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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11. Boise, Idaho
Boise proves that you don’t need to be a big city to make a big environmental impact. With low pollution levels, excellent air quality, and a community-wide commitment to green living, Boise stands out in the Pacific Northwest.
The city’s extensive network of bike trails and greenways encourages eco-friendly travel, while local initiatives like composting programs and river cleanups keep the natural surroundings pristine. Even its public transportation system runs on clean energy.
Thanks to strict zoning and land-use policies, Boise has avoided the urban sprawl and industrial congestion that often plague growing cities.
12. Portland, Maine
This charming coastal city has made a name for itself not just through lobster rolls and lighthouses—but for being one of the cleanest spots on the East Coast.
Portland prioritizes clean air and water with aggressive environmental oversight. Its drinking water comes from Sebago Lake, one of the cleanest sources in the country, and the city routinely ranks high for air quality and low emissions.
Local businesses and residents have embraced eco-conscious practices, with recycling and composting widely available—even at the popular Portland Farmers’ Market. Plus, the city’s walkability means fewer cars and less smog.
13. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has made major strides in overcoming past pollution issues, and it’s now recognized as a model of urban revitalization and air quality improvement.
Between strict emissions regulations and an expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, the city has dramatically reduced its carbon footprint. Public transit—including buses powered by compressed natural gas—helps reduce car dependency.
With the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop, residents and city officials alike are motivated to protect the area’s stunning natural beauty through sustainability efforts and frequent public cleanups.
14. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage might surprise you, but this northern gem takes cleanliness and environmental preservation seriously.
The city is surrounded by some of the most untouched wilderness in the U.S., and its residents work hard to keep it that way. Anchorage invests heavily in recycling and waste reduction, even operating a “Zero Waste Anchorage” program focused on education and resource recovery.
Air and water quality remain high year-round, and even with the challenges of long winters, street cleaning and snow management are handled with precision and care to minimize pollution runoff.
15. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis rounds out the list with its progressive environmental policies, commitment to clean energy, and impressive urban cleanliness.
The city has invested in stormwater management systems, curbside composting, and hybrid public buses to reduce its environmental impact. In the summer, thousands participate in local clean-up events to maintain the parks, lakes, and rivers that define the city’s landscape.
Even in winter, snow removal is handled cleanly and efficiently to keep salt and debris from polluting the Mississippi River watershed. Minneapolis isn’t just clean—it’s consistently striving to be cleaner.
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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.