Striking a balance between economic growth and sustainability initiatives is an unrelenting challenge for cities across the globe. fDi’s latest rankings showcase those which prioritize both without compromising the other.
Mobility innovators EasyPark have uncovered the world’s best cities of the future, using data to highlight forward-thinking urban areas.
1. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is famous for being the heart of movie culture, but the city also has a strong reputation in music. Its numerous recording studios and countless restaurants showcase the local cuisine, which reflects LA's diverse population. From traditional tacos to haute Nuevo Latino fare, there's something for everyone in this California capital.
It may have a 0.0 score in the carbon footprint category, but LA's strengths in B Corporations and EV charging station availability allowed it to claim the top spot in the future-ready ranking. It's also home to Universal Studios, making it a top destination for anyone looking to break into the film industry.
2. Tokyo
Tokyo is the most populous city in the world, and a cultural and business hub where cutting edge modernity and deeply held tradition sit side by side. From the high-fashion street of Shibuya to the kaleidoscope of characters that make up Harajuku’s otaku (young girls obsessed with cosplay) scene, this is a city that revels in contradictions.
In the center, the Imperial Palace is surrounded by expansive public gardens, while a bustling Tokyo Station handles more than 2 million passengers each day. And the city’s cuisine is legendary—with chefs gaining worldwide renown for their creative takes on traditional Japanese dishes and the region’s seafood. This year, Tokyo restaurants amassed a record-breaking 263 Michelin stars. The shopper’s paradise of Ginza is also home to an array of high-end boutiques and designer fashion houses. A sprinkling of traditional temples and shrines adds to the mix.
3. Taipei
The capital of Taiwan is a confident city that has a lot to offer. It has Japanese colonial lanes, shopping streets and contemporary buildings. The skyline is dominated by Taipei 101, which has upscale shops and an observation deck at the top.
The tower's design combines traditional Chinese culture, with the structure resembling a giant pagoda.
In the 1980s, as Taiwan's economy took off, residents were able to afford to live in better quality apartments and wide tree lined boulevards were laid out. Stylish restaurants and cafes opened up too.
Getting around the city is easy with excellent public transport and clean and safe streets. At a time when the sustainability of many cities is being questioned, it's encouraging to see that Taipei ranks high on the index. It also has one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world.
4. Berlin
The German capital has emerged from a divided past to become a playground of freedom, expression and creativity. Landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie serve as reminders of Berlin’s dark history, but the city continues to reinvent itself. Sophisticated art fans can explore world-renowned galleries while the city’s nightlife is renowned for its exploration of sex, drugs and gender.
The city also has many leading orchestras and museums and hosts a range of popular festivals. Its cosmopolitan entrepreneurial scene is supported by a number of world-class universities and business parks. And it’s not all work and no play – the nightlife is renowned for DJs playing hip hop classics at Berghain or dancing until dawn in the multicultural Kreuzberg neighborhood.
5. Atlanta
The Deep South’s capital offers family-friendly amenities alongside world-class restaurants, entertainment, professional sports teams, and a range of attractions. It also attracts tech startups and has an affordable cost of living, with a median home price of $308,900.
NYC may be feeling the Covid-19 pandemic’s effects, but it’s regaining traction with visitors thanks to big upgrades at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports, plus a 17-track expansion at the Moynihan Station that looks like something out of Northern Europe. It also has a solid public schools ranking and some of the fastest Internet speeds in the US.
6. Vancouver
Known as “the little city on the edge of the rainforest,” Vancouver is a cosmopolitan center that boasts stunning natural beauty. The city is a rare place where you can swim in the Pacific and ski in the mountains—or so the cliche goes.
One of the best places to enjoy this combination is Granville Island, which offers a plethora of restaurants, shops and studios. For a more tranquil escape, head to Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Chinatown, where you’ll find bamboo, magnolias, lotus flowers and water features.
The city is also a hub for theater, with the Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse and East Vancouver Cultural Centre (the "Cultch") offering a wide variety of shows.
7. Boston
Boston is a top destination for expats and digital nomads alike. The capital of Massachusetts boasts a host of cultural assets, including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, as well as a number of properties relating to the federal government.
It’s no surprise that the city also makes the list for innovation. The thriving hub’s world-renowned research institutions are at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements in science and technology.
The city scores a perfect five in the categories of Public Transit and Walkability, making it easy to get around without a car. Plus, residents have access to some of the best parks and beautiful neighborhoods in the nation. The only downside is that the cost of living is among the highest in the US. Still, it’s worth it for those who crave a small-town feel and want to be at the heart of America’s history.
8. San Francisco
The San Francisco of today is a bustling hub of culture, commerce and technology. It's home to online dynamos Twitter, Zynga and Craigslist, as well as tech giants Google, Facebook and Yahoo. The city also boasts a wealth of startups, entrepreneurs and trendsetters.
The American city came second in fDi's Americas Cities of the Future ranking this year, scoring highly on Ecological Potential and Economic Potential. It also ranked highly for its entrepreneurship and patents per capita.
It earned a perfect score on the EV charging station availability index and a 4.0 on its bicycle score. Providence is the smallest city on the list to make the top 25, riding high scores in multiple categories. Its 3.9 on the solar power per capita index and 2.9 on the carbon footprint per capita score helped it secure a place in the rankings.
9. Paris
A city of iconic monuments, Michelin-starred restaurants and the swanky shopping on the Champs-Elysees. Paris is also home to a highly innovative metro system with stations designed to look like palaces and with a network of cycle routes that are helping to make the city greener.
While it dropped down the list compared with 2022, due to a drop in its stability score (the result of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions), its culture and environment scores saw it return to ninth place. It also has a top-ranked healthcare system, which was awarded a perfect score in this year’s ranking.
While Vancouver dipped, Canada has a strong showing in this year’s rankings with three cities in the top 10. The American cities that appear are all on the west coast, which perhaps reflects a semi-coolness towards Uncle Sam in this year’s survey.
10. London
As the world grapples with global issues like climate change and housing crisis, cities are increasingly looking to new technologies to address their challenges. Designers such as OMA, Foster + Partners and BIG are among multiple studios helping to masterplan future-focused urban centres that promise to balance innovative architecture with sustainability.
London is a world-class city with its medieval buildings, bold modern structures and beautiful green parks. Visitors can enjoy a rich heritage, arts and culture, shopping, restaurants and bars.
The British capital scored highly in fDi’s Americas Cities of the Future ranking this year, with second place in Economic Potential and Business Friendliness, as well as third for Connectivity and fourth for Programming, Promotion and Product. Its success reflects a broader trend in North American cities, which have seen stronger growth than their global counterparts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
