Natural Home magazine has name Ballard to its top 10 list of America's Best Eco-Neighborhoods.

Ballard was tenth on the list and was chosen as one of the top urban neighborhoods encouraging a healthy eco-conscious life with community involvement, shopping, libraries, schools within a walkable area, public transportation and locally owned businesses.

"Located in northwest Seattle close to downtown, the Ballard neighborhood has a rich maritime history, Scandinavian roots, varied architecture and an energetic business district with nightlife, coffee shops, boutiques, wine bards and a lively music scene.

Under the heading Curb Appeal, Ballard is credited with having lots of trees, parks nearby, access to kayaking and sailing.

There is mention of the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library with its 18,000 low water use plants on the roof, a successful curbside recycling program, high density are with empty lots transformed into condos, run down industrial sites razed and turned into homes and green certified condos