Houston named No. 10 in America’s ‘Best Cities’ List
Writer: Andrea Teran
July 2024 — Houston has once again secured its place among the top cities in the United States, ranking No. 10 on the annual list of America’s Best Cities by the international consulting firm Resonance. The ranking, determined using a combination of statistical performance and qualitative evaluations by locals, visitors, and prospective residents, reaffirms Houston’s status as a high-performing city in the Lone Star State.
“Houston is unique because it encapsulates everything a city could offer, from a genuine NASA experience at the Johnson Space Center to diverse culinary adventures,” Scott Gentile, director of sales and marketing at Marriott Marquis Houston told Invest:. “You can explore everything from the only Native American/Indigenous restaurant in the United States, to a wide array of international cuisines including Vietnamese, Cambodian, Scandinavian, West African, Persian and so much more. Additionally, Houston is a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering everything from Astros games to soccer matches, basketball, and even the rodeo. Every city has its thing, but Houston has it all.”
Houston’s robust economy and high quality of life have contributed to significant population growth, with the city adding nearly 140,000 residents in 2023, the second-highest increase among U.S. metropolitan areas. This trend bucks the pattern seen in many other large cities, which have struggled with population declines. Since 2020, Houston has added over 340,000 residents, with its population exceeding 2.3 million, maintaining its rank as the fourth-most populous city in the nation.
Read more: Houston’s population growth demands transportation solutions
Additionally, it is the most diverse city, with one in four residents being foreign-born and over 145 languages spoken. Houston’s culinary scene also garnered high praise, ranking fourth among U.S. cities for its restaurants (ahead of culinary stars like San Francisco, Vegas, and Miami). The city is known for its eclectic mix of Southern soul food, barbecue, and Mexican cuisine, spiced with global influences. Moreover, 11 Houston chefs and restaurants were semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards in 2024.
“Beyond cultural richness, Houston’s business environment is thriving, with one of the most robust economies in the country. Experts predict that Houston, Dallas, and Austin, along with the surrounding areas, will experience the world’s highest growth over the next 20 years,” said Michael Gallagher, managing director at CBIZ in a recent interview with Invest:. “Our city boasts significant manufacturing and healthcare industries and is known as the oil and gas capital of the world. Our close ties with Mexico, our largest trading partner, further position us for growth.”
Despite a recent slowdown, Houston continues to break employment records. As of May 2024, nonfarm payroll employment reached a new peak of 3.45 million jobs, with significant growth in sectors such as restaurants and bars, transportation, warehousing, and construction. Over the past year, the region added 81,700 jobs, reflecting a resilient and expanding job market.
With 26 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city, placing it third in the U.S. for corporate headquarters, Houston remains one of the strongest economies in the nation. While hometown companies like ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and Phillips 66 have ensured that 40% of Houston’s economy is tied directly or indirectly to oil and gas, the energy talent in the city has made it an unlikely green power destination.
Beyond energy, Houston is building on its NASA legacy to position itself as the center of the global space industry. The Houston Spaceport is an FAA-licensed urban commercial spaceport offering unprecedented access to a thriving aerospace community. The spaceport aims to serve as a takeoff point for passenger jets capable of flying at supersonic and hypersonic speeds.
Read more: Houston leads charge to the next chapter of aerospace
Efforts to enhance Houston’s urban appeal are ongoing. Projects like Main Street Promenade (an expansion of the More Space: Main Street initiative) aim to transform downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly zone, boosting walkability and supporting local businesses. Originally launched to support local bars and restaurants during the pandemic, the project has evolved into a permanent initiative named Main Street Promenade. Downtown Houston is leading the project in partnership with the City of Houston, encompassing a total of 11 blocks from Commerce to Allen’s Landing. The project includes a comprehensive redesign, construction, and future management of the area, as well as a retail and storefront incentive program set to launch in 2024.
The Main Street Promenade will feature new safety crossings, shaded social areas, landscaping, and public art installations. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025 and is expected to be completed before the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives in Houston. The project aims to continue to attract more visitors, enhance mobility, ensure safety, and establish a vibrant identity for downtown Houston.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.worldsbestcities.com/
https://www.houston.org/
https://downtownhouston.org/
