Houston is the ninth-best city in the United States, according to Resonance’s 2026 America’s Best Cities report. 

In its largest study to date, the real estate consultancy analyzed every single metro area in the U.S., regardless of population size, to determine the best cities across three main metrics: livability, lovability and prosperity. 

The Bayou City ranked No. 9, behind New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle and Las Vegas. Specifically, the city came in 16th for livability and eighth for lovability and prosperity. 

What makes Houston one of the most prosperous cities in the country? For starters, the city ranks third in the country for large companies. It’s also soon to be the home of Chevron. 

Infrastructure is booming, with Houston’s airport undergoing major transformations and a seven-block stretch of Main Street Promenade set for completion this June. Plus, the city is looking forward to an economic boost from local FIFA World Cup matches at NRG stadium. 

Houston is also popular: The city ranks third for TikTok videos, third for nightlife and fourth for theaters and concerts. Houston also has the third-best restaurant scene in the country and the second-best shopping scene. 

Additionally, migratory inflow into the Houston area remains high as the city continues to be both a good place to live and a place people actually want to live. 

Dallas, meanwhile, ranked No. 8. 

“Texas’ growth is anchored by the triangle of Dallas, Houston and Austin — three metros with distinct economic identities that together form one of the most formidable regional economies in the world,” Resonance wrote in its report. “Dallas ranks third nationally as the place Americans believe offers the best job opportunities, Austin fifth and Houston seventh. That concentration of perceived economic opportunity in a single state is unmatched, and the GDP data confirms it isn’t just perception.”