It's 2019, and the whole world is turned on to technology. And that's a message that’s coming through loud and clear from the Best Cities for Tech Lovers study. The study aggregated numerous benchmarks for what makes a particular city a good place for tech-minded people of all ages to work, live and hang out. The data reveals many global cities, with vastly different cultures and personalities, all making big strides along the path of technological development.
So here are some that stood out in different categories. Take a look and get a feel for what cities are supporting businesses, tourists and citizens with tech tools and tech-enabling infrastructure.
Whether you're looking to move somewhere new, seeking your next travel adventure or just want to see what different cities are doing to make tech a top priority in today's connected world, these examples will give you some quick insights into some of the great urban tech innovation going on globally.
1. Amsterdam: Smart About Smart Cities Initiatives
Coming in at the top of the list overall, Amsterdam has a ton of technology going for it – which makes sense in light of the city's serious investments in smart cities initiatives. Seven years of experimentation in using data and public/private sector tech partnerships to make things more convenient, pleasant and more environmentally sound are demonstrating a significant positive impact.
The Dutch capital's 9.09/10 score on information and communication technologies (ICT) development and its lightning-fast mobile connectivity speed (second among all global cities) form a bedrock for any number of life-streamlining initiatives and innovations.
2. Berlin: The Art of Courting Startup Culture
With a reputation matching New York City and London as a global destination for creative types that dates back decades, it's no surprise that that this art hub of post-war Europe is growing into a tech hub as well.
A high quality of life (a score of 8.79) makes Berlin a comfortable place both to be an artist and get in on the ground floor of a tech initiative. Recent investments in financing startups demonstrate a city working to make the tech environment even more welcoming.
3. Singapore: A Finance Hub Becoming a Fintech Leader
Singapore has a reputation as one of the largest finance hubs, and these days that means being a leader in technology as well. As the city works to become even more prominent in finance, it has adopted a tech expansion roadmap to beef up fintech development in cutting-edge emerging areas like blockchain.
When it comes to finance there is – for quite obvious reasons – no bigger concern than cybersecurity, so it's no surprise that the Southeast Asian business destination comes in at an unparalleled 10 in cybersecurity commitment – even squeezing out top U.S. tech hubs like Seattle.
4. Toronto: The Next Hot Startup Spot
Toronto's vibrant startup culture and the pioneering work in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI) has earned Canada's largest city the title Silicon Valley of the North.
Although tech salaries might not yet top the list on average, Toronto is another city where the high quality of life could make it a better launching ground for a startup than notoriously tough places to get by like San Francisco and New York City.
… And the Biggest IT Cities in the United States (That You Might Not Expect!)
The Best Cities study included plenty of top-ranked non-U.S. cities to demonstrate that tech innovation isn't confined to a few well-known U.S. spots. But the study also contains a few stateside surprises.
Philadelphia came up as the second-best city overall for tech lovers, right under Amsterdam. Additionally, St. Louis, Dallas, Minneapolis and Honolulu all beat out New York and San Francisco.
As 2019 gets rolling, we'll undoubtedly see even more cities developing tech reputations to rival the big names as they double down on their tech and smart cities investments. The right technology, cities are realizing, makes life easier and business better – whether the city is a bustling major metropolis or an idyllic, laid-back small town. And as cities the world around invest in experimentation, they're creating exciting new ways to let their citizens experience that unique culture they've each always had.
Check out these other articles on great tech cities:
- Flying South: 2 Tech Job Markets That Might Surprise You
- Dig In: 3 Tech Towns for IT Pros Who Love Food
- Pack Your Bags: The Best U.S. Cities to Live, Work and Play as an IT Pro
- Polar Vortex Got You Down? Check Out These Warm-Weather Tech Towns
Matthew Stern is a freelance writer based in Chicago who covers information technology, retail and various other topics and industries.
