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Seattle Earns Place on ‘America’s Best Cities’ Ranking

Report lauds ‘inclusive prosperity, bold urban vibrancy’

By Rob Smith July 4, 2024

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Photo by Stefano Politi Markovina / Shutterstock

Seattle has landed at No. 9 on a prestigious ranking of America’s Best Cities for 2024.

Branding and advisory company Resonance analyzed extensive economic data, user-generated reviews, social media, and online activity in determining the “livability, lovability, and prosperity” of 100 cities across America. The study is focused on factors that attract what Resonance calls the “prime age population” between 25 and 44.

The study notes that “America’s growing tech hub is playing the long game, focusing on inclusive prosperity and bold urban vibrancy to win the war for talent. It boasts a growing population (the metro area now has about 4 million people) fueled by talent seeking literally greener pastures and pulled by the influential titans of industry in town, from Amazon to Starbucks to Zillow.”

It also predicts that both heat waves in the Southern U.S., as well as politics, will “accelerate” immigrations. And thanks in no small part to the University of Washington, the study says Seattle has the 11th-most educated citizenry in the country.

New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles lead the list. Seattle placed just behind Washington, D.C., and one spot ahead of Houston. Spokane, described as “Washington’s livable wonderland,” ranked 73rd and was the only other city in the state on the list.

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