Houston’s flourishing economy is more prominent due to the recession that the rest of America still seems to be suffering from.  Today’s argument: why Houston is the number one city in America.  Between the booming housing industry, a constantly growing job market, the unique and popular restaurant scene, and a matchless cultural flavor, Houston is a top contender.  If that hasn’t already sold you on staying in or moving to Texas’ most popular city, here are 17 more reasons to convince you.

1. Houston is legitimately the number one city for job creation right now.  It’s at 230.5% of job recovery.  The only other four cities over the 100% mark are Dallas, Washington D.C., Boston, and NYC and Dallas is only in second place with a 164.2% recovery rate.

2. The National unemployment rate has consistently been higher than Houston’s for the past several years.

3.  Not only does Houston have high wages but a low cost of living.  Living here provides the greatest opportunity for larger savings.  You can find the highest pay in the country (adjusting for cost of living) here at $75,256.

4.  If you look back at our previous blog, you’ll see that Houston also offers affordable housing since it was not gravely affected by the 2007 economic dip.  It didn’t overbuild and therefore didn’t experience a housing bubble like the rest of the country.

5. Except for New York City, Houston has the most Fortune 500 headquarters (22 to be exact), double that of Dallas or Atlanta.

6.  It is home of the NASA Astronaut Corps.  Who doesn’t love astronauts?  Oh, and it’s a pretty momentous center of research and employment, not to mention a Mission Control center for manned space expeditions.

7. The food is divine.  The New York Times calls Houston “one of the country’s most exciting places to eat”.  With raving reviews like that, who doesn’t want a bite of this great city?

8.  Not to draw out the point, but some of the food Houston is best known for includes its: ethnic cuisines (ranging from excellent Mexican to Cajun crafted meals and strong and popular Vietnamese flavors), amazing seafood, and astounding Texas barbeque.

9.  Be a proper sports fan.  The Texans are in line for the next Super Bowl, the Rockets rode out the playoffs, and the Dynamos have been consistent playoff contenders.  As long as we ignore the decline of the Astros (and who are we kidding, some stars fall hard and fast), the sports scene is booming in H-town.

10.  The energy sector provides 3.4% of all jobs in Houston, and it is one of the American centers of an increasing oil and gas industry.

11. The global economy is centralizing on a small scale in Houston.  The job boost is also accredited to the fact that foreign businesses are relocating, expanding, and starting anew in America’s number one city.

12.  Houston has the world’s most health care organizations, many of which are researching cures for problems like cancer.

13. The artistic scene is hot.  There are many museums and cultural landmarks to enjoy and appreciate.  The Museum of Fine Arts is one of America’s largest museums.  19 museums can be found in a relatively short radius within Houston.

14.  Houston is the number one ranking metropolitan area with the largest amount of parks.  Who doesn’t love a good walk through some greenery scenery?

15.  With its college scene, provided by both Rice University and the University of Houston, you can be sure that the population consists of some highly educated folks.

16.  Census data proves Houston to be the most racially and ethnically diverse large metro area in the USA.

17. And lastly, H-town is the origin for artists like Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug, as well as Beyonce and Destiny’s Child.

With so many great qualities and things to do (and a low cost of living so that you can afford the entertainment), Houston is obviously the place to be!

  Pic citation: http://impactnews.com/houston-metro/the-woodlands/woodlands-in-the-midst-of-a-sellers-market/

Article citation: Nisen, Max. (2013, May 30).  17 reasons why Houston is the best in America.  Business Insider.  Retrieved June 1, 2013 from http://www.businessinsider.com/why-houston-is-the-best-city-in-america-2013-5?op=1.