Seattle is the No. 1 ‘smart city’ in the country, according to a new report from ProptechOS — in other words, it’s the top city in the U.S. when it comes to development, progressive values and entrepreneurship.
The real estate/technology company analyzed the 48 largest U.S. cities based on tech infrastructure and connectivity, green infrastructure and the tech job market to determine the so-called smartest city in the country. Seattle claimed the top spot, overtaking Austin, Texas, which was the smartest city in 2023.
Seattle ranked No. 2 in the country for connectivity and infrastructure, including metrics like internet or AI-related companies, free WiFi hotspots, average broadband speeds and 5G coverage. The city also ranked No. 2 for green infrastructure, which included factors like air quality, tree coverage, electric vehicle charging stations and LEED-certified green buildings. Notably, Seattle increased its tree coverage by 13,700 hectares between 2010 and 2020 and has 10 electric vehicle charging stations per 100,000 residents.
And while Seattle’s tech job market didn’t crack the top 10 — Washington, D.C. was No. 1 — the metro is still home to some of the most prominent tech companies in the country, like Amazon and Microsoft, keeping it relevant in the world of tech.
Here’s the full top 10 of the smartest cities in the U.S.:
1. Seattle
2. Miami
3. Austin, Texas
4. San Jose, California
5. Oakland, California
6. Boston
7. San Francisco
8. New York City
9. Los Angeles
10. Atlanta