50. Mesa, AZ

Mesa, Arizona just might be the biggest city you’ve never heard of. Founded by Mormon pioneers in 1878, and with more people in it than Cleveland, Miami or Minneapolis, the desert city has one of the best natural disaster risk factors in the country; that is, nature’s wrath is least likely to get you in Mesa. But what might take you down is the city’s polluted air—it ranks 46th out of 50 in our survey. You might also be disappointed if you’re looking for fresh, local produce; Mesa scores 46th here too. Arizona’s third largest city is fortunate to have Arizona State University’s polytechnic campus right in town; it can partner with the school’s environmental technology management program to plan for a sustainable future.

(Photo by Kevinzim)