The Milken Institute has released its 2025 Best-Performing Cities Index, ranking 403 U.S. metropolitan areas based on economic vitality and quality of life [27267ac6]. The D.C. metro area ranked 62nd among large cities, reflecting a notable position but indicating room for improvement [27267ac6]. In contrast, Raleigh, North Carolina, topped the list as the best-performing city overall [27267ac6].
The Silver Spring-Frederick area, however, experienced a decline, ranking 123rd this year, which marks a drop from previous standings [27267ac6]. Key factors influencing these rankings include job growth, wage increases, and recovery in the leisure and hospitality sectors, which have been particularly vital as cities rebound from the impacts of the pandemic [27267ac6]. The index also highlights that 13 of the top 18 cities are located in landlocked states, suggesting a trend in economic performance that favors these regions [27267ac6].
This year's findings underscore the challenges faced by smaller metropolitan areas in achieving significant growth in tech GDP, which has become a critical metric for economic success in the modern landscape [27267ac6]. As cities like D.C., Silver Spring, and Frederick navigate these challenges, the focus on enhancing job opportunities and improving quality of life remains paramount for future rankings and overall economic health.