Our homes are all getting a bit greener these days—and not just because it’s spring.

While eco-conscious features are gaining popularity across the country, certain areas are doing a better job at protecting the environment than others. And new research by Realtor.com® suggests that we can all tip our hats to California—particularly Yuba City, located just 40 miles north of Sacramento.

This city, along with five more in the Golden State, topped our list of the 10 metropolitan areas with the nation’s most eco-friendly real estate listings.

Cities in the West and Southwest (in states such as Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico) lead the way, taking all 10 slots with their green offerings.

This analysis culled Realtor.com listing descriptions for eco-friendly keywords—such as “eco-conscious,” “zero-energy,” and “solar panels”—then divided that figure by the total listings for these metropolitan areas.

The reason certain states shine in the environmental arena might have to do in part with state and local policies making it a priority.

“It’s worth noting that there are both carrots and sticks nudging homeowners to adopt more eco-friendly features,” says Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale.

For instance, the Inflation Reduction Act included at least two provisions to rebate households for making electric and energy-efficient improvements.

“There are many state and local-area incentives,” she adds. “Local governments are not just relying on incentives to change behavior. California—already a leader in solar panels in homes—mandated solar panels for new residential construction several years ago.”

Recent research at WalletHub confirms that California is indeed the king of the greenest states, citing its low overall energy consumption per capita and its second-highest number of alternative fuel stations per capita.

And while making these green changes isn’t always cheap, folks are finally coming around to the idea that installing them makes sense over time.

“Instead of seeing sustainable homebuilding as a barrier or cost to overcome, it’s now a lever to maintain affordability,” says Dan Bridleman, senior vice president of sustainability for KB Home.

Here are the top 10 metro areas in the U.S. with the greenest listings, plus some homes for sale offering earth-friendly features.

1. Yuba City, CA

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 12.3%

This Northern California city has the highest share of green listings—but not all eco-friendly features are as flashy as solar panels. For instance, the property below for sale for $499,000 boasts dual-paned windows. This upgrade improves energy efficiency via a layer of argon gas that acts as insulation between the panes. It also works as soundproofing.

2. Vallejo, CA

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 10.6%

In Vallejo, a San Francisco Bay Area city, this pretty pink house is on the market for $765,000 and has a paid-in-full solar system, plus a Tesla battery that can store solar energy for later use.

3. Tucson, AZ

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 8.3%

The Southwest has tons of sun, which is why home listings in the area tend to tout their solar capacity. The property below asking for $477,000 features leased solar, which means you don’t own the units outright but pay a monthly fee for them. But you can still benefit by using this energy source to slash your electric bill.

4. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 8.2%

This metro trifecta in Southern California features loads of green listings, including this architectural dream home in Thousand Oaks for $1,585,000. The property used sustainable marble from Vermont on the kitchen counters—which is green because sourcing natural, long-lasting stone reduces the level of volatile organic compounds in the home.

5. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 8.1%

Thick green lawns are becoming a thing of the past as the excess water and pesticides required to keep them looking nice aren’t good for the environment. Instead, hardscaping can be a smart solution, as shown in this San Diego listing below, up for grabs for $2,249,900.

6. Fort Collins, CO

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 8.0%

If you’re looking for the ultimate green home, this beauty below for $859,256 takes the cake. The structure is both LEED- and Energy Star-certified. Plus, it’s a Zero Energy Ready Home—a term that promises the highest quality building materials and energy-efficient systems. A ZERH is so well insulated, you’ll be living in your own carbon-free zone and enjoying a net-zero energy bill.

7. Stockton, CA

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 7.9%

Stockton is a sunny clime in Northern California with rays for days—and this home for $639,000 takes full advantage. The listing touts a Tesla solar system that’s completely paid for, allowing you an energy-efficient life and low carbon footprint.

8. Greeley, CO

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 7.6%

Sure, there’s lots of room for solar panels or an edible garden near this house asking for $511,608, but Colorado also has lots of cold days. Fortunately, this property was built with a 95% energy-efficient furnace, which means it uses sealed combustion when heating. The result: You’ll use less natural gas and see a smaller monthly bill.

9. Los Alamos, NM

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 7.5%

Desert living comes with extreme temperatures on both ends of the thermometer. This house for $869,000 has you covered, however, as the listing boasts energy-efficient mechanicals (heat, ventilation, and air conditioning).

10. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Share of listings with eco-friendly terms: 7.4%

Newly renovated with the environment in mind, this eco-friendly home for sale for $2,180,000 features dual-pane windows, energy-saving recessed lighting, and an artificial lawn so you can save on your water bill.

The post Who’s King of Going Green? These 10 Cities Boast the Most Eco-Friendly Home Listings in the Nation appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.