The U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Houston as one of the top cities to live in the country. Ranked as the No. 27 best city to live in the U.S., Houston joins other Texas cities, such as Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, as some of the best cities call home.

The rankings were determined by a few factors. How many people moved into the area (compared to how many people moved out), desirability, affordability, the availability of jobs, and the quality of life—as determined by factors like crime rate and schools—were all considered to create the list. So what makes Houston a great place to live? 

The Biking

Riding Bikes on Paved Trail in Houston Park

Houston’s bike-share program helps connect some of the city’s most popular places for biking. Connecting the stretch of Houston from University Place to the Greater Heights, the Houston BCycle program gives riders plenty of paths for traveling through some of Houston’s most popular neighborhoods. 

Cyclists also have the option of traveling along popular parks, such as Memorial Park, and the greenway along Allen Parkway. Whether traveling on the roads or in one of Houston’s many parks, cyclists have plenty of options when it comes to taking a relaxing afternoon ride.

Education

Photo courtesy of Houston Independent School District

Some of Houston’s most popular suburbs are home to some of the city’s best performing school districts. Katy and Pearland are only two of the city’s suburbs with acclaimed schools. Both are top ranked when it comes to academic performance, college preparation, and teacher quality. However, there are a number of top performing schools that stand apart regardless of district. Carnegie Vanguard High School near Midtown and Clements High School in Sugar Land are among the best performing in the city, with top academic performance alongside plenty of clubs and activities for students. 

Commute Times

Aerial view downtown and interstate 45 and 69 highway intersection

There are five major suburban cities that have rapid commutes into Houston: The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, League City, and Humble. All offer a 20- to 30-minute commute into the city. While each has its own unique charm and draw, they’re typically great places to find work and enjoy life away from the busy interior of Houston. They also offer plenty of greenspaces and parks that are perfect for outdoors lovers. With their quick connection to the city, it’s also easy for residents to enjoy Houston’s major attractions, such as its museums and dining spots.

Desirability

Aerial view of residential houses

Desirability is a hard thing to quantify, but there are several neighborhoods that have seen their value rise as demand has increased for homes in the area. West University is among these. Located not far from Rice University, it’s a great place for anyone looking to raise a family. It’s a very friendly area where neighbors talk to each other and build communities.

Clear Lake is yet another popular area that grew around the Johnson Space Center. Located near Galveston Bay, residents get to enjoy a quick trip to the coast for fun times on the surf and in the sun. 

There’s also Spring Branch, a great neighborhood for millennials. It’s a popular destination for first-time buyers. Locals have access to Memorial City Mall and CityCentre, placing them next to the best shopping and dining in the city.

All the Rest

Houston Natural Museum of Science photo by Shutterstock

Houston continues to be a great place to live because of how much it has to offer. The Museum District offers the mammoth Houston Natural Museum of Science and small but popular museums such as the Museum of African American Culture and the Menil Collection, which is one of Houston’s many free museums. Parks and greenways are scattered throughout the city, giving residents plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors. The Galleria Mall regularly draws plenty of crowds on the weekends to shop among nationally recognized brands. Plus, Houston enjoys a diverse dining scene, with food from all over the world served up all over the city. With all there’s to see and do, it’s no wonder that Houston is so highly ranked as a place to live.