AUSTIN, Texas — As we celebrate Earth Day, Austin’s reputation as a green city still stands.

The Capital City ranks No. 1 for green spaces and is the seventh greenest city in the U.S. out of nine top cities on the list, according to a study by No Deposit Friend.

Green spaces in Austin are not hard to find. The city is known for its many parks, trails and other green spaces such as Zilker Park, Mount Bonnell and the Barton Creek Greenbelt where people can enjoy hiking, biking and being in nature.

According to a 2022 report from Shoal Creek Conservancy, about 15% of the land in Austin is made up of green spaces.

With all of the greenery in Austin, it makes sense why the city also ranks high on the list for air quality.

Air quality is measured with the U.S. Air Quality Index scale that ranges from 0 to 500. With an Air Quality Index of 30, the air quality in Austin is in the 0 to 50 range, which is deemed as good and where air pollution poses little to no risk.

"Our findings highlight the impressive efforts cities across the country are making towards environmental sustainability. The top cities not only excel in green policies but also in actively involving their communities in sustainable practices," said Stephen Ellis, lead researcher at No Deposit Friend.

Full list of greenest cities in the U.S. 2024:

1. San Francisco

2. Seattle

3. Washington, D.C.

4. Boston

5. Denver

6. Portland

7. Austin

8. Minneapolis

9. Burlington