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Seattle Culture

Seattle Shines as a Smart City

A leader in tech-driven urban development

By Rob Smith February 22, 2025

Seattle skyline with the iconic Space Needle prominently in the foreground and modern skyscrapers in the background, under a cloudy sky. Vertical lines suggest digital connections, reflecting its evolution into a Smart City.
Original photo by RyanSchwark / Flickr, modified by Vivian Lai

Seattle is one of the “smartest” cities in the country.

CoWorkingCafé analyzed technological innovation, the tech job market and sustainable practices in ranking Seattle No. 6 on its list of smart cities. Did you know:

  • The city has 175 free Wi-Fi hotspots, the most in the country.
  • Seattle has five airports within a 70-mile radius (Sea-Tac; Paine Field; King County International Airport-Boeing Field; Renton Municipal Airport; Auburn Municipal Airport).
  • Seattle is home to 45 AI companies.
  • The city contains 568 electric vehicle charging points.

“With strong air quality, a high concentration of AI and IoT firms and leading broadband speeds, Seattle ensures a seamless digital experience for residents,” the report notes. “The city ranks high in tech job availability, with 3,832 positions advertised, supported by major employers like Microsoft and Amazon.”

Smarter cities create sustainable, resilient and thriving urban environments, and residents generally enjoy an enhanced quality of life and better economic growth.

The West Coast dominates the top 10, led by No. 1 San Francisco; No. 3 San Jose; No. 7 Los Angeles; and No. 9 San Diego.

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