New York ranks first in the 2025 list of America’s best cities for livability, appeal, and prosperity. According to the annual America’s Best Cities 2025 report by Resonance Consultancy, a firm specializing in tourism and economic development, the city outperformed 100 competing metro areas for the ninth consecutive year. The release follows the recent publication of the Best Cities in Europe 2025 ranking.
A ranking that reflects new urban realities
The Best Cities study captures a crucial moment for the urban future of the United States, in a landscape shaped by geopolitical shifts, economic pressure, environmental priorities, and the migration of capital and talent.
“These 100 cities are aligning investment appeal, quality of life, and cultural capital, redefining what it means to be a ‘best city’ in this decade,” said Chris Fair, CEO of Resonance.
The America’s Best Cities 2025 ranking is based on the proprietary Place Power™ Score, a methodology that blends user-generated global data, key statistical indicators, and new proprietary research, including a benchmark Ipsos survey of over 2,000 U.S. residents. The result is one of the most comprehensive city rankings in the country.
Cities are evaluated across three core pillars:
- Livability: housing affordability, air quality, green space, healthcare
- Lovability (Appeal): culture, nightlife, dining, attractions, digital engagement
- Prosperity: economic strength, workforce participation, education system, startup ecosystem
Why New York remains number one
New York excels across all three pillars, reaffirming its role as a global hub for culture, business, tourism, and infrastructure. With 65 million visitors in 2024 and an expected economic impact of over $74 billion, the city remains a magnet for residents, investors, and travelers. Projects such as the new JFK terminal (opening in 2026), ongoing improvements at LaGuardia and Newark airports, and the upcoming congestion pricing rollout in 2025 underscore the city’s drive for urban innovation.
The top three cities in America
In second place is Los Angeles, boosted by investments in the creative economy, major infrastructure upgrades, and rebuilding efforts after devastating wildfires.
Chicago rounds out the top three, standing out as a welcoming, accessible, and resource-rich city that attracts talent from across the country.
The full top 10 cities in America for 2025:
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Miami
- Boston
- Washington, DC
- Las Vegas
- San Diego
The challenges ahead
According to the report, the 2025 list of America’s best cities arrives during a period marked by mounting challenges. Climate change is reshaping priorities, with urban fires, extreme heat waves, and water shortages becoming structural issues in urban planning. These pressures are compounded by interest rate uncertainty and the strain on critical infrastructure.
Geopolitical tensions are also shifting the global flow of capital and talent, adding complexity to urban development strategies.
Another critical concern is the decline in international visitors, who have played a key role in the economic recovery of U.S. cities. Forecasts for 2025 estimate that arrivals from key markets such as China, Japan, and the United Kingdom will remain up to 15% below 2019 levels.
Top cities respond with bold strategies
Despite the difficulties, the cities leading the ranking are responding decisively with bold and forward-thinking strategies. Their priorities include:
- reshoring of advanced industries and high-tech manufacturing
- doubling down on investment in research, development, and innovation
- enhancing multimodal connectivity, from public transit to smart infrastructure
- developing vibrant cultural districts to attract talent and visitors
“With global perceptions shifting due to trade disputes and political friction, U.S. cities are leveraging their cultural heritage and innovative spirit like never before,” said Jason McGrath, executive vice president and head of U.S. corporate reputation at Ipsos, research partner for the Best Cities project. “Our data show that top American cities skillfully blend local culture with economic outlooks, delivering high-quality experiences for both residents and visitors.”
Download the America’s Best Cities 2025 report here
