Seattle named one of America's top 10 dream cities
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Seattle just landed in the top 10 cities where Americans most want to live, new data shows.
Why it matters: The results of a new survey underscore that Americans still view Seattle as one of the most desirable places to land and confirms what locals already believe — that this scenic city really is among the best in the world.
- It also reinforces Seattle's identity as a city shaped by transplants and newcomers, a fact that sparks both civic pride and complaints, depending on the rain, the rent and rush hour.
Driving the news: Seattle ranks seventh among U.S. cities people most want to move to, according to the 2025 America's Best Cities report by Resonance, a marketing and branding firm for cities and destinations.
- As part of that report, Resonance worked with Ipsos to ask about 2,000 respondents nationwide to name the top three U.S. towns or cities they'd most like to live in someday.
- New York, Los Angeles and Miami came out on top, followed by San Diego, Chicago and Las Vegas.
By the numbers: Resonance's comprehensive ranking evaluates cities based on hard metrics, including GDP, unemployment rates, air quality, and softer indicators like social media activity.
- Seattle ranked No. 5 overall, coming in second for air quality and third for GDP per capita among U.S. metros.
- Seattle is also the nation's No. 2 tech talent market, per CBRE, with new expansions from Commonwealth Bank and Brex, per the ranking.
What they're saying: "Few North American cities are stacking high-impact wins as fast as Seattle," according to the report's authors.
- Seattle's momentum is reflected, they say, in infrastructure upgrades, a hospitality boom and surging tourism numbers.
- New Sound Transit lines are improving commutes, expansion continues at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, per the report.
- Tourism also "roared back" last year, with Visit Seattle logging 40 million visitors who spent $8.8 billion in 2024.
- The city's port estimated a record number of cruise passengers last year.
We want to hear from you: We know, we know. Some locals like to keep Seattle's charms a secret.
- But if you're feeling generous, please take our survey and give newcomers your best tips.