News Summary
Pearland, Texas, and League City, Texas, have both been recognized in the latest U.S. News & World Report as among the top ten best places to live in the United States for 2025. Pearland secured the third position, while League City followed in sixth place, showcasing their growing attractiveness as suburban living options. The rankings consider livability metrics, including quality of life and job market strength, attracting further interest in these communities.
Pearland, Texas, and League City, Texas, have been recognized in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings as among the top ten best places to live in the United States for 2025. Pearland has achieved the 3rd position, while League City secured the 6th spot, highlighting the growing appeal of these suburban areas.
U.S. News released its rankings recently after expanding its evaluation from 150 cities to 250. The updated methodology for the 2025-2026 report takes into account a comprehensive analysis based on five key livability indexes: quality of life, value, desirability, job market, and net migration. Pearland received a score of 7.0, putting it in a tie with Johns Creek, Georgia (ranked first), and Carmel, Indiana (ranked second).
League City, noted for its competitive desirability, ranked sixth in the nation, reaffirming its significance in the regional housing market. Both cities displayed strong indicators of livability, combined with attractive economic opportunities that appeal to current and potential residents.
As part of the broader evaluation, a total of 859 cities were analyzed, reflecting a trend in favor of suburban living that aligns with the preferences seen in public surveys regarding factors such as housing affordability and community appeal. Other Houston-area cities that made it into the top 50 include Sugar Land at 16th, The Woodlands at 44th, and Katy at 45th.
The methodology changes showcased in this report highlight an increasing reliance on local job markets due to ongoing economic uncertainties, with analysts noting that quality of life remains crucial but job factors received elevated importance. Economic stability and feedback from public surveys were emphasized as major contributors to the rankings.
Interestingly, larger Texas cities such as Austin and San Antonio did not fare as well, with Austin dropping significantly to the 164th position in the rankings. The results indicate a national preference for specific community attributes, as many of the top-rated locations are situated outside Texas.
The recognition of Pearland and League City serves as a testament to their appeal as desirable residential options, demonstrating a balance between fulfilling residents’ lifestyle desires and providing robust economic opportunities. These high rankings will likely attract further interest in the region, not only from homebuyers but also from investors looking to tap into growing community markets.
As the trend toward suburban living continues to gain traction across the country, Pearland and League City’s placements in the rankings could lead to heightened migration patterns and local developments, making these communities even more integral to Texas’s overall economic landscape in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- ABC13
- Austin American-Statesman
- KHOU
- Laredo Morning Times
- Hoodline
- Wikipedia: Quality of life
- Google Search: best places to live in the US
- Google Scholar: living conditions in suburbs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: living conditions
- Google News: US best places to live

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.