Regardless of population, these are the five most influential American cities in terms of national and international impact, including culture, economy, and politics. The majors, that is.

1. New York City

Global capital of money, fashion, publishing, theater (Broadway), music, art, and even the world. Financial powerhouse (Wall Street), media epicenter (headquarters of major outlets like NBC, NYT). NYC shapes national trends in business, design, pop culture, and politics, and is a global icon of American hegemony.

2. Los Angeles

Center of the global entertainment industry (Hollywood), music, and influencer culture. Defines much of global pop culture through film, TV, YouTube, and social media. LA drives conversations around lifestyle, wellness, tech (especially in content and AI), and celebrity.

3. Washington, D.C.

Home to national museums, historic landmarks, and political history. Global capital of government, policy, and diplomacy. Shapes international relations, law, and activism. Powerful in media, global influence, and think-tank culture.

4. San Francisco

Tech culture, progressive values, design thinking, and startup lifestyle. The brain of the global tech economy, aka Silicon Valley—birthplace of Apple, Google, Meta, and OpenAI. Drives innovation in AI, software, digital privacy, and venture capital.

5. Chicago

Historically rich in jazz/blues, architecture, food (deep dish, hot dogs), and comedy. Major transportation/logistics hub; strong in finance, politics, and media (Oprah, Obama roots). Remains a cultural and economic anchor of the Midwest with deep influence in politics and urban culture.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Atlanta–Capital of hip-hop, black influence, entertainment, and Southern culture
• Miami–Latin American gateway, booming in crypto and fashion
• Seattle–Amazon, Microsoft, grunge/indie music, coffee culture
• Houston–Energy, NASA, soon-to-be third largest city in the nation