City is ranked No. 1 in eco-friendly transport, air quality
Rockville ranked second on a list of the top three greenest small cities in the United States, according to a report released April 28 by Compare the Market Australia.
Rockville received “top marks” in walkability, air quality and public transportation — the Montgomery County city is ranked No. 1 in eco-friendly transport.
Among the three cities listed, Rockville was named No. 1 for its air quality score of 37. A U.S. Air Quality Index ranges from 0 to 500; an AQI score of 50 or below represents good air quality, while any score above 100 may result in health effects.
Owners of electric vehicles in the Rockville area can utilize one of the 153 available EV chargers, the sixth-highest number in the nation. In March, the City of Rockville adopted an Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan to encourage increased use of EVs.
The report also recognized Rockville’s abundance of farmers markets, adding that the city is home to four regular farmers markets.
“We’re proud to be leading the way toward a greener future,” the City of Rockville posted on Instagram.
Rockville is notably the only East Coast representation on the list. In first place was Palo Alto, and following Rockville is San Luis Obispo, California.
A 2024 progress report of Rockville’s Climate Action Plan, launched in January 2022 to equitably reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says that the city has made “notable strides … to direct resources toward energy efficiency, clean energy, improved resiliency, and equitable outcomes” over the past three years.
The fiscal year 2025 budget allocated more than $4.3 million to existing and new programs that support climate projects and initiatives.
The report indicated Rockville’s progress in climate initiatives, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, land management, materials and waste, resiliency and public engagement.
More than 1,800 Rockville homes participated in Pepco’s residential energy efficient programs, which is nearly triple the amount of participating homes in 2023.
The city is “one of the leading municipalities in Maryland” that has made a formal commitment to progress its sustainability initiatives, according to City of Rockville.
Rockville was also named the best small city for livability in Maryland by WalletHub in fall 2024.
Farmers Markets in the Rockville Area
Rockville Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 17 to Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Route 28 and Monroe Street
Main Street Farmers and Artists Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
301 Main St., Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Kensington Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
10417 Howard Ave., Kensington, MD 20895
Pike Central Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
910 Rose Ave., North Bethesda, MD 20852
