In some parts of the country, energy efficient and eco-friendly homes are easier to find. The real estate brokerage Redfin recently ranked cities that have the greenest homes, basing its rankings on the number of homes for sale that boast green features—such as solar panels, LEED certification, and Energy Star appliances—as well as taking into account each city’s carbon-dioxide emissions ranking.
"The residents of these cities are reducing their environmental footprint and saving money at the same time" by lowering their monthly utility bills, says Julie Jacobson, a real estate agent with Redfin.
The following cities emerged on the top of the brokerage’s list for greenest cities for homes:
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
With the U.S. housing market finally picking back up, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducted a large study to pinpoint how recession may have influenced consumers' lifestyle preferences and home wish lists. Released this month, the survey found that Americans desire:
Energy Star appliances above all else
energy-efficient laundry rooms
high-end amenities such as kitchens with double sinks, French doors, and whole-house technology
What homeowners and buyers do not want, meanwhile, are:
With a convenient location in Old Town Alexandria between the Braddock Road Metro and the Potomac River, the elegant Old Town Commons condominium are in a class of their own. All of these luxurious condos are new or in the process of being built. All offer private rear yards, beautiful views of Old Town, and easy access to the Braddock Road Metro.
The Old Town Commons host 380 residential units with a variety of 3 to 4 bedroom floor plans. The buildings were developed by EYA and purposefully designed to meet the LEED for Homes standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. As part of their green design, these new condos boast nontoxic pest treatment, low flow flush toilets, recycled construction materials, low VOC paints and finishes, heat reflective roofing and CFL lighting, including ENERGY STAR® appliances. Not only do these features save residents a significant amount of money, they also earned Old Town Commons the “Most Innovative Infill Community” award in 2010.
Old Town Commons is located only minutes away from downtown Old Town Alexandria. The nearby Mount Vernon Bike Trails and Charles Houston Recreation Center provide residents a variety of local recreational activities.
Old Town Commons residents are served by Maury Elementary School, Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, George Washington Middle School, West Potomac High School, and TC Williams High School.
Homes for sale in Old Town Commons: