Where D.C. ranks among 2025's best-performing cities
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The Washington area comes in at number 62 this year on a list of the country's best-performing big cities, according to an annual report ranking metros across a range of economic factors.
Why it matters: The Milken Institute's yearly rankings highlight U.S. metro areas with job growth, affordable housing, economic equality and other big draws.
The big picture: The top five spots are claimed by Raleigh, North Carolina; Ogden, Utah and Salt Lake City, Utah; Huntsville, Alabama; and Colorado Springs.
Yes, but: The DMV has actually improved in its ranking: Last year it came in at number 98, and it was number 134 in 2023.
Reality check: The report doesn't explicitly look at other quality-of-life factors people may consider when picking a place to live, like traffic congestion, public transit access and green space — meaning D.C. perks like museums and Metro likely weren't considered.