Concerned about the air quality in your area? See how a few cities stacked up on the (ALA) American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2012 rankings. For the survey, the ALA examined 3 pollution categories- ozone, short-term, and long-term particulate matter pollution.
Santa Fe, NM came out on top in all 3 categories, likely due to a lack of dirty industry. According to the city’s Air Quality Bureau chief, Richard Goodyear, “the closest power plant is about 200 miles away.” New Mexico is also known for having emission standards that are higher than those of the EPA.
Bismarck, ND’s flat terrain and prevailing westerly winds help to keep the air circulating and therefore pristine. Nearby power plants have also become more diligent about maintaining higher air quality standards. Many have added new features such as, scrubbers and bag houses, which help remove particles from smoke.
Thanks to Lake Superior, Duluth, MN’s air quality remains excellent. The fact that there is no heavy industry here certainly helps. MN can also be credited for implementing statewide incentive programs to promote better air quality.
Honolulu, HI is committed to keeping its air quality well above average. Its geographic location along with frequent light rain and showers, play a significant role in keeping Honolulu’s air fresh. The city’s mayor, Peter Carlisle is mindful that ongoing steps must be taken and noted,“We’re building a modern new rail system to help further reduce dependency on fossil fuels.”
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The benefits of a daily, fast-paced walk for half an hour or more have been well documented. The right footwear and comfortable clothing are all it takes for something everyone needs to maintain both physical and mental health-a little exercise. Pedometers and mp3 players make reaching fitness goals fun and easy. When it comes to finding the perfect spot for a daily stroll or power walk, there are many US cities that are idyllic. The folks at 
The 2010 US Census revealed that American households made of married couples with children is dwindling. According to a Brookings Institute demographer, William Frey, “80% of households in the US are not families with children.”
Although most people prefer a bright and sunny place to call home, there are a few folks out there who may prefer to beat the heat (especially after the temperatures this summer) with a nice cloud cover. If you’re looking for a place that’s shielded from UV rays and intense temperatures, check out a few U.S. cities with the fewest days of sunshine.
When it comes to finding the perfect community for your lifestyle, the U.S. has a place for everybody. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of America’s most popular communities for young adults. From college students to young entrepreneurs to newlyweds, these areas offer some of the best services, amenities and attractions for the younger, hipper crowd.
If you’re an aspiring athlete who’s looking to bring home the gold, take a look at these all-star cities. Each one offers medal-worthy features and facilities, perfect for the future Olympian!
Rating an area’s “drivability” is a tricky task. Scenic beauty should come into play, along with traffic flow, favorable weather and pleasant climate, plus the price of gas and commute times. There should also be some mention as to how safe a city is for drivers. That being said, here is a look at three cities (and there are hundreds more) where as the Germans say, “
Suffolk - Located in the bustling Hampton Roads/Tidewater area in southeastern VA, Suffolk is growing by leaps and bounds. According to the US Census, Suffolk’s population increased by 32.8% in the decade from 2000 to 2010. The city’s growing high-tech sector along with a large number of economic incentives has created a very inviting business climate. A look at Suffolk’s excellent schools, top-notch medical facilities, cultural options, recreational amenities, and wide ranging real estate choices, will explain why so many are flocking here. 
Identifying cities that are considered “green” involves comparing a number of factors and can vary from study to study. The label green, or “eco-conscious” typically indicates that a city has high rates of recycling, good air and water quality, uses renewable energy sources, provides accessibility to lifestyle choices that promote being green, such as alternative transportation methods, construction of LEED structures, and the ability to purchase locally grown or produced products. Such studies are frequently conducted by Popular Science magazine, Newsweek’s The Daily Beast, Mother Earth News, and the EPA. Three U.S. cities that consistently appear in the top 20 are:
