The Woodlands has claimed the No. 1 spot on Niche’s 2022 Best Cities to Live In America list. The Houston suburb beat out 227 other cities to secure first place and an overall rating of A+.

Rankings were calculated based on grades in several areas, including crime rates, public schools, housing trends, diversity, cost of living, nightlife, outdoor activities and employment opportunities.

Niche’s website describes itself as a platform that combines “rigorous analysis with authentic reviews to highlight the best schools, companies and neighborhoods” in the country.

“Whether our users are young professionals, parents with young kids or retirees, Niche’s Best Places to Live rankings serve as an excellent starting point for considering a move,” said Luke Skurman, CEO and founder of Niche, in a press release. 

The Woodlands was also ranked No. 2 on Niche’s list of the best cities in America to buy a house; No. 2 on its list of best cities in America to raise a family; No. 6 on its list of best cities in America to retire; and No. 6 on its list of American cities with the best public schools.

In addition to national rankings, Niche users can view the top-ranked cities, suburbs and neighborhoods in each state, metro area or county.  

“The pandemic triggered a new set of possibilities,” Skurman continued in the release. “Suddenly, many individuals and families found themselves more mobile than ever before, and in the past two years, they have continued to think hard about where they really want to live.”

A total of 28 cities in Texas were recognized on Niche’s Best Cities to Live in America list, 15 of which made the top 100. They are:

• The Woodlands (No. 1)

• Plano (No. 9)

• Richardson (No. 12)

• Austin (No. 25)

• College Station (No. 27)

• Round Rock (No. 29)

• Irving (No. 40)

• Denton (No. 56)

• Houston (No. 71)

• Lubbock (No. 72)

• Dallas (No. 80)

• Arlington (No. 89)

• Tyler (No. 94)

• Wichita Falls (No. 98)

• El Paso (No. 100)