Cities on the West Coast and in the Northeast lead the United States in adopting cutting-edge technology for urban sustainability. This is according to a ranking developed by CoworkingCafe, which evaluated cities across the nation in terms of their smart infrastructure, green initiatives and tech job availability.

California is a frontrunner with four cities ranking among the top 10 for smart city development – San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego. The study also pointed to Washington, D.C., and New York City, as innovators in integrating smart transit systems, green buildings and digital governance platforms to create more efficient and sustainable urban environments.

San Francisco earned the top spot on CoworkingCafe’s list, making it the smartest city in 2025. The city attracts top-tier talent and fosters innovation with nearly 40 tech jobs advertised per 1,000 jobs in the area. The city also has the highest concentration of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things companies of any U.S. city. San Francisco has 42 electric vehicle promotions, including discounted parking for EVs and purchasing incentives, and the city prioritizes digital equity and digital literacy.