Seattle is the No. 5 city in the United States, according to the annual America’s Best Cities ranking from Resonance Consultancy.

The firm ranked U.S. cities with populations greater than 500,000 on three main factors: livability, including sights and landmarks, housing affordability, air quality, healthcare systems, nature, bikeability and walkability; lovability, including nightlife, culture, shopping, attractions, museums, restaurants and internet trends; and prosperity, including labor force participation, businesses and the business environment, universities, unemployment, GDP per capita and the poverty rate.

Seattle’s high rank was due largely to its good air quality — ranked second in the nation — and GDP per capita, ranked third. Of course, Seattle’s rank was further boosted by its tech market and strong business ecosystem.

Resonance also noted the Emerald City’s 90 new businesses in 2024, plus improvements in public transportation.

Looking to the future, the One Seattle Plan should add roughly 330,000 housing units to the area, hopefully easing housing shortages and further reinvigorating the area.

Seattle also ranked No. 19 on Resonance’s 2025 World’s Best Cities list.