New York City has been named the best city in the United States according to Resonance's annual 'America's Best Cities 2026' report. Los Angeles secured the second position, with San Francisco ranking fifth, placing two California cities within the top five of the national list.
The report evaluated 100 of the country's largest cities across three key pillars: livability, lovability, and prosperity. New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago maintained their positions at the top due to their scale, economic complexity, and cultural depth.
Los Angeles performed strongly across all metrics, earning the No. 2 spot for livability, lovability, and prosperity, mirroring its overall ranking. San Francisco was recognized for its strengths as a technology hub, ranking fifth overall. It received a No. 5 for livability, No. 10 for lovability, and No. 7 for prosperity.
Livability factors included elements such as walkability, transit access, air quality, green space, housing costs relative to income, broadband access, healthcare access, and life expectancy. Lovability was assessed by a city's cultural attractions, including its offerings in dining, arts, entertainment, museums, outdoor activities, nightlife, and social media presence. Prosperity measured economic indicators such as GDP per capita, labor force participation, innovation, education levels, unemployment and poverty rates, the presence of corporate headquarters, university quality, and direct air connectivity.
Other California cities were also recognized in the top 100, with San Diego ranking 12th, San Jose at 29th, and Sacramento at 47th.
The report, which for the first time ranked all 393 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas, noted a shift in how cities are perceived. Beyond affordability and functionality, a city's appeal to residents, visitors, and potential employees—its ability to "resonate"—is increasingly crucial in modern competitiveness.
Despite challenges such as housing costs and office vacancies, which have led to net migration losses in Los Angeles County and San Francisco between 2020 and 2025, these major California metros continue to be seen as national powerhouses in culture, employment, and global appeal. San Francisco, in particular, saw a small positive net migration figure in 2024-2025, its first in several years.