Skip to main content

Houston Remains Top Texas City in New National Ranking

Published Jun 27, 2024 by Hailea Schultz

Houston Skyline Sunset

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 

Related News

Living In Houston

Exploring Houston: A Guide to the Eclectic Montrose Neighborhood

9/30/24
Located just minutes from Downtown, Houston’s Montrose neighborhood stands out for its historic charm and eclectic spirit. From its unique art galleries and vibrant murals to its diverse dining scene and vintage shops, Montrose offers something for everyone. Here’s your guide to exploring this one-of-a-kind neighborhood.   Art & Entertainment  Click to expand At the heart of Montrose’s art scene is The Menil Collection, a world-class museum offering free admission to a diverse range of artworks, from ancient and Byzantine artifacts to African, Pacific Islands and modern and contemporary pieces. The museum’s campus spans five buildings, including the Menil Drawing Institute, the only standalone facility in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary drawings. Also on the campus is Richmond Hall, home to the Dan Flavin Installation, an immersive light experience.  Click to expand Take a stroll down Westheimer or Shepherd streets to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant murals and street art.   Click to expand The neighborhood is also home to Stages, a three-theater facility that hosts a wide range of performances, from comedies to musicals. Live music lovers can catch acoustic sets and folk performances at Anderson Fair, an intimate and historic venue that has been showcasing singer-songwriters since 1970, including Texas Country legend Robert Earl Keen. For a more eccentric experience, AvantGarden, a patio bar and lounge, offers a mix of local bands, poetry readings, art classes and more in a laid-back setting.    Restaurants & Shops  Montrose is a food lover’s paradise, serving up unique dishes that are as diverse as the neighborhood itself. Long-standing establishments like Hugo’s, famed for its authentic Mexican cuisine, The Pit Room, a go-to barbecue spot and Uchi, an innovative Japanese restaurant, founded by James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole, provide unforgettable dining experiences.  Click to expand Meanwhile, exciting new spots like The Marigold Club, a French-inspired concept, Októ, a Mediterranean restaurant and Thai Tail, a fast-casual eatery offering a unique blend of Thai and American dishes, are gaining popularity in the neighborhood.  Click to expand Shoppers can indulge at the Montrose Collective, a new mixed-use center featuring trendy dining spots like Sophie’s Cocktail & Terrace Bar and Marmo. The Collective is also home to stylish storefronts such as Mejuri, a fine jewelry boutique, and Reformation, a popular clothing retailer. For wellness and beauty, the center offers top-tier facilities like Hi, Skin, a luxury facial spa, and Solidcore, a cutting-edge Pilates studio.  Click to expand The neighborhood is also a haven for vintage lovers, offering a variety of thrift and vintage shops like Pavement, Leopard Lounge, The Guild Shop and Out of the Closet, where you can discover quirky finds and hidden treasures. If you’re in search of local art and handmade goods, Space Montrose offers a wide selection of products from Houston-based artists and makers. For book enthusiasts, Basket Books & Art is a true literary gem, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of books alongside a contemporary art gallery. The independent bookstore also hosts community events, including book club meetings, author meet-and-greets and poetry readings.  Parks & Green Spaces  Click to expand Montrose offers numerous parks and green spaces for a retreat from the urban hustle. On the Menil Collection Campus, you’ll find Menil Park, offering 30 acres of serene green space with a picturesque view of unique sculptures and shady trees. If you’re a dog lover, head to Ervan Chew Park, where you’ll find a spacious dog play area and a playground and splash pad for kids, making it a fun spot for the entire family.  Mandell Park is another beloved local gem, featuring lush gardens, walking trails and shaded areas perfect for picnics or a quiet afternoon with a book. The park also hosts community events such as teaching gardens and live music nights. Other neighborhood favorites include Cherryhurst Park and Shiffick Park.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
Read More
Economic Development

Greater Houston Partnership Receives 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Award

8/28/24
The Greater Houston Partnership received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the Partnership’s work in the regional or cross-border partnership for regions with 500,000 or more residents.  The strategy formed in partnership with regional allies, as elaborated in the regional playbook, aims to enhance regional economic development in greater Houston by fostering collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. This involved creating a framework for the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) to maximize engagement and support.  Formed in 2006, HREDA is comprised of economic development organizations and municipalities interested in creating jobs and investment to maintain a positive business environment. HREDA meets monthly at Partnership Tower, and often at other locations around the region. Hosted monthly at Partnership Tower and other regional sites, HREDA meetings include members from 98 economic development organizations, representing over 160 full-time economic development professionals.  The project's uniqueness and innovation reside in member involvement at every stage, ensuring ownership of the final playbook. It addressed previous collaboration deficits noted in studies, aiming to leverage regional resources for economic growth. The scale of marketing the region is no small feat. Covering 8,838 square miles, the 12-county Greater Houston region, with its centerpiece, the 10-county Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands MSA, surpasses an area the size of New Jersey,  Despite this vast expanse, the region's stakeholders have rallied together as allies, streamlining processes to attract prospective companies. This collective effort reflects a shared commitment to securing victories for the region's economic growth. “I am proud to be a part of an organization, such as HREDA, that exemplifies how regionalism and collaboration can drive economic success and set high standards for regional development,” HREDA Chair and Chief Economic Development Officer at Partnership Lake Houston Stephanie Wiggins said. “By uniting various stakeholders under a common goal, HREDA leverages the strengths of the Houston region to create a prosperous and sustainable economic environment." Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development. “This group understands what it means to succeed together," Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “When we work together as one to combine the expertise, assets and capabilities of our regional partners, the Houston region is unmatched in potential. Through this mindset of regionalism, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all of our citizens.” Learn more about the 12-county region the Partnership represents.  
Read More

Related Events

Economic Development

State of the Port

What does the future hold for Port Houston and its role as a global commerce hub? Join us at the State of the Port on Friday, November 22 to uncover the exciting developments…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners