Houston is the No. 13 city in the United States, according to the annual America’s Best Cities ranking from Resonance Consultancy.

The firm ranked U.S. cities with populations greater than 500,000 on three main factors: livability, including sights and landmarks, housing affordability, air quality, healthcare systems, nature, bikeability and walkability; lovability, including nightlife, culture, shopping, attractions, museums, restaurants and internet trends; and prosperity, including labor force participation, businesses and the business environment, universities, unemployment, GDP per capita and the poverty rate.

Houston’s high rank was due largely to its thriving companies — ranked third in the nation — and restaurants, ranked fourth. Of course, Houston’s rank was further boosted by the California-to-Texas pipeline, which continues to fuel population growth.

Resonance also noted the Bayou City’s low median home value, $265,000, relative to the national average, plus a diverse culture.

Houston also ranked No. 40 on Resonance’s 2025 World’s Best Cities list.