Bay Area Life category interest

Northwest Houston area city, The Woodlands has garnered one of the most prestigious rankings in its history as it was named the Best City to Live in America, according to Niche.com.

The No. 1 ranking from Niche, the leading platform connecting students and families with colleges and schools, is among 228 cities and 18,516 towns and neighborhoods nationwide. Niche released its 2021 Best Places to Live rankings today.

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“We have been in the Top 10 for a number of years, and today, it’s with great honor to receive the news we’re ranked #1,” said The Woodlands Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. “The Woodlands is a dynamic hometown within a natural forest and is known for its balance between man and nature. The Woodlands provides premier services and activities, superior educational opportunities, is committed to public safety, has a diversity of jobs, vibrant public spaces, integrated mobility options, public activities, cultural events and entertainment. We are a thriving business community and a place where generations from all over the world come to live, worship, work, learn and play.”

The Woodlands has 118,000 residents and over 2,000 businesses. It is home to over 140 parks and is connected by more than 220+ miles of hike and bike trails. In 2019, The Woodlands received the prestigious 2019 Gold Medal Grand Plaque Award from the American Academy for Parks andamp; Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Parks Association for residential population between 75,001 and 150,000 people.

Niche generates the Best Places to Live rankings by using data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, and CDC combined with millions of resident reviews. The company considers factors such as affordability, the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, area public schools, walkability, and more.

In the seventh consecutive year that Niche has produced these rankings, 228 cities and 18,516 towns and neighborhoods were included. Millions of people use Niche rankings and profiles to help with key life decisions such as where to live and where to go to school.  

The Woodlands is also in the top 10 of rankings for the following:

- Best Cities to Buy a House in America (#2 of 228)
- Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (#2 of 228)
- Cities with the Best Public Schools in America (#6 of 228)
- Best Cities to Retire in America (#7 of 228). 

It is in the top 100 for Best Suburbs to Live in America, Healthiest Cities in America, Healthiest Places to Live in America, Best Cities for Young Professionals in America, Best Places to Live in America. Additional rankings can be found here: 

“In the past year, many people have become more mobile than ever before. Especially if they’re able to work remotely, people are asking themselves where they really want to live,” said Luke Skurman, CEO and founder of Niche. “Our rankings are designed to help our users find the next place they want to call home based on their unique priorities. For families, we know schools are an important factor. In addition to the Best Places to Live rankings, our comprehensive school profiles and school rankings are very valuable for families looking to make a move.”

Texas had the most cities in the top 50. In addition to The Woodlands, several other Texas Cities were in the top 50 this year including:

Plano (Dallas Suburb) at #7

Richardson (Dallas Suburb) at #12

College Station at #24

Austin at #26

Round Rock at #29

Irving at #41

Users can view the Best Places, Cities, Suburbs, or Neighborhoods to Live rankings by state, metro area, or county. Specialized lists include Best for Families, Young Professionals, Homebuyers, Retirees, and more. 

2021 Best Cities to Live in America:

The Woodlands, TX
Arlington, VA
Naperville, IL
Overland Park, KS
Cambridge, MA
To explore the full rankings, Go HERE 

To read more about the rankings methodology, Go HERE.