Houston has once again topped the rankings of an annual list of America’s Best Cities, claiming first in the state and No. 10 in the nation, surpassing Dallas and Austin.  The report, compiled by international consulting firm Resonance, ranks cities with a population of more than 500,000 based on livability, lovability and prosperity. The Bayou City has consistently ranked high on Resonance’s list over the years, placing No. 9 in 2023 and No. 11 in 2022, drawing praise for its cultural diversity, award-winning restaurant scene, number of Fortune 500 companies and quality of life.  Houston’s population gains can be attributed to its quality of life and strong economy. According to a Greater Houston Partnership analysis, Houston added nearly 140,000 residents in 2023, marking the second highest population growth among U.S. metros.  “Austin may get the attention, but the promise of the Lone Star State drawing Californians and New Yorkers is quietly being fulfilled in Houston,” the report stated.  This year’s report again recognizes Houston as one of the most diverse cities in the nation, with one in four residents being foreign-born and over 145 languages spoken, earning it the No. 21 spot in the report’s Culture category. The report also highlights the city's wealth of international festivals, world-class museums and cultural centers, including the new Ismaili Center set to open next year.  Houston’s dining scene ranked fourth in the report’s restaurant subcategory, ahead of popular foodie destinations including San Francisco, Las Vegas and Miami. The city earned acclaim for its diverse blend of dishes, described in the report as “Southern Soul and barbecue with Mexican that’s then seasoned with global cuisine.” Earlier this year, 11 Houston restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.   The report also applauded Houston’s robust economy, ranking No. 3 in the country for the number of Fortune 500 companies and patents. Houston is home to 26 Fortune 500 companies, making it the third-largest hub for Fortune 500 headquarters in the nation. As a hub for business development and opportunity, Houston was also recently named the best city to grow a business, according to a new study by The RevOps Team.  Additionally, Resonance recognized the Bayou City for its leadership in the global energy transition, with an estimated $250 billion in potential investment in the region over the next 15 years, according to a recent McKinsey report. The report also highlighted Houston’s reputation as Space City, noting key facilities and investments such as the Houston Spaceport, which is anchored by NASA-contract-winning companies Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace and Intuitive Machines.  Learn more about living in Houston.  

Once characterized by its rural charm and agricultural heritage, Spring Branch, nestled within the heart of Houston, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a bustling community.  Over the past decade, Spring Branch has seen a notable surge in population, rising from 107,271 to 120,667 residents, according to the Spring Branch Management District (SBMD). Situated at the crossroads of Houston's major arteries - Interstate 10, Beltway 8, Highway 290 and the 610 Loop - Spring Branch provides accessibility to some of the city’s busiest areas. The area is also strategically positioned near the Energy Corridor, Downtown and Memorial. This substantial growth, coupled with seamless urban connectivity, has positioned it as an attractive destination for new developments and businesses.   Click to expand Witte Road Redevelopment Project Last year, the Witte Road Redevelopment project was completed, converting a former 1.53-acre warehouse on Witte and Westview roads into a neighborhood hotspot for dining and retail. The development features two flagship Underbelly Hospitality concepts, Wild Oats and Underbelly Burger, alongside The Decoy, an expansive outdoor bar with sand volleyball courts.  Houston-based Newfound Partners, a new commercial real estate firm, also recently redeveloped a 28,500-square-foot industrial building at 1106 Witte Road into an innovative, single-level office development. The building now serves as Newfound’s headquarters and is also home to Cannon Field, Leggett Ventures, On Point Custom Homes and more.   Click to expand MarqE Entertainment Center Meanwhile, Spring Branch’s culinary scene is booming with new businesses. Notably, Christine Ha, winner of MasterChef season three, unveiled Stuffed Belly, a novel drive-thru sandwich concept, last year. Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse and SeaSide Poke were unveiled this year as the latest additions to Spring Branch's MarqE Entertainment Center. Additionally, beloved Heights hand-rolled sushi eatery Hando and a new cafe venture by the owners of Urban Eats, dubbed Salt & Sugar, are expanding into the area.   Click to expand Spring Branch Trail Amid ongoing growth and development, Spring Branch remains committed to elevating its quality of life through the enhancement of parks, green spaces and trails. SBMD recently announced that construction is set to commence this summer on a 1-mile concrete stretch that will connect two existing hike-and-bike trails – Emnora and Spring Branch.   Slated for completion in 2025, this project marks the third phase of SBMD's comprehensive strategy to link the Addicks Reservoir near Beltway 8 with the White Oak Bayou Greenway. The initial phase, finalized in 2020, introduced the 2.4-mile Spring Branch Trail, with the second phase set to expand upon this trail once nearby utility tower work concludes.  Click to expand Haden Park Rendering Additionally, SBMD is working to revitalize Haden Park, which spans 13-acres at the northeast corner of Long Point and Witte Road. According to SBMB’s 2024 Master Plan, the project, slated to begin construction in 2025, will add an event lawn, dog park, splash pad, tree house, pickleball courts, playgrounds and public art installations, alongside other improvements to existing infrastructure.  Discover Houston’s neighborhoods and communities.