When it comes to the most exciting cities in Texas, the big three — Houston, Dallas and Austin — would likely top most people's lists. But not popular real estate website Movoto, which just put Dallas in fifth place on its new most exciting cities list.
Big D embarrassingly ranks behind not only Houston and Austin but also Galveston, which came in first, and Conroe, which tied for No. 3. Yes, three different Houston area cities beat out Dallas in the rankings.
Galveston seems like a natural for the list, because it's located on the Gulf of Mexico and thus is a prime spring break destination. Conroe's the surprise.
Three different Houston area cities beat out Dallas in the rankings.
The north Houston suburb boasts a population of around 56,000 people, and its biggest attraction is a man-made lake — which isn't even within city limits. That hardly seems to qualify as a hub of "entertainment and thrills."
Movoto started with the 100 most populated areas in Texas, then looked at a number of per capita factors, including nightlife and live music venues, "active life" options, fast food restaurants (cities are dinged if you have too many), percentage of restaurants that are not fast food, and percentage of young residents ages 18 to 34.
It appears the "per capita" part of things hurt Dallas compared to the much smaller Conroe and Galveston, both of which got major points in the active life category.
Other most exciting cities in the Top 10 included San Marcos, McAllen, Tyler, New Braunfels and Bryan. Yep, you read that right.
... nothing at all.
Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.
Photo by Chris Furia