HCMC – HCMC has been ranked second among 65 cities worldwide for its strong ability to retain residents, outperforming Singapore and several other major cities, according to a survey released by Gensler in June 2025.
The City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City survey was conducted by U.S.-based Gensler, one of the world’s leading architecture and design firms, involving 33,000 participants across 65 cities. It aimed to assess the factors influencing people’s decisions to stay in or leave the cities where they live.
Taipei in Taiwan leads the ranking, with 64% of residents saying they are “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to relocate. Close behind is HCMC in Vietnam, where 61% of residents said they wish to remain long-term.
Singapore is third on the list, with 59% of residents choosing to stay. Sydney in Australia follows in fourth with 58%, while Berlin in Germany takes fifth place, as 51% of respondents expressed a desire to live there long-term.
The report emphasizes that amid rapid population shifts, cities can no longer rely solely on economic growth or physical infrastructure to retain residents.
Instead, fostering a sense of community, enhancing the quality of public spaces, and promoting social, cultural, and civic engagement are key to achieving sustainable urban development.
By securing second place in the City Pulse 2025 ranking, HCMC demonstrates its appeal not only in terms of economic potential but also as a livable environment, building confidence that the city is increasingly becoming a long-term destination for people across the region and the world.
