Introduction to Best Small Cities in America
Houston suburb Friendswood is maximizing its popularity on WalletHub’s 2025 list of the best small cities in America, with several more earning spots on the list. The annual survey compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 residents based on 45 livability metrics categorized into five key dimensions: Affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and overall safety.
Ranking of Small Cities
Out of the 19 total U.S. cities that ranked among the 99th percentile of best small cities in America, Carmel, Indiana; Brookfield, Washington; and Apex, North Carolina landed in the top three spots. Friendswood ranked in the 74th percentile, which is slightly lower than its 2024 ranking when the city was in the 79th percentile. Located about 22 miles from downtown Houston, Friendswood’s budget-friendly cost of living ranked No. 59 in WalletHub’s national ranking of the most affordable small cities. However, the city lagged behind in the remaining four categories.
Breakdown of Friendswood’s Rank
Here’s how WalletHub broke down Friendswood’s rank:
- No. 414 – Safety
- No. 455 – Economic health
- No. 628 – Quality of life
- No. 988 – Education and health
Four more Houston-area neighbors made the 50th percentile of small American cities: Conroe (59th), Lake Jackson (57th), Galveston (53rd), and Missouri City (53rd). Rosenberg, which ranked in the 60th percentile of best small American cities in 2024, was demoted into the 49th percentile for 2025.
Benefits of Small-City Life
According to WalletHub, about 47 percent of Americans say they would prefer to live in a suburb, while less than a quarter (24 percent) would prefer to live in an urban area or a rural community (23 percent). "Small-city life can be best for those who appreciate more wiggle room, fewer degrees of separation and shorter commutes, to name just a few of its advantages," the report said. "Granted, these little urban areas demand some tradeoffs, too, such as fewer restaurant options or shorter business hours."
Other Texas Cities on the List
Elsewhere in Texas, Austin-area suburbs Leander (97th) and Cedar Park (94th) and the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs of Allen (96th) and Flower Mound (93rd) were the only Texas cities to appear in the 90-99th percentile range. Both North Texas cities maintained their respective rankings for the second year in a row, as did Leander, but Cedar Park slipped slightly after ranking in the 95th percentile last year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Friendswood’s ranking may have slipped slightly, it remains a popular and affordable small city in the Houston area. The benefits of small-city life, including more space, shorter commutes, and a stronger sense of community, make it an attractive option for many Americans. As the survey shows, there are many great small cities in America, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Whether you prefer the suburbs or a smaller town, there’s a small city out there that’s sure to fit your needs and lifestyle.
