Introduction to the Best Places to Live
Houston and three other Texas cities have been recognized for their high quality of life in U.S. News & World Report’s new rankings. The list, published on July 11, evaluates cities based on factors such as education, healthcare, crime rates, air quality, and resilience to natural disasters.
Top Cities for Quality of Life
The top two cities that stand out for their exceptional quality of life are Brookline and Newton, both located in Massachusetts. They are followed by Bethesda, Maryland, Bellevue, Washington, and Malden, Massachusetts, which round out the top five. These cities have demonstrated excellence in various aspects, including education, healthcare, and environmental quality.
Texas Cities on the List
Houston ranked 15th overall and was the second-highest ranked city in Texas. The city’s diverse food scene, with over 100,000 eateries serving a wide range of cuisines, was particularly praised. Additionally, Houston’s highly-rated medical system and its culture of attracting residents due to its "better value for homebuyers than similarly sized cities" were highlighted.
Houston’s Strengths
Houston ranks No. 5 for healthcare access, with renowned hospitals such as Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Memorial Hermann Hospital serving the Greater Houston area. The city is also known for its diversity, hosting one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S. The median income for a Houston household is $63,944 per year, and the median home value is nearly $277,000.
Other Texas Cities Recognized
Austin ranked 13th, making it the best place to live in Texas for quality of life. Dallas ranked 20th, and McAllen, a city in the Rio Grande Valley, earned a spot on the list as No. 23. McAllen boasts year-round sunshine, a vibrant business scene, and a bicultural community. It ranks No. 32 for college readiness and has a shorter commute time of 18.3 minutes, compared to the national average of 22 minutes.
Top 10 Best Places to Live
The top 10 cities for quality of life are:
- No. 1 – Brookline, Massachusetts
- No. 2 – Newton, Massachusetts
- No. 3 – Bethesda, Maryland
- No. 4 – Bellevue, Washington
- No. 5 – Malden, Massachusetts
- No. 6 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- No. 7 – Cambridge, Massachusetts
- No. 8 – Kirkland, Washington
- No. 9 – Rockville, Maryland
- No. 10 – Passaic, New Jersey
Conclusion
The recognition of Houston and other Texas cities in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings highlights their exceptional quality of life. These cities offer a unique blend of cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and access to high-quality healthcare and education. As people consider where to live, work, and raise their families, these cities are definitely worth considering. With their strong economies, diverse communities, and high standard of living, they are ideal places to call home.
