Houston’s Park System Ranks Among the Best in Texas
Houston has earned the No. 8 best park system in Texas, according to a new report by The Trust for Public Land. This ranking is part of the organization’s 2025 ParkScore report, which annually rates park systems in 100 of the largest American cities based on accessibility, equity, acreage, investment, and amenities.
National Rankings
Taking the top spot nationwide is Washington, D.C., for another consecutive year. Rounding out the top five cities with the best park systems are Irvine, California (No. 2); Minneapolis, Minnesota (No. 3); Cincinnati, Ohio (No. 4); and St. Paul, Minnesota (No. 5). Houston ranked 66th nationally for 2025, a two-spot improvement after earning No. 68 last year.
Houston’s Park System Highlights
The city has an impressive amount of land dedicated to parks, totaling 43,139 acres, or about 12.2 percent of the total city area. The city invests $127 per resident on its acclaimed park system, compared to the national median $133 per resident. According to Trust for Public Land’s website, Houston has more than 700 parks for locals and visitors to enjoy. Parks bring people together and deliver enormous physical and mental health benefits for visitors, making them a vital part of any city’s infrastructure.
Room for Improvement
While Houston’s park system is commendable, the city still has room for improvement when it comes to accessibility. About 63 percent of all Houston residents live within a half mile of a park, whereas nationally, 76 percent of Americans in the 100 most populous cities live within a 10-minute walk of a park on average. Increasing accessibility would further enhance the quality of life for Houston residents.
Park Systems in Other Texas Cities
Dallas-Fort Worth cities dominated Parkscore’s list of the best park systems in Texas for 2025. Plano, a Dallas suburb, ranked No. 1 statewide and 17th nationally this year, followed by Dallas in second place and 34th nationally. Other Texas cities, such as Austin and San Antonio, also ranked high in the state and nationally. Here’s a breakdown of how other Texas cities ranked:
- No. 65 – El Paso
- No. 67 – Garland
- No. 72 – Fort Worth
- No. 76 – Laredo
- No. 77 – Corpus Christi
- No. 94 – Lubbock
- No. 99 – Irving
Conclusion
Houston’s ranking as the No. 8 best park system in Texas is a testament to the city’s commitment to providing its residents with accessible and enjoyable green spaces. While there is always room for improvement, especially in terms of accessibility, the city’s park system is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. As parks continue to play a vital role in the health and well-being of urban populations, Houston’s efforts to maintain and enhance its park system will remain crucial for the quality of life of its residents.
