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.  

While summer in Houston brings high temperatures and humidity, don't let the heat keep you from enjoying the vibrant array of activities the city has to offer. From splashing around in water parks to exploring lush green spaces and indulging in cultural experiences, Houston provides countless ways to stay entertained and cool during the hot summer months. Here’s a guide to the best summer activities in Houston.   Click to expand Explore Parks & Green Spaces  Houston boasts over 300 parks and 200 green spaces, providing an abundance of fun summer activities. In the heart of downtown, Discovery Green stands out with its free fitness classes, movie screenings and splash pad. Market Square Park, located in Houston’s historic district, is another go-to hotspot for summer fun, featuring blanket bingo, live music and movies under the stars. Additionally, Buffalo Bayou Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces, offers boat tours along the bayou, an immersive tour of a historic underground cistern and is an ideal gathering place for picnics, dog walks and family outings.  Click to expand Visit the Museum District  When the summer heat becomes too intense, you can find the perfect escape inside Houston’s Museum District. Home to world-class museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH), the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum of Houston, the district offers interactive exhibits and educational experiences for all ages. Additionally, within the district lies the Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens, MFAH’s house museum for American decorative arts and paintings. For more interactive experiences, Houston also boasts attractions like the Museum of Illusions, Meow Wolf and the Color Factory.   Click to expand Discover Houston Favorites  A visit to the Houston Zoo, nestled in Hermann Park, provides a chance to explore over 6,000 animals and many interactive exhibits, including the Galápagos Islands. Sports enthusiasts can catch an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, where the lively atmosphere and thrilling baseball action make for an unforgettable experience. For those fascinated by space, Space Center Houston offers an immersive journey into the world of NASA, with exhibits featuring real spacecraft, astronaut encounters and tram tours of the Johnson Space Center.  Click to expand Cool Off at Waterparks  Looking to beat the heat this summer? The greater Houston region boasts a vast portfolio of thrilling waterparks. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, Houston’s largest waterpark, features nearly 20 rides and attractions, including high-speed waterslides, an interactive kid zone and more. Other expansive waterparks include Typhoon Texas in Katy and Schlitterbahn on Galveston Island. Additionally, New Caney is home to Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures, which offers waterslides, roller coasters, an inflatable water obstacle course and ziplining.   Click to expand Relax on Galveston Island   Just a short drive from Houston, Galveston Island offers beautiful beaches, historic sites and a variety of outdoor activities. Spend a day lounging on the sandy shores, take a stroll along the Seawall or visit local shops on The Strand. For amusement rides and games, head to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The island is also home to Moody Gardens, where you can explore a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium, a rainforest exhibit featuring exotic plants and animals and relax on Palm Beach, a waterfront resort with a lazy river, wave pool, waterslides, splash pads and beachside cabanas.  Discover more about living in Houston.