A just-released national report ranking the best cities in America has declared Dallas is the 14th best U.S. city in 2025.

The annual "America's Best Cities" report from Resonance Consultancy, a Canada-based real estate and tourism marketing firm, ranks the relative qualities of livability, cultural "lovability," and economic prosperity in America's principal cities with metropolitan populations of 500,000 or more.

Dallas climbed up two spots from its No. 16 rank in 2024, and in the process eclipsed Austin, which this year came in at No. 15, one slot behind Dallas. So sorry Austin.

The report hails Dallas' "maverick, can-do spirit" that flourishes throughout the city's economy and culture, as well as its vibrant hospitality scene and numerous retail businesses.

"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," the report said. "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 puts a large focus on Dallas' bustling finance sector including the addition of "Y'all Street" — new regional headquarters for Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange offices.

Dallas-Fort Worth also comes in high with new jobs, adding 59,000 jobs since March 2024 — second only to New York, and was lauded for renovations in the works at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

"American Airlines just green-lit a $4-billion Terminal F that will double gate capacity by 2027, with Terminal C’s refresh timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup crowds," the report said. "Downtown, Goldman Sachs’ 800,000-square-foot river-view campus is rising, while Wells Fargo’s twin tower Las Colinas HQ tops out for a 2025 debut."

Elsewhere in Texas
Dallas ranked right in between Houston (No. 13) and Austin (No. 15) in the top 20, while San Antonio sank into the No. 41 spot after previously ranking 32nd last year. El Paso also fell, from No. 83 in 2024 to No. 100 this year.

Jason McGrath, the executive vice president and head of U.S. Corporate Reputation at Ipsos, said in the report that American cities are proving their resiliency as they are faced with "climate issues, increasing infrastructural demands, and shifting geopolitical landscapes affecting international relations and travel."

"Despite these hurdles, cities are creatively reinventing themselves to shine as examples of cultural vibrancy and innovation, keeping their competitive edge both locally and globally," McGrath said. "Our report shows that the allure of American cities remains strong, thanks to their rich diversity and vast attractions — from natural wonders to buzzing cultural hubs."

The top 10 best cities in America in 2025 are:

• No. 1 – New York City, New York
• No. 2 – Los Angeles, California
• No. 3 – Chicago, Illinois
• No. 4 – San Francisco, California
• No. 5 – Seattle, Washington
• No. 6 – Miami, Florida
• No. 7 – Boston, Massachusetts
• No. 8 – Washington, D.C.
• No. 9 – Las Vegas, Nevada
• No. 10 – San Diego, California