Travel + Leisure Ranks Tight-Knit Houston Suburb No. 2 in America

Ranch Cincoa planned community in Katy, has been declared the second best suburb to live in America, according to a recent report by Travel + Leisure.

The report, released July 16, analyzed real estate agent feedback and data from “recent livability rankings” to determine the top 10 U.S. suburbs with the “most affordable housing, top-rated schools and excellent job opportunities.”

Johns Creek, Georgia (located 30 miles from Atlanta) was the only city to surpass Cinco Ranch for the title of America’s best suburb to live in.

Rebecca Turner, a real estate agent with Houston-based Greenwood King Properties, said in the report that the main attraction that draws families to Cinco Ranch is its seemingly endless outdoor recreation options. Cinco Ranch has three lakes, 11 pools, more than 70 playgrounds and 231 miles of trails, making the suburb one of the most sought-after communities in the country.

“Cinco Ranch, like most Houston neighborhoods, continues to appreciate in value at a healthy pace,” Turner said in the report. “Unlike other areas in Texas and the country, which have faced real estate restructuring and price declines following the COVID-19-influenced boom, Cinco Ranch continues to be a sought-after neighborhood where home values ​​and equity are increasing at a healthy pace.”

Families can bring their children to enjoy movie nights at the community pool. cincoranch.vie/

Families residing in Cinco Ranch can also take advantage of the many top-tier schools in the Katy Independent School District, which are among the best public high schools in Texas, according to Niche.

Additionally, Zillow’s Home Value Index shows the average home in Cinco Ranch is worth nearly $544,000 in July, up nearly 5% year-over-year from July 2023. The suburb’s hot real estate market means available homes go from for sale to pending in just six days, according to the report.

“Today, half of Americans live in suburbs of varying density, driven by rising costs in cities and a desire for space and a relaxed lifestyle,” the report said. “As a result of this shift, suburbs are now more racially diverse than ever, offering a wide range of amenities such as great restaurants, shopping and entertainment, as well as top-notch public schools, medical centers and recreational facilities.”

The only other Texas suburb in the report is Coppell (No. 5), located 22 miles northwest of Dallas. The city is described as a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Dallas-Fort Worth, with an average home value of more than $643,000 in July.

Houston suburbs have been on the rise in national surveys lately: Missouri City recently ranked the 77th most livable small city in America; West University Square And Bellaire were ranked among the wealthiest American suburbs (something our late columnist Ken Hoffman had something to say about); and Conroe has just been ranked the 31st best city in the country for renters.

The 10 Best Suburbs to Live In, According to Travel + Leisure, are:

• No. 1 – Johns Creek, Georgia
• No. 2 – Cinco Ranch, Texas
• No. 3 – Okemos, Michigan
• No. 4 – North Bethesda, Maryland
• No. 5 – Coppell, Texas
• No. 6 – Brookline, Massachusetts
• No. 7 – Brentwood, Mississippi
• No. 8 – Carmel, Indiana
• No. 9 – Short Pump, Virginia
• No. 10 – Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania