Philly Among Nation's Top 10 'Smart Cities,' New Study Says

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia is unfairly seen as a brutish city, largely due to its zealous sports fans.

But a new study says Philadelphia is among the nation's top 10 "smart cities."

CoworkingCafe.com looked at more than 370 U.S. cities across 13 key metrics, including AI and IoT company presence, free Wi-Fi availability, zero-waste programs, transportation connectivity and tech job opportunities to come up with the "Top Smart Cities of 2025."

"The concept of smart cities has evolved from a futuristic vision to a tangible reality, with urban centers worldwide integrating technology and sustainability to enhance the quality of life for their residents," the website reads. "These cities employ data analytics, innovative infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives to create connected and efficient urban environments."

Philadelphia came in at No. 10 on the list.

According to CoworkingCafe.com, Philadelphia excels in percentage of electric/hybrid public transportation vehicles.

The site touted 78.2 percent of Philly's public transport being green, its 58 coworking spaces, 75 free Wi-Fi hotspots, and its strong zero-waste program.

Twelve AI companies are based in Philadelphia, too.

The city also has a solid electric vehicle infrastructure, transportation connectivity and strong broadband speed infrastructure, making it a leader in smart city planning, the website says.

Additionally, the local government has invested in smart lighting, traffic management systems and digital services that enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Below is the full top 10 list of the "smart cities:"

• San Francisco
• New York
• San Jose
• Washington DC
• Austin
• Seattle
• Los Angeles
• Boston
• San Diego
• Philadelphia

See the full list from CoworkingCafe.com online here.