News Summary
Pearland and League City have been recognized as the third and sixth best places to live in the United States, respectively. According to U.S. News & World Report, Pearland excels in livability with a strong economy and affordable housing, while League City offers a family-oriented atmosphere and shorter commute times. The rankings reflect their appeal as desirable locations for families and individuals seeking quality of life, safety, and economic opportunity.
Pearland and League City Recognized Among Top 10 Best Places to Live in 2025
Pearland, located south of Houston, has been ranked as the third best place to live in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025. Meanwhile, League City, situated southeast of Houston, secured the sixth position on the same list. The rankings highlight the livability of these Texas suburbs as appealing residential options, reflecting their strong quality of life, job opportunities, and desirable community features.
This year, U.S. News expanded its analysis from 150 to 250 U.S. cities, using a refined methodology that assesses five key livability indexes: Quality of life, value, desirability, job market, and net migration. Pearland’s score of 7.0 aligns it closely with top-ranked cities like Johns Creek, Georgia, which holds the number one spot, and Carmel, Indiana, which is ranked second.
Pearland: A Leader in Texas Living
Pearland has also been named the best place to live in Texas for 2025-2026. The city boasts a population of nearly 124,000 residents and is characterized by a strong economic foundation, with a median household income of $115,504 and median home values settling at $319,753. Housing costs in Pearland are notably lower than the national average, which exceeds $370,000.
The demographics of Pearland indicate a vibrant community, with 29% of residents under 20 years old and 36% aged between 20-44 years. Additionally, 25% of residents fall between 45-64 years old, while 12% are 65 and older. This diverse age distribution contributes to a rich community life.
Safety and Commute
Your safety while living in Pearland is significantly enhanced by its reputation as one of the safest cities in America. The city also features interesting landmarks like the Pear-Scape Trail, a public art trail that promotes cultural engagement. Further benefiting its residents, Pearland has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national average of 4.5%. However, commuting can take some time, as the average commute duration in Pearland rests at 31.2 minutes.
League City: A Close Contender
League City follows closely behind Pearland, ranked sixth best in the country. The suburb enjoys a robust median household income of $120,670 and median home values around $327,511. The community is characterized by a marriage rate of 63.5%, suggesting a stable family-oriented atmosphere.
Residents of League City benefit from a shorter average commute time of 27.5 minutes, making it an attractive option for those who may work in Houston while preferring suburban living. The city’s close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also boosts its desirability among potential residents.
Overview of Houston
By contrast, Houston itself ranked 381st on the report, a decline from the previous year. The comprehensive analysis included a total of 859 cities for this report, highlighting the competitive nature of livability rankings across the nation.
Conclusion
The recognitions given to Pearland and League City reflect their growing appeal as promising places for families and individuals looking for a combination of safety, affordability, and quality of life. These rankings could have potential impacts on housing markets and community development efforts as awareness of these Texas cities continues to grow.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 13 News
- Wikipedia: Pearland, Texas
- KHOU 11 News
- Google Search: Best Places to Live in Texas
- Culture Map Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: League City
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: League City Texas
- World Atlas
