SAN JOSÉ, Calif. – The City of San José has been named the #1 Greenest City in the United States for 2025, according to WalletHub’s annual independent study. The top ranking highlights the city’s strong environmental leadership, innovative clean energy programs, and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other California cities also earned top spots in the national rankings, including Oakland (#3), Irvine (#4), San Francisco (#5), San Diego (#7), Fremont (#11), Sacramento (#14), Chula Vista (#17), Anaheim (#18), Bakersfield (#20), and Los Angeles (#22).
“This national recognition celebrates the City’s One Team commitment across all departments to achieving the City’s goals for clean and sustainable air, land, and energy,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Through programs like San José Clean Energy and Climate Smart San José, we are building a healthier, more resilient city for generations to come.”
San José received an impressive 95 out of 100 in WalletHub’s Energy Sources category for its leadership in renewable power. The city’s not-for-profit energy provider, San José Clean Energy (SJCE), delivers more than 60% renewable electricity to residents and businesses—nearly double that of investor-owned utilities. SJCE customers can also opt for 100% renewable energy through the city’s TotalGreen program.
“San José has never waited for someone else to solve big challenges — we lead,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “From carbon neutrality goals to launching a community choice energy program that delivers some of the cleanest power in the country, we do not lead to chase titles but to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable city for generations to come.”
Since 2008, San José has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2.5 million metric tons annually. Its Climate Smart San José plan, adopted in 2018, continues to drive progress in clean energy, electrified transportation, and sustainable development. WalletHub also ranked San José high in the Transportation category, crediting the city’s record-setting adoption of electric vehicles—40% of new car registrations in 2024 were electric.