New York City is generally accepted as the place to be in your early twenties—but what other places deserve the title of a “cool” city? The term “cool” holds many connotations, ranging from the opportunities offered to inhabitants to the city’s trendiness. Over the past 20 years, this title has ebbed and flowed across the country and even worldwide as the quintessential cool cities seem to rotate, from Los Angeles for its entertainment industry to Milan for its sway in the fashion world. While “coolness” is subjective, certain cities may find themselves trending from time to time, especially with younger generations making college and post-college decisions around where the “place to be” is.
As Gen Z continues the cycle of attending universities away from their homes, they greatly influence what is deemed the ideal city for young adults. Universities like Tulane in New Orleans and the University of Colorado Boulder have led thousands of students to flock to these cities, followed by artists, small businesses, and start-ups.
Different people find certain cities interesting for various reasons, including the location of popular TV shows. “I’d want to live in New York City, because of that Sex in the City lifestyle where I can just live in a penthouse and go to these awesome fashion events, and there’s just always something going on,” senior Ayla Karadogan said. New York City is known for its plethora of opportunities and peak nightlife that helps artists make their big break.
Opportunities and the possibility of career advancement also influence how drawn people are to cities. “I’d want to live in L.A. because it’s pretty close to the Bay Area, and there’s a lot to do there,” senior Chelsea Park said. Los Angeles is the home of the entertainment industry and holds many opportunities for up-and-coming actors, artists, and young adults.
Abroad, many find excitement in premier European cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam. “The culture of Paris is really unique, and the architecture is amazing,” sophomore Sasha Kourakin said. European cities also boast some of the most well-known sports teams in the world. “For me, sports and soccer are a big aspect of what makes a city cool,” Kourakin said.
“Young people are really attracted to the aesthetic of European cities, like London or Paris,” Park said. “Aesthetics play a large role in how much people want to live somewhere.” Social media–especially popular travel “influencers” on TikTok–and the entertainment industry can greatly impact what cities people are interested in by romanticizing a certain city or specific aspects within each city, such as Rome’s architecture or Cannes’ film festival.
Popular cities across the U.S. and the world have several parallels, mostly pertaining to culture and accessibility. “I like Miami because it’s pretty modernized, and there’s a lot of various foods and a mix of cultures,” sophomore Elena Kunze Briseño said. Miami, like Chicago and Houston, is exciting for its incredible diversity. Senior Ivanna Avila agreed, saying “I would want to live in Miami because of its economic stability and because it is very tourist friendly.”
Cool cities are not just confined to the U.S. and Europe, however. Many share a childhood dream of roaming across the world. “When I was younger, I wanted to live in Brazil because I loved the energy and the landscapes,” Avila said. Now, she prefers the continental U.S. due to its proximity to her family.
Other cities attract many young adults due to their calm and laid-back environments, like Boston. “There’s a lot of different cultures, and it’s on the low-key side, which I find more enjoyable,” Briseño said. “People might be overwhelmed in certain parts of New York, like the Upper West Side, and Boston’s a little more affordable than other places.”
While 20 years ago, the “places to be” may have been across the world in Brazil or more continental like Philadelphia and San Diego, this title has continually changed as younger generations come together in new locations. “I think the artists and the creatives dictate what makes a ‘cool city’ because you can see yourself in that perspective,” Karadogan said. “That’s where the breakthroughs happen.”
