When deciding on the best towns to put down roots, choosing one that offers eco-friendly living has become a growing priority for many people. And according to a recent report, three of the nation's most desired sustainable suburbs are located right here in the Garden State.
Solar Insure, a solar energy company based in California, surveyed 3,000 participants on the greenest towns they'd most like to move to for an eco-friendly lifestyle. With the results, the company compiled a ranked list of the 120 most desired sustainable suburbs across the country.
The communities selected all offer the charm and amenities that are a trademark of suburban living, but also focus on energy efficiency, green initiatives and reducing their overall environmental footprint.
NJ's most desirable sustainable suburbs
The New Jersey towns of Montclair, Princeton Junction and Maplewood were all named among the nation's most desirable sustainable suburbs.
The highest on the list for the Garden State, No. 36 Montclair's walkable neighborhoods and easily accessible public transit system contributed to its ranking, minimizing car dependency for the town's residents. Montclair also has a designated Office of Sustainability, showcasing the town's dedication to being eco-friendly through a comprehensive recycling program, community gardens and green building codes, among other things. Farmers' markets and local food initiatives that promote sustainability in Montclair were also cited in the report.
Princeton Junction, which ranked 43rd, was highlighted in the report for its green building standards, extensive recycling and sustainable landscaping practices. The town is also known for its abundance of parks and trails, hosting farmers' markets to support local agriculture and offering a convenient public transit system that minimizes car dependency, according to the report.
No. 65 Maplewood was named for promoting its recycling and composting programs, encouraging walkability with a pedestrian-friendly downtown and offering an abundance of green spaces, according to the report. The town is also known for supporting green building practices, energy-efficient upgrades and several other sustainability initiatives.
Other desirable eco-friendly suburbs in the tri-state area
Several other suburban communities in the New York metropolitan area were named among the nation's most desirable eco-friendly suburbs, including one that broke the ranking's top 10.
Brooklyn, specifically the Prospect Park area, was named the sixth most desirable eco-friendly community, according to the report. Integrating green infrastructure, bike lanes and a variety of public transit options in the borough contributed to its ranking, and the Prospect Park area was highlighted for having energy-efficient buildings, community gardens and waste reduction programs.
No. 26 Fairfield, Connecticut; No. 39 Rye, New York; No. 51 Scarsdale, New York; and No. 89 Pelham, New York made up the remaining communities named from the tri-state area.
And the top five most desirable sustainable suburbs, according to the report, are Coral Gables, Florida; Kailua, Hawaii; Santa Monica, California; Weston, Florida; and Hilo, Hawaii.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].