A city’s potential lies mostly with the ingenuity and brainpower of its citizens. Regions with intellectual vigor are more likely to bounce back; those without risk a stupor.
– The Daily Beast, in the introduction to its second annual list of America’s Smartest (and Dumbest) Cities. Once again, Chicago comes in 24th among the nation’s 55 largest metropolitan areas, tied this year with Indianapolis, which has apparently gotten a little dumber over the past 12 months. That puts us right behind Boston, Hartford, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Denver.
And Seattle, Austin, Minneapolis-St Paul, DC, and Rochester.
And Portland, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee.
And New York, Cleveland, San Diego, Columbus, and Baltimore.
And Pittsburgh.
And Nashville.
And Richmond.
Better luck next year, Charlotte!