Architectural model of a modern city with high-rise buildings


From solar panel rebates to green buildings and composting programs, which U.S. cities are leading the nation for Earth-friendly initiatives and sustainable urban development? To mark the 2025 Net Zero Conference on Oct. 1, LawnStarter ranked 2025's Most Sustainable Cities.

To rank the nation’s greenest cities, we compared the 500 largest U.S. cities using 47 eco-conscious metrics — such as restrictions on gas-powered lawn equipment, the share of car-free commutes, and access to zero-waste grocery stores — sorted into 5 categories. Here are the 10 Most Sustainable Cities in the U.S.:
New York
Portland, Oregon
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Seattle
Washington, DC
Rochester, New York
Sacramento, California
Boulder, Colorado
Oakland, California

Key Insights:

 - 80 percent of the California cities ranked in the study land in the top half. The Golden State has forged paths for composting programs, the green lawn care movement, and infrastructure for electric vehicles. 

 - Energy efficiency is a win-win, helping homeowners save money while reducing wasted energy. San Diego (No. 26) claims the highest number of certified zero-energy buildings, with 27. Colorado cities Lakewood (No. 119) and Denver (No. 15) have the most financial incentives supporting renewables and energy efficiency. 

 - Composting is growing in cities across the nation — with new pilot programs emerging in cities like Detroit (No. 312), Fayetteville, Arkansas (No. 124), and Alexandria, Virginia (No. 33).

Click here for the full report.