Urban jungles don’t have to mean concrete wasteland. Some metros are setting new standards of what city living can be.
Yes, it’s possible to have skyscrapers and still enjoy fresh air, clean water, and a high quality of life.
Here’s a look at the 10 cleanest cities in the USA—they’re green, pristine, and totally livable.
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Ever wondered why people in Honolulu seem to breathe a little easier? It’s because they do!
The American Lung Association confirms Honolulu has the best air quality in the country. The city has impressively low levels of year-round particle pollution, short-term particle pollution, and ozone pollution, all of which are a threat to public health.
But what makes Honolulu’s air so fresh?
It’s those Hawaiian trade winds. Like a powerful air purifier, ocean breezes sweep urban pollutants, such as car exhaust and industrial emissions, out to sea before they settle in.
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2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is an example of how community engagement can positively impact cleanliness and waste reduction.
Despite being the largest city in Wisconsin, it’s the tidiest, according to HouseFresh, an expert air purifier tester and independent publication.
Their data shows that Milwaukee logged only 309 sanitation-related complaints per 100,000 residents. Baltimore, a similar-sized city, had 47,295, which put it on top of the dirtiest cities list.
Another study by the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows that the city has been producing less trash over the past 15 years.
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3. Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk residents aren’t just breathing cleaner air—they’re also surprisingly happy with their waste disposal service.
The city’s “Keep Norfolk Beautiful” program is more than just a catchy slogan. They have creative solutions that work, including adopt-a-spot cleanups, recycling seminars, and free cigarette receptacles for businesses.
In addition, the coastal city partners with the port to reduce carbon emissions from ships and trucks, showing you can have a busy harbor and clean air at the same time.
Even their approach to water quality is impressive, from regular storm drain cleaning to strict monitoring of beach water quality.
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4. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington lives up to the “green” in the Green Mountain State. It was the first US city to run entirely on renewable power. It’s also passionate about supporting local farming and eco-friendly practices.
The air here is impressively clean, with only short, minor spikes in particulate matter (or soot).
Thanks to these efforts—and a little help from the city’s natural surroundings—Burlington has earned a top spot among the cleanest cities in the country. In its latest State of the Air report, the American Lung Association gave it a green grade for ozone air pollution.
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5. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Surprised to see a Texas mega-city on this list? DFW proves that big doesn’t have to mean dirty.
The region has invested heavily in clean air programs and electric vehicle charging stations across the metroplex.
Their “Clean Air Action Days” program gets everyone involved in reducing dangerous emissions. They’re setting up air quality monitors and even cracking down on idling trucks.
Green space is another DFW priority. Urban gardens are sprouting up in former food deserts, and through “Branch Out Dallas,” thousands of free trees are finding new homes in neighborhoods.
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6. San Francisco, California
San Francisco gets the highest marks on the 2024 City Clean Energy Scorecard, and it’s well-earned
San Francisco leads in energy efficiency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions—no small feat for such a populous city. Nearby cities like San Jose and San Diego aren’t far behind.
SF’s green initiatives are all part of California’s clean energy bill. One of the goals is for 15% of new vehicles to be emission-free by 2025. San Francisco is already ahead, with 37% of new car registrations in 2023 being electric.
Additionally, CleanPowerSF, the city’s local energy provider, powers electric vehicles and rapid transit systems, helping to reduce air pollution.
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7. Raleigh, North Carolina
They call Raleigh the “City of Oaks,” and those trees are doing more than just providing shade. While other cities struggle with smog, Raleigh sits under a 40% tree canopy that works like a giant air filter.
The city’s modern waste management system runs like a well-oiled machine, with smart collection routes and an easy-to-use recycling program. They even have an app to remind people of collection days.
Speaking of tech, Silicon Valley companies moving to Raleigh’s Research Triangle Park have brought more than just jobs.
These firms have imported their West Coast environmental consciousness, pushing for greener buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, and sustainable office practices.
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8. Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford proves that old cities can learn new tricks. While its smaller size helps keep things manageable, it’s smart planning that keeps the city fresh and green.
Take their street cleaning program, for instance. Hartford runs a precise operation, with scheduled cleanups that increase during fall leaf season and early spring. They also have a snow removal program that prevents the grimy buildup that plagues winter cities.
Even better? They’ve turned what could have been a problem—sitting right on the Connecticut River—into a win by keeping their water clean and clear. Local groups regularly test the water quality, and the results keep getting better every year.
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9. Denver, Colorado
Denver is lucky to have some of the cleanest—and best-tasting—water in the US! The secret? Its unique geography.
The city’s water comes from Rocky Mountain snowmelt, giving it a fresh, crisp taste. And residents need not worry about its safety.
Denver Water performs hundreds of thousands of tests yearly to ensure the water is safe to drink, with oversight from EPA and Colorado’s health departments.
Plus, the city’s focus on clean energy and sustainability gives its air quality index a good rating.
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10. Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City isn’t just cleaning up; it’s showing how a city transforms when everyone pitches in.
A prime example is the Great Kansas City Clean Up, where volunteers come together to clear trash and spruce up streets, turning neglected areas into spaces everyone can enjoy.
And the effort goes beyond cleanups. The Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition partners with local leaders to promote energy efficiency and help businesses transition to cleaner fuels.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.