A survey measuring youth appeal of 55 cities around the world conducted by youth-oriented consulting firm YouthfulCities has anointed New York City the “most youthful city of the year,” Reuters reports. The survey used 101 metrics and surveyed 9000 young people all over the world in order to rank cities by how good they are for young people (15-29) to live, work, and have fun in. Indicators include youth population, affordability (obviously weighted less heavily than other factors, such as food and nightlife), transit, and civic engagement.
New York City, which is great for young people in pretty much every way except affordability, came in at number one, with London at number two, for pretty much the same reasons. Berlin came in third, which if we’re really being honest with ourselves is probably number one, because it has most of the cultural advantages of New York and London while still being slightly more affordable, and also has truly excellent bars. Rounding out the top five are San Francisco and Paris.
“Half of the world’s population is under 30 years old and half now live in cities,” Sonja Miokovic, co-founder of YouthfulCities, said in an accompanying press release.
“Youth and cities – especially the largest ones – will together shape the future of the planet. That’s why it is essential for cities to appeal to youth and actively find ways to unlock their potential.”
(Photo: Chris Ford)
