Survey: Top 120 Most Desired Sustainable Suburbs in America

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We recently conducted a nationwide survey of 3,000 participants, asking them to name the ‘green’ sustainable suburbs they’d most like to move to for an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The result is a curated list of America’s Top 120 Most Desired Sustainable Suburbs. These communities offer the charm and amenities of suburban living and prioritize green initiatives, energy efficiency, and a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.

Join us as we explore the cities setting the standard for sustainable living and discover what makes them the most sought-after places for environmentally conscious families.

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Key Findings

• State Leaders: Texas boasts the most entries with multiple green sustainable suburbs like Round Rock, Plano, and The Woodlands, highlighting how the Lone Star State is balancing growth with sustainability.

• Growth vs. Green: Fast-growing states like Nevada (Henderson, Sparks, Summerlin) are showing how urban sprawl can still prioritize eco-friendly development.
• Northern Standouts: Alaska proves even colder climates can excel in sustainability with entries like Eagle River and Wasilla, thanks to renewable energy initiatives and eco-tourism.

Regional Hotspots for Sustainability

• With multiple cities in the top 120, states like Florida (Coral Gables, Weston) and Hawaii (Kailua, Hilo) demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating sustainability into daily life. This may be influenced by their unique vulnerabilities to climate change, such as rising sea levels and reliance on natural resources.
• Colorado’s presence (Golden, Louisville, Superior) highlights how the Mountain West integrates green living with outdoor recreation, leveraging access to nature and sustainable development.

Small States, Big Impact

• Vermont, Delaware, and Rhode Island may be geographically small but make a big splash in sustainable living.
• Shelburne, Essex, and Barrington showcase how these states prioritize community-driven green initiatives and low-impact lifestyles.

Diverse Approaches to Green Living

• Places like The Woodlands, Texas, and Serenbe, Georgia, stand out for their intentional design with walkability, green spaces, and energy-efficient homes.
• Neighborhoods like Shaker Heights, Ohio, and Takoma Park, Maryland, are blending their historical charm with eco-conscious updates like community solar and urban agriculture.

Suburban Sustainability Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All

• The suburbs on this list adopt sustainability in diverse ways. For instance, Brookline, Massachusetts, excels in energy-efficient housing, while Haile Plantation, Florida, focuses on integrating nature trails and preserving wildlife habitats. Meanwhile, Sequoyah Hills in Knoxville, Tennessee, emphasizes green infrastructure and bike lanes.

Climate-Specific Solutions

• Cities in Arizona, like Civano and Verrado, adopt xeriscaping and renewable energy solutions to tackle water scarcity and intense heat.
• Places like Falmouth, Maine, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, focus on preserving wetlands and protecting against flooding.

The Rise of Bike-Friendly Sustainable Cities

• Suburbs such as Kirkland, Washington, and Evanston, Illinois, are setting the bar for eco-friendly transportation by developing extensive bike trails and car-free zones.

Midwest Momentum

• The Midwest isn’t often thought of as a sustainability leader, areas like Prairie Crossing, Illinois, and Middleton, Wisconsin, are showing how the region can combine eco-friendly farming practices with energy-efficient suburban living.

The Role of Master Planning in Green Communities

• Suburbs like Verrado, Arizona, and Agritopia, Arizona, demonstrate how deliberate planning can create walkable, eco-conscious communities.
• Their popularity underscores the increasing demand for intentional urban designs.