Despite only covering two percent of the planet’s surface, cities are responsible for 80 percent of the world’s economic production. The people who populate them (roughly 3.8 billion individuals) choose concrete over countryside because it affords them more job opportunities. But if you want to fulfill your potential choose wisely—some cities are better than others when it comes to facilitating the success of residents, and they aren’t necessarily the obvious ones.
According to the latest data from JLL City Momentum Index (CMI)—which examines 42 socio-economic and real estate factors—the most successful city in the world is Bangalore. India’s tech hub is emblematic of the country’s economic ascent—an impressive total of six Indian cities feature in the CMI top 30 this year.
Here’s how the top 10 shapes up:
Bangalore, India
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Silicon Valley, USA
Shanghai, China
Hyderabad, India
London, UK
Austin, USA
Hanoi, Vietnam
Boston, USA
Nairobi, Kenya
Bangalore replaces London, which previously held the number one spot for two consecutive years. The period of transition and relative instability in the wake of Brexit cost the English capital five spots; it slipped to number six on the list.
Unsurprisingly perhaps, many of the most successful cities are ones with a thriving tech industry. Of the eight American cities that feature in the top 30, six have a very high density of technology companies: Silicon Valley (3rd), Austin (7th), Boston (9th), Seattle (20th), San Francisco (21st) and Raleigh-Durham (24th). The other two—New York (14th) and Los Angeles (27th)—are also “underpinned by robust technology sectors.”
So there you have it. To live your best life and capitalize on your talents—especially if they’re tech related—move to one of these innovation-oriented global cities.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.