The Most Successful City in America, Ranked

Choose the city you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:57
Identifying the most successful city in America often hinges on a variety of metrics that fluctuate based on who is asked. For professionals, it might be where the job markets are booming and career opportunities are ripe. For families, factors like education, safety, and community activities take center stage. This list aims to capture these diverse perspectives and present an aggregated view based on your votes. By contributing to this ranking, you help paint a clearer picture of what success looks like across different cities. Each vote helps adjust the dynamic of the list, reflecting new insights and experiences from fellow users. It's not only about seeing which cities top the charts, but also discovering why they have earned their place there. Your participation shapes this ongoing conversation.

What Is the Most Successful City in America?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    With a thriving tech industry, beautiful scenery, and a high standard of living, San Francisco is considered one of the most successful cities in America.
    San Francisco, CA is a vibrant city located on the west coast of the United States. Known for its iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, and thriving tech industry, it is a popular travel destination for Thanksgiving. Visitors can explore the cosmopolitan neighborhoods, enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and experience a rich culinary scene.
    • Location: California, United States
    • Population: Approximately 883,305
    • Land Area: Approximately 46.87 square miles
    • Climate: Mediterranean
    • Famous Landmarks: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf
  2. 2
    32
    votes

    New York, NY

    Dutch settlers
    As the financial capital of the world and home to some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions, New York continues to be a hub of success and innovation.
    New York, NY is the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York. It is considered one of the most influential and diverse cities in the world, attracting people from all walks of life. Known as the Big Apple, New York City is famous for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and economic powerhouses such as Wall Street. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, cuisines, and languages, and offers a wide range of opportunities in various fields, including finance, arts, and technology.
    • Population: 8,336,817
    • Area: 302.6 square miles
    • Nickname: The Big Apple
    • Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5:00)
    • Landmarks: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    Known for its top-tier universities, healthcare institutions, and historical significance, Boston is a city that attracts some of the most talented and ambitious individuals.
    Boston, MA is a popular travel destination in the United States for Thanksgiving. It is a historic and vibrant city located in Massachusetts, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and delicious food. With its charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful waterfront, Boston offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors during the holiday season.
    • Location: Massachusetts, United States
    • History: Rich colonial history and significant American Revolutionary War sites
    • Culture: Home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters
    • Attractions: Freedom Trail, Boston Common, New England Aquarium, Fenway Park
    • Food: Famous for seafood, clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    Washington, DC
    Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain

    Washington, DC

    Pierre Charles L'Enfant
    As the political center of the United States, Washington, DC has a thriving economy and attracts some of the brightest minds in government and policy.
    Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States and is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. It is a popular travel destination during Thanksgiving, offering a variety of activities, attractions, and events for visitors to enjoy.
    • Location: Mid-Atlantic region of the United States
    • Population: Approximately 700,000
    • Area: Approximately 68.3 square miles
    • Landmarks: White House, United States Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums
    • Museums: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    With a booming tech industry and a vibrant culture, Austin has become a popular destination for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
    Austin, TX is the capital city of the state of Texas and is widely regarded as one of the most successful and thriving cities in America. Known for its vibrant live music scene, diverse culture, and booming tech industry, Austin attracts both tourists and professionals from around the world.
    • Population: Approximately 950,000 residents
    • Economic Growth: Consistently ranks high in job growth and economic opportunity
    • Tech Hub: Home to numerous tech companies and startups, including Dell, IBM, and Oracle
    • Education: Highly regarded universities and colleges, including the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College
    • Outdoor Activities: Abundance of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and water sports on the nearby rivers and lakes
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Seattle, WA
    Rattlhed at English Wikipedia · Public domain
    Home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, Seattle has a thriving economy and a beautiful natural landscape.
    Seattle, WA is a vibrant and thriving city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Known for its stunning natural beauty, bustling tech industry, and thriving arts scene, Seattle has become one of the most successful cities in America.
    • Population: Approximately 724,745 (as of 2019)
    • Area: 142.07 square miles
    • Elevation: Between sea level and 520 feet
    • Major Industries: Technology, aerospace, healthcare, retail, and shipping
    • Tourist Attractions: Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Pop Culture
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Chicago, IL
    J. Crocker · Attribution

    Chicago, IL

    City of Chicago
    With a diverse economy and a central location, Chicago has long been a hub of business and innovation in the Midwest.
    Chicago, IL is a vibrant city located in the state of Illinois, USA. Known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and diverse culinary scene, it attracts millions of visitors each year. The city offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and nature, making it an ideal travel destination for Thanksgiving.
    • Population: 2.7 million
    • Nicknames: The Windy City, Chi-Town
    • Weather: Cold with average temperatures around 40°F (4°C)
    • Attractions: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago
    • Sports Teams: Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Bears (NFL)
  8. 8
    4
    votes

    Los Angeles, CA

    Spanish colonizers in 1781
    As the entertainment capital of the world and a hub of innovation in various industries, Los Angeles continues to attract some of the most talented and creative individuals.
    Los Angeles, CA is a vibrant and iconic city located on the west coast of the United States. It is widely recognized as a global center of entertainment, culture, and business. With its beautiful beaches, year-round sunny weather, and diverse population, Los Angeles offers a unique and dynamic lifestyle for its residents and visitors alike.
    • Population: Nearly 4 million
    • Area: Approximately 1,302 square kilometers
    • Famous Landmarks: Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory
    • Economy: Diverse economy with strengths in entertainment, technology, aerospace, tourism, and international trade
    • Cultural Influence: Major hub for film, television, music, and art production
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    San Diego, CA
    Nehrams2020 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    With beautiful weather, a thriving biotech industry, and a high quality of life, San Diego is considered one of the most successful cities in America.
    San Diego, CA is a highly successful city located in Southern California. Known for its beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, San Diego attracts millions of visitors each year. The city offers a high quality of life with a diverse range of recreational activities and a strong economy supported by sectors such as technology, defense, tourism, and healthcare.
    • Cultural Attractions: World-class museums, theaters, and art galleries
    • Population: Approximately 1.4 million
    • Area: 372.4 square miles
    • Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild, dry summers and warm winters
    • Beaches: 70 miles of coastline with numerous pristine beaches
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Raleigh, NC
    Mark Turner · Public domain

    Raleigh, NC

    Founded by Joel Lane in 1792
    Known as the Research Triangle, Raleigh has a thriving tech industry and is home to some of the top research institutions in the country.
    Raleigh, NC is a vibrant and thriving city located in the state of North Carolina. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strong economy, it has become one of the most successful cities in America.
    • Population: Approximately 474,069
    • Area: Approximately 146.90 square miles
    • Economy: Strong and diverse economy with sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, finance, and government
    • Quality of Life: High quality of life with excellent amenities, access to nature, and a thriving arts and culture scene
    • Education: Home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including North Carolina State University

Missing your favorite city?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for successful city

  1. Economic indicators
    This includes the unemployment rate, median household income, job growth rate, and other factors that reflect a city's economic standing.
  2. Quality of life
    This includes things like crime rates, access to healthcare, availability of affordable housing, and other elements that contribute to a high quality of life for residents.
  3. Education
    Cities with strong education systems tend to have a more educated population, which can help attract businesses and contribute to economic growth.
  4. Innovation
    Cities that are hubs for innovation in areas like technology, science, and medicine tend to have a competitive edge and attract skilled workers.
  5. Cultural amenities
    The presence of things like museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions can help attract a diverse array of residents and contribute to a city's overall vitality.
  6. Infrastructure
    Access to reliable transportation, strong technology infrastructure, and other key elements of modern infrastructure can contribute to a city's success.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful city in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1964 views
  • 179 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most successful city in america

Background: America is a diverse country with numerous cities that boast different attributes and characteristics. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, each city has its own unique charm. However, when it comes to determining the most successful city in America, there are several factors to consider. These factors include economic growth, job opportunities, cost of living, quality of life, and cultural significance. With so many variables at play, it can be challenging to pinpoint a single city as the most successful. Nevertheless, there are a few cities that stand out from the rest due to their exceptional achievements in these areas. Let's take a closer look at some of the most successful cities in America.

Share this article