Temple Terrace Named Among 15 Most Eco-Forward Cities In U.S.

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — Nestled among the grand oaks and towering pines along the banks of the majestic Hillsborough River, Temple Terrace is already an environmentalist's dream.

But now the residents have another reason to get out and celebrate Earth Day on Saturday.

Opendoor, the online buy/sell marketplace, has named Temple Terrace to its list of 15 eco-forward cities and towns across the U.S., the only city in Florida to make the list.

About 78 percent of U.S. consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, so Opendoor looked at eco-forward elements from bicycle parking to recycling to public transportation to second-hand shops to help determine which cities and towns would be an ideal location those seeking an eco-friendly city.

The list of eco-forward cities offers a glimpse into what homeowners consider must-haves when moving into the next stage of their lives, such as having a mindful recycling program or access to a comprehensive transit system that makes it easy to move around.

“From promoting clean energy sources, reducing waste and preserving natural resources, these cities are prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives," said sustainability expert Jhánneu Roberts. "They have strong public transportation systems and support environmentally responsible behavior among residents. And most of these cities are in regions known for their natural beauty and scenic landscapes that may contribute to a greater appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it.”

The 2023 Home Decor Report shows that homebuyers are also eco-minded when they tackle home projects indoors and out.

Indoors, they save money and materials by refinishing floors and cabinets, updating fixtures and furniture instead of buying new, and investing in energy-saving dimmers.

Outdoors, they want solar-powered lights and native and drought-resistant landscaping.

Temple Terrace residents are among those most likely to install energy-efficient light bulbs, introduce design elements like live greenery that improve air quality, reduce the impact of new furniture purchases on the environment by shopping at online marketplaces, thrift stores and yard sales, choose energy-efficient appliances and plant drought-resistant native plants in their yards.

Residents of Temple Terrace are also enthusiast bicyclists, taking advantage of the city's winding, tree-lined roads for recreation or to bike to work or school.

Golf carts are also a popular, eco-friendly mode of transportation in the city.

Residents are encouraged to rely less on automobiles and use alternative means of transportation through the city's commitment to safety features such as bike lanes, signs, sharrows and lowered speed limits.

That commitment led to Temple Terrace becoming the first city in Florida designated as a Multimodal Transportation District by the state.

Renowned for its plush landscape of trees, especially its grand oaks, laurel oaks and water oaks, the city has also filled its parks with crape myrtle, southern magnolia, redbud, sweet gum, sabal palm, slash pine and bald cypress, which are closely regulated by the city's tree board, tree care ordinance and comprehensive forestry program.

The city's "made-in-the-shade" attitude also paved the way to it being named a Tree City USA every year since 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Communities that receive the Tree City USA distinction recognize that:

• Trees promote healthier communities by filtering the air
• Trees moderate climate, conserve water and provide habitat for wildlife
• Trees in urban areas reduce heat caused by pavement and buildings
• Properly placed trees can increase property values

Residents are encourages to add trees to their home landscapes through the city's Adopt-A-Tree Program, which offers free trees to Temple Terrace homeowners, as well as delivers and plants them. All the homeowner has to do is water them.

Temple Terrace was once the largest citrus grove in the world, consuming 5,000 acres of the land.

With donations and assistance from the Tampa Bay Reforestation and Environmental Effort (T.R.E.E. Inc), the city has planted hundreds of seedlings throughout the community.

The city also sponsors seminars on how to properly plant and maintain trees.

For a city that's just a little over 7 square miles, Temple Terrace boasts an inordinate number of parks encompassing more than 300 acres, including two community recreation centers, three athletic complexes, three district parks, 16 neighborhood parks, three tennis facilities, five swimming pools and two nature preserves that are overseen by nearly 75 full- and part-time staff.

This doesn't include the recreational opportunities created by the Hillsborough River which runs through the city, attracting all manner of wildlife from wading birds to gopher tortoises.

Opendoor’s top 15 eco-forward cities and towns in order are:

1. Somerville, Massachusetts
2. Emeryville, California
3. Jersey City, New Jersey
4. Boulder, Colorado
5. Arlington, Virginia
6. Portland, Oregon
7. West Hempstead, New York
8. Carrboro, North Carolina
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
10. Santa Monica, California
11. Temple Terrace
12. Fort Collins, Colorado
13. Dearborn, Michigan
14. Phoenix, Arizona
15. San Diego, California

Earth Day Celebration

To help celebrate Earth Day and its new status as an eco-forward city, the Rotary Club of Temple Terrace will host its second annual RiverFest Cleanup Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, a family- and pet-friendly effort to keep the Hillsborough River clean.

Those with boats can launch from Rotary Park, 8000 E. Fowler Ave., and finish at Scout Park, 911 Bellemeade Ave. (All boaters must have proper safety gear.)

Activities will take place at Scout Park and include the Downtown Hound Lure Course (dogs welcome), Mobile Team Events with a climbing wall, food for purchase from JJ’s Wax Hands and Amusements Food Truck, and live music provided by Bob Thompson.

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