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    Why is H-Town smiling?

    Dallas ranks first, Houston second in the happiness factor, San Francisco lands dead last

    Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler
    Sep 5, 2013 | 1:14 pm
    News_I heart Hou_heart clouds Houston skyline_Feb 10
    Houstonians' solid relationships with their friends and family contributed to the city's high ranking in happiness.
    Photo illustration by Sarah Rufca

    Houston, we don't have a problem. So says revered pollster Harris Interactive, which reports the results from a recent study of the country's 10 major markets in which 36 percent of Houstonians described themselves as "very happy."

    That's ahead of the national average of 33 percent, but still only good enough for second place. Dallasites topped the list with 38 percent claiming to be very happy — that is at least until the Cowboys start their lurch towards a 6-10 season and plunge the city into a deep funk.

    Houstonians seem to be a rather religious lot as 79 percent agree that "My spiritual beliefs are a positive guiding force to me," which is way ahead of the national average of 67 percent.

    When it comes to national issues, 67 percent of H-town citizenry believes that their voices are not heard in national decisions. On average nationally, 70 percent of the populace feels it isn't heard.

    One surprising statistic — despite Houston's strong economy, 62 percent worry about their financial situations and 39 percent find their work frustrating. Is that in conflict with the 79 percent of respondents who reported they're optimistic about the future?

    One way we've got Dallas beat: Only 53 percent of Houstonians worry about their health compared to 59 percent in our northern neighbor. Way to go Texas Medical Center for keeping us healthy.

    The next time a torrential thunderstorm snarls traffic on the Southwest Freeway or the mayoral candidates snipe at each other, take a deep breath and try to relax. At least we aren't living in San Francisco where only 28 percent of the residents are very happy.

    unspecified
    news/city-life

    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Austin restaurant chain bowls over River Oaks and more popular stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Dec 27, 2025 | 11:00 am
    Honest Mary's restaurant exterior
    Photo by Becca Wright
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including restaurant openings and a major acquisition for MFAH. Plus, where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Houston. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to the best Christmas weekend events.

    1. Meet the men behind River Oaks' new destination for bowls and broth. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Honest Mary’s founder Nelson Monteith and COO Andrew Wiseheart joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the Austin-based restaurant that just opened its first Houston location in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

    2. Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire. It didn’t take Sambrooks Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opened December 22.

    3. 25 Houston restaurants celebrating New Year's Eve with caviar, bubbles, and more. Houston restaurants are ringing in the new year with indulgent menus featuring caviar, lobster, and steak, along with plenty of bubbly.

    4. Houston museum acquires historic Masonic lodge property for new greenspace. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has acquired a prime parcel to expand its campus in the Museum District.

    Holland Lodge masonic building The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace. Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook

    5. Houston's richest residents, best suburbs, and more top city news in 2025. As 2025 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Houston this year. These are the City Life stories that captured Houston's attention.

    most popular storiesopeningspodcastsnew years evemfahhot-headlines
    news/city-life
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