Emerald Cities

By: Megan McLaughlin

Let’s face it…you’re probably not thinking about moving anytime soon with the country's current economic state. However, perhaps you are planning a small trip or are just curious; which cities are the cleanest and greenest?

CNN’s Money Magazine rates the best places to live every year. You may be surprised, but the top two cities are located in California. According to Money Magazine, the cleanest place to live today is Novato, California. Novato, along with some of the others in the top listings had an Air Quality Index of 100.0%. This NoCal city boasts a relatively small population (it’s no San Francisco), but scores big on air quality. Novato also shows big numbers in housing costs; the median home price in this city is $633,000!

If you’re running low on cash, but still in search of something green, venture further down the list of cleanest cities and you’ll find more affordable cities like Kingman, Arizona and Richmond, Virginia. Kingman, Arizona may be clean, but the fun factor is pretty low. This tiny town in the middle of AZ as an arid desert climate; January highs are in the 50s, but the lows are in the mid to low 20s! Despite the ever-changing temperatures, Kingman’s median home price is only $172,900.

If you’re looking for some good, clean fun, head to Richmond, Virginia. Whether it’s for a weekend away or a permanent relocation, this East Coast gem comes in at #4 on the list. Not only that, its affordable and fun. Richmond’s median home price is $177,000 and their AQI is 100.0%, just like the rest of the top 10. Richmond has a humid, subtropical climate with moderate seasonal changes. It is full of history and life and is located about two hours from shore towns like Virginia Beach.

Whether you’re moving forever or just for the week or weekend, it may be helpful to know which cities are clean and green. We don’t know how these cities have become the cleanest, but we know why; the people who live there strive to create a safe and clean environment for themselves and those to come.