Categories: News

Philly is #15th Greenest City in USA

The city of brotherly love continues to battle it out in the greenest city ranks.

Philadelphia has been named the #15 greenest city of 2015 in a report by Wallethub.

We were beat by top 5 cities (in descending order), Honolulu, Washington DC, San Fran, Portland and NEW YORK. (Seriously, New York?!?! GREENEST?!)

Cities were ranked based on “1) Environmental Quality, 2) “Greenness” of Transportation, 3) “Greenness” of Energy Sources and 4) Green Lifestyle & Local Policies”. (Note to Wallethub: “greenness” isn’t a word, and the term green is passé as it is… coming from a website that has “green” in our name.) Their full methodology is on their website (link above).

We’ll give it to NYC that basically no one drives (which is why they ranked #1 for the lowest numbers of commuters that drive), but Philly was left off the “bike score”, which we disagree with – since Philly’s been the #1 bike commuting city for several years now.

Here’s how Philly shook out in ranking:

Philadelphia “Green” Rankings (according to Wallethub)

  • 31st – % of Green Space
  • 9th – % of Commuters Who Drive
  • 11th – Bike Score
  • 13th – Number of Farmers Markets per Capita
  • 6th – Walk Score

Not that Wallethub’s the expert in environmental rankings (after all, they’re a “Personal Finance Resource?” that comes out with a ton of rankings that Philly Mag often eagerly writes about), but we love seeing our city in any top-tier regardless.

Readers, what do you think of Wallethub’s ranking? Tell us in the comments. 

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

This snowstorm made one thing clear: Philly needs better ways to get around

We wondered if the recent snowpocalypse might lead to a less car-dependent city. Instead, as…

1 day ago

Urban forestry grants, Shapiro’s budget, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  House bill on energy efficiency standards passes to…

5 days ago

PECO Bills are high. Here’s how to cut your energy bills & save money this winter

Whether you rent or own your home, learn why you're seeing higher bills, how to…

6 days ago

De-icing with rock salt, moon meditations, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City service updates after the storm. Sunday’s storm…

2 weeks ago

Trying to reduce waste? Here’s a practical, local guide for Philly residents

Local tips, services, and swaps to help you send less to the landfill. Climate change…

2 weeks ago

Wind chill, Stop Trashing Our Air, MLK Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philly honors MLK Day of Service. Philadelphia is…

3 weeks ago