Portland does more than stay weird. It also manages to stay green year after year, topping almost every national ranking of green cities and even making it onto some international lists. With 288 parks blanketing a quarter of the city, stringent carbon-emissions reduction plans, more than 200 miles of bike lanes, and half of its energy coming from renewable sources, it is no wonder that Portland has an unwavering hold on the top spot.
Residents actively participate in the Slow Food movement and it’s not uncommon (or illegal) for people to raise chickens. As Travel + Leisure notes, it is even home to the world’s smallest park. Just 2 feet long, Mill Ends Park would make Leslie Knope proud.