Houston Shines in Rankings

July 22, 2025

Houston and three other Texas cities have been recognized in U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings of the best places to live based on quality of life.

The newly released list, published on July 11, highlights 25 cities across the U.S. that stand out for their strong performance in factors like education, healthcare access, low crime rates, air quality, and resilience to natural disasters.

Brookline and Newton, both in Massachusetts, claimed the top two spots, followed by Bethesda, Maryland; Bellevue, Washington; and Malden, Massachusetts to round out the top five.

Houston secured the No. 15 spot overall and was the second-highest ranked city in Texas. The city received praise for its vibrant and diverse food scene, featuring over 100,000 eateries serving everything from Vietnamese and Louisiana-Creole to Tex-Mex and barbecue. The report also highlighted Houston's top-rated medical facilities, including Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Memorial Hermann Hospital, as well as the city’s appeal for homebuyers seeking better value compared to similarly sized metros.

With a median household income of approximately $63,944 and a median home value around $277,000, Houston was also recognized for its affordability and cultural diversity. It ranks highly for healthcare access and is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the country.

Other Texas cities featured in the rankings include:

Austin at No. 13, the highest-ranked city in Texas
Dallas at No. 20
McAllen at No. 23

McAllen was noted for its sunny climate, growing business sectors in retail and international trade, and a strong showing in college readiness. Its 18.3-minute average commute time is shorter than the national average, and it was also recognized as one of the most affordable places to live.

The top 10 U.S. cities for quality of life are: