Dallas has climbed the ranks in a new report on the best cities in the United States, beating out Austin.
Real estate and tourism marketing firm Resonance Consultancy has ranked Dallas the 14th best American city in its annual assessment. The ranking takes into account an “eclectic mix” of factors, from livability, economic prosperity, and lovability, according to the report.
Resonance Consultancy examined cities with populations of at least 500,000. This year, Dallas saw its position climb two spots from No. 16 in 2024. Notably, Dallas has seen its ranking rise considerably, ranking No. 47 on the list back in 2022, as reported by The Dallas Express at the time.
Dallas tied for fourth in the country in the Airport category. It also ranked No. 6 in the Large Companies category, an unsurprising position, given the city’s popularity for corporate headquarters relocations.
“The city’s maverick, can-do spirit runs through increasing investment, population growth and cultural ascent in the Big D,” reads the report.
The report highlighted the ambitious $4 billion Terminal F expansion occurring at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and the forthcoming Goldman Sachs campus.
“The Harwood District flaunts its Swiss‑Texan swagger, with Kengo Kuma’s 22-story Hôtel Swexan showcasing natural materials, elegant interiors and a rooftop infinity pool. Meanwhile, uptown retail gets an urban‑format IKEA in late 2025, adding to a flurry of luxe flagships and the JW Marriott that opened in the Arts District last year,” the report continued.
Which cities bested Dallas and made it to the top 10 list?
- New York City, New York
- Los Angeles, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Miami, Florida
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Washington, D.C.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- San Diego, California
At No. 13 nationwide, Houston was the top-ranked city in the state of Texas. Austin came in one spot behind Dallas, landing at No. 15. San Antonio was ranked No. 41, while El Paso came in at No. 100.