U.S. But the midwestern metropolis has made big strides, managing to expand its public transportation system while still cutting its carbon emissions in the process. Furthermore, Chicago has long been a leader in energy efficiency when it comes to building and construction. Roughly 70% of Chicago’s commercial office space is LEED or Energy Star certified. This means that the city is mitigating what is known as a huge contributor to carbon emissions by building and maintaining energy efficient buildings.

#10

Denver, CO

Denver has long been a favored destination for outdoor adventurers, but it’s also gained a reputation for being one of the leading eco-friendly communities in the nation. Aiming to overcome a historic reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, the city has invested in its RTD light rail and inter-city bus systems to lure commuters off the roads and onto public transport. The city is also part of a program called the Million Tree Initiative, which aims to increase canopy cover and urban forests in order to leverage trees’ ability to reduce temperatures, sink carbon, and improve quality of life for residents.

The Top 10s

Sustainable Transportation Lowest Emissions Green Spaces Vegan Options
Rank
City
Rank
City
Rank
City
Rank
City
1
Boston, MA
1
Washington, D.C.
1
Albuquerque, NM
1
Miami, FL
2
New York, NY
2
New York, NY
2
Washington, D.C.
2
San Francisco, CA
3
Washington, D.C.
3
Phoenix, AZ
3
New York, NY
3
Washington, D.C.
4
Seattle, WA
4
Portland, OR
4
San Francisco, CA
4
Portland, OR
5
Long Beach, CA
5
Las Vegas, NV
5
Las Vegas, NV
5
Seattle, WA
6
Portland, OR
6
Chicago, IL
6
San Diego, CA
6
New York, NY
7
San Francisco, CA
7
Albuquerque, NM
7
El Paso, TX
7
Philadelphia, PA
8
Chicago, IL
8
Los Angeles, CA
8
Portland, OR
8
Oakland, CA
9
Minneapolis, MN
9
Boston, MA
9
Virginia Beach, VA
9
Atlanta, GA
10
San Jose, CA
10
Seattle, WA
10
San Jose, CA
10
Minneapolis, MN

Methodology

In commissioning this study, battleface looked at cities of all sizes and in regions across the nation. The company was intent on using only the highest quality metrics available to inform this ranking – sustainable commuting/transportation options, access to parks and greenspace, vegan friendliness, carbon emissions, and electric vehicle infrastructure

battleface gathered the raw data from sources and organizations including the United States Census Bureau, the International Council on Clean Transportation, the Trust for Public Lands, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and others.

Read more below on the specific approach and methodology.

  1.   Carbon emissions: Carbon emissions data was sourced from state level data, calculated per capita in the city (metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide) from EIA.
  2.   Parks: For the parks ranking we used data from the TPL Parkserve database, calculating the acres of park per square mile in the city.
  3.   Vegan Options: For the vegan rating, we utilized vegan only restaurants and eateries data taken from Happy Cow and calculated the number of establishments per square mile of each city.
  4.   Sustainable Transportation/Commuting: For the transportation score, we took data from the following sources, created a points system, and finally, calculated a transport score which went on to inform the ranking: BTS Commute mode, BTS Public Transportation Usage, bike infrastructure data from League of American Bicyclists.
  5.   Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: Data taken from a study compiled by the International Council on Clean Transportation. Our analysis looked at the raw number of electric vehicle charging stations per city and then on a per square mile basis.

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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :
  1. received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
  2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
  3. required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
    1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
    2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.
If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

  • surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
  • medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
  • medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states
Travel Protection Benefits Limits
Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay
Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay $100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included $100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental $750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Up to $500,000
Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage $1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

How many trips are you looking to insure?

A single trip

Customizable coverage for a single trip

Multiple trips

Annual coverage plan for frequent travelers

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes:
  • Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy
  • Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Trip Interruption 2,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 5,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 2,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability 500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage up to 10,000
Important notes:
  • Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy
  • Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation up to $20,000
Trip Interruption $1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses $5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit $25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident up to $50,000
Baggage $2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash $500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability $500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)
Important notes:
  • Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section G of the policy
  • Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness and Winter Sports is not available for those aged 75 years or over
  • Medical and Emergency Expenses are limited to $50,000 within Canada if you are not covered by government health insurance plan (GHIP) at the time of your claim

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Important notes:
  • Winter Sports optional cover, where selected, does not extend to the Personal Liability benefit under Section F of the policy
  • Travellers up to the age of 79 can purchase this product. Cover for illness is not available for those aged 75 years or over

How many trips are you looking to insure?

A single trip

Purchase your individual policy by adding business extension

Multiple trips

Customisable annual policy for groups with employees who are frequent travellers