Houston named one of the world’s best cities

HOUSTON — Houston can now claim the title of one of the world’s best cities based on a survey of more than 22,000 people in 30 countries.

Resonance Consulting came up with the 2025 rankings of the top 100 cities to visit, live and work. They only looked at cities with at least a million people.

Houston landed at No. 40, the highest ranking among Texas cities. Austin is No. 53 followed closely by Dallas at 55. No other cities in the Lone Star State made the cut.

They asked the following questions to determine three key factors: Livability, lovability and prosperity:

1. What are the Top 3 towns or cities you would most like to live in someday?
2. What are the Top 3 towns or cities you would most like to visit in the next 12 to 24 months?
3. What 3 towns or cities do you believe currently offer the best job opportunities?

Resonance said the factors for livability include: parks, trees, air quality, sights or landmarks, healthcare and affordability. Houston ranked 57 out of 100.

For lovability, they looked a things like nightlife, restaurants, shopping, culture, museums and attractions and H-Town ranked 64th.

Prosperity was based on Fortune 500 companies, availability of direct flights, unemployment rate and poverty rate. Houston ranked 36th here.

Here’s what Resonance said about Houston:

“H-Town is an increasingly coveted hometown for some of the best and brightest on earth. And beyond. Austin may get the attention, but the promise of the Lone Star State drawing Californians and New Yorkers is quietly being fulfilled in Houston. The metro population is above seven million for the first time, and the city today is one of America’s most ethnically diverse, with more than 145 languages spoken at home—about even with New York—according to the latest census. Its #34 Culture ranking is a testament to its prism of festivals. In 2025, the city will welcome America’s first Ismaili Center, commissioned by His Highness the Aga Khan. But where America’s fourth-largest city truly takes off is in its economic heft and wealth, ranking #9 globally for GDP per Capita and #14 for Fortune 500 companies in town. All that rolls up into an overall Prosperity index ranking of #36, which is even more impressive given the #14-ranked Price-to Income Ratio. Houstonians make more and can sock more away. While hometown companies like ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil have ensured that 40% of Houston’s economy is tied to oil and gas, the energy talent in the city has also made it an unlikely green power destination. According to a recent McKinsey report, investment of up to $250 billion may be headed Houston’s way by 2040 to leverage the skilled workforce and existing infrastructure.”

RELATED: Houston is the most sinful city in Texas and ranks 2nd in the U.S., according to study

Only one U.S. city made the top 10 list, according to Resonance. 

1. London
2. New York
3. Paris
4. Tokyo
5. Singapore
6. Rome
7. Madrid
8. Barcelona
9. Berlin
10. Sydney