Andrea Nekurae
The concept of smart cities has evolved from a futuristic vision to a concrete reality. Urban centers around the world are integrating technology and sustainability to improve the quality of life for their residents. These cities employ data analytics, innovative infrastructure and environmentally friendly initiatives to create connected and efficient urban environments.
So, which of the top smart cities of 2025? To identify the US cities that are making the biggest advances in technology-driven urban development, CoworkingCafe has analyzed over 370 US cities across 13 key metrics, including the presence of AI and IoT companies, free Wi-Fi availability, zero waste programs, transportation connectivity, and technology employment opportunities.
These metrics are categorized into three weighting groups: smart infrastructure and connectivity (45%), sustainability and green initiative (35%), and technology job market (20%), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of technology-driven urban development.
Better than the nation in smart city development on the West Coast and Northeast
When it comes to smart city innovation across the United States, regions on the West Coast and Northeast are leading the way in adopting cutting-edge technology for urban sustainability. California has four cities ranked among the top 10: San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego. These cities leverage advanced data analytics, IoT infrastructure and AI-driven solutions to increase energy efficiency, optimize transportation and give back carbon foot.
Meanwhile, the Northeast, led by Washington, DC and New York City, excels at integrating smart transit systems, green buildings and digital governance platforms to create a more efficient and sustainable urban environment.
1. San Francisco – 70 points
San Francisco tops the list as the smartest city in 2025, with a total smart city score of 70. As the epicenter of Silicon Valley, San Francisco attracts the finest talent, promotes innovation and boasts 39.72 technology jobs, advertised per 1,000 jobs in the region. The city is most concentrated in AI and IoT companies across the country, driving smart technology innovation.
Sustainable transport is also a major focus, with 42 electric vehicle promotional actions, including EV priorities and discounted parking and purchase incentives. Remote work has become easier in the city, with San Francisco offering 70 coworking locations and 149 free Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure experts remain connected. Additionally, the city’s focus on digital equity will allow all residents to access affordable, high-quality internet through strategic partnerships and digital literacy programs.
2. New York City – 62 points
New York City is closely followed by a score of 62, leading several smart city metrics. The Big Apple is ranked first across the nation on this metric, offering an impressive 379 coworking spaces that promote a collaborative environment for professionals. New York also has excellent Wi-Fi availability with 162 free hotspots, making digital access easy. The robust transport infrastructure features six airports within a 70-mile radius, ensuring global connectivity for professionals who are always on the go.
Hosting 276 AI companies, the city is second only to San Francisco in advances in artificial intelligence. Sustainability initiatives include a high proportion of electrical and hybrid public transport that contribute to strong zero waste programs, large-scale EV charging infrastructure, and greener mobility solutions. Government initiatives like the NYC Smart City Testbed Programme encourage innovation by streamlining the process of piloting emerging technologies across urban institutions. Additionally, the LinkNYC project will replace old Payphones with free Wi-Fi kiosks, giving both residents and visitors a digital connection.
3. San Jose – 55 points
San Jose, the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley, ranks third with a smart city score of 55. It is advertised more than any other city for such work at 57.53. Major tech companies, including Apple, Google and Adobe, are contributing to this booming job market. High concentrations of AI and IoT companies are driving advances in Smart City Solutions.
San Jose will promote EV adoption through 39 electric vehicle promotion actions (slightly a number of charging stations at 575) at the third charging station in this metric. Sustainability is a central focus with a strong zero waste initiative and 235 LEED-certified buildings. San Jose will promote innovation through collaborations such as smart city vision, AI-driven local government services, digital inclusion initiatives with tech giants, broadband expansion projects, and more, including integration of smart city technology into urban life.
4. Washington DC – 53 points
Washington, DC has achieved its position with a smart city score of 53, excels in government-supported technology employment, boasting a 47.99 advertised technical position. This gives the country’s capital in the second position of this particular indicator. The city is a leader in sustainable architecture and has 1,964 LEED certified green buildings.
With 79 coworking spaces and 110 free Wi-Fi hotspots, the professional community in Washington, DC is well connected. Advanced transportation policies that include large-scale electric vehicle promotions and a large portion of electric and hybrid public transport will improve city mobility. The city’s focus on sustainability is further illustrated by initiatives aimed at improving air quality and reducing environmental impacts, making it a model for sustainable urban planning.
5. Austin – 50 points
Austin is 50th and 50th, driven by rapid tech employment growth, with 42,96 jobs being promoted. The city guarantees professional connectivity with 71 coworking spaces and 156 free Wi-Fi hotspots. Its robust EV infrastructure includes 622 charging stations to support the adoption of electric vehicles. Austin’s strong presence in the IoT industry has driven the development of smart technologies, and the expansion of the AI sector has contributed to its reputation as an innovation hub. Cities policy encouraging high-tech innovation and sustainability status Austin as a leader in smart city initiatives.
6. Seattle – 47 points
Seattle is taking the sixth spot with a smart city score of 47. The city is supported by major employers such as Microsoft and Amazon, and is advertised with 38,32 positions. Seattle has 63 coworking spaces, 175 free Wi-Fi hotspots and a well-developed Zero Wast program. With strong air quality and a focus on AI and IoT companies and leading a wide range of speeds, Seattle ensures a seamless digital experience for its residents. Additionally, five airports are within 70 miles and rank second on this particular metric, so Seattle expands its connections across the border.
7. Los Angeles – 46 points
Los Angeles ranks seventh with a score of 45.83, known for its extensive EV infrastructure, with its 1,605 electric vehicle charging station being the best of all cities. The city offers 85 coworking spaces and 98 free Wi-Fi hotspots, making it a hub for digital connections. With 21,68 high-tech jobs being promoted, LA is a creative and digital industry powerhouse. The six airports will become the leading transport hubs supporting global connectivity. The city has a considerable number of AI companies living there, driving technological advancements.
8. Boston – 44 points
Boston ranks 8th with a score of 44 and has excellent EV adoption with its high-charge infrastructure and promotional policy. Specifically, Boston hosts 521 charging points and ranks ninth nationwide for EV Promotion Action. The city has 48 coworking spaces, 65 free Wi-Fi locations and a considerable number of LEED certified green buildings.
It is also a leader in the existence of AI and IoT companies and is a hub for technological advancement. Boston’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is driven by initiatives such as the Smart City Playbook, the Boston Green New Deal, and Smart Technology, to promote carbon neutrality and enhance urban development.
9. San Diego – 39 points
San Diego lands in 9th place with a smart city score of 39th. The city has a high EV adoption rate, offering 757 charging stations. It offers 75 coworking spaces, 128 free Wi-Fi hotspots and 26,09 technology employment opportunities. San Diego is recognized for its high quality air, making it an ideal place for sustainable urban life.
The city’s high proportion of electricity and hybrid public transport and a strong zero waste initiative have further contributed to its smart city status. Local governments are implementing numerous smart initiatives, including smart water management to improve efficiency and investment in digital government services.
10. Philadelphia – 38 points
Philadelphia scores the top 10 and 38. The city has excellent proportions of electric/hybrid public transport. In fact, 78.2% of public transport is green, and this indicator lands Philadelphia in fourth place. It offers 58 coworking spaces and 75 free Wi-Fi hotspots and has a powerful zero waste program. Philadelphia ranks well in AI innovation, supporting the development of 12 AI companies and cutting-edge technology. The city also has solid EV infrastructure, transportation connectivity and strong broadband speed infrastructure, making it a leader in smart city planning. Local governments are investing in smart lighting, traffic management systems and digital services that increase efficiency and sustainability.
Methodology
This study analyzed 377 cities with a minimum population of 100,000 in the complete dataset. The final score was determined by comparing data points between cities.
Smart Infrastructure and Connections (45% Weight)
Coworking Spaces and Remote Work Accessibility (10 points) Free WiFi Hotspots (10 points): Data sourced from www.wififreespot.com. Median broadband download speed (10 points): Retrieved from www.speedtest.net. Number of AI companies (20 points): Information collected from CrunchBase. Number of IoT (Internet) Companies (20 points): Supplied by CrunchBase. Number of airports (10 points): Data from the National Aviation Database. Percentage of Electric and Hybrid Public Transport (20 points): Collected from APTA Public Transport Vehicle Database – 2024.
Green Infrastructure (35% weight)
Air Quality Index (15 points, high low score): 2024 data collected from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Electric Vehicle Charging Points (25 Points): Edited by the Ministry of Energy. Electric Vehicle Promotion Activities (25 points): Derived from city government initiatives and public policy records. Number of LEED certified green buildings (25 points): Data from the US Green Building Council. Zero Waste Program (10 points): Based on local government records and environmental databases collected by waste.
High-tech Job Market (20% Weight)
Number of high-tech jobs advertised (100 points): Data absorbed from OEWS.
This story was produced by CoworkingCafe, reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
