Houston’s good fortune is largely a function of the current oil boom. But this isn’t the type of gusher that led to busts in 1981 and 1986. Instead, Houston is experiencing a 21st-century boom fueled by a weak dollar and global growth. “Three things affect Houston’s economy,” says Patrick Jankowski, vice president of research at the Greater Houston Partnership: “the price of energy, the value of the dollar and the strength of the U.S. economy at large.” As Meat Loaf said, two out of three ain’t bad.

Houston, We Have No Problems

It’s the city of big plans and no rules, beat-the-heat tunnels and loop-the-loop highways, world-class museums and wiry cowboys, humidity that demands an ice-cold martini and the biggest damn liquor store on the planet. How could you not love Houston?

No. 1: Houston, Texas – Comeback Kid