really?

Houston gets a surprising brake on new list of U.S. cities with worst commute

TBH, we thought we'd be higher on this list.

Given the continuous gridlock Houston drivers face, it would be safe to assume our fair city faces the worst commute time in Texas and the even the nation. Not so.

A new report by SmartAsset ranks a surprising Texas city as the worst in the Lone Star State for commute time: Garland. The north Texas city ranked No. 3 in the nation for longest commute time, according to the SmartAsset survey.

Garland ranked No. 3 worst, only out-trafficked by two California cities — Stockton and Bakersfield — which came in first and second, respectively. (Another shocker: Los Angeles didn't lead the list, which landed at No. 25.)

Houston doesn't appear until much further down the list at No. 23 — tied with Dallas. The average commute time in Houston is 26.1 minutes, while 5.8 percent of Houstonians face a "severe" commute of 60 minutes or more. Houstonians spend a tiny bit more of their income on transportation costs than Dallas drivers do (9.9 percent vs. 9 percent). In Dallas, the average commute time in Dallas is 25.7 minutes; 6.5 percent of Dallasites face a "severe" commute.

The only other Texas city to land in the top 10 is El Paso, which comes in seventh. The city ranks second overall for transportation costs relative to income, with commuters paying 14.13 percent of their median household income for transportation in the city and surrounding areas, SmartAsset says.

Elsewhere in Texas, city rankings were:

Arlington, No. 33
Fort Worth, No. 47
Irving, No. 50
Plano, No. 52
San Antonio, No. 55
Lubbock, No. 61
Austin, No. 64
Corpus Christi, No. 78
Laredo, No. 81

Interestingly, SmartAsset notes, despite the rise in remote work the past few years, the average commute time went down by only one minute in five years. The national average decreased from 26.6 minutes in 2016 to 25.6 minutes in 2021, they say, while the percentage of remote workers has tripled in about half the time.

"Workers in 2023 will average almost 222 hours (or a little over nine days) driving to and from work," the report says. "And these hours spent in transit cost commuters more than just their time. The price of fuel, public transit passes and other commuter-related costs can add up quickly."

Commute Garland SmartAsset rankings

calling all shutterbugs

Luxury camera brand Leica picks Houston for first Texas store

Courtesy of Leica

Photographers will be able to see Leica's full product range at its new store.

One of the world’s most respected camera brands is coming to Houston. Leica will bring the first Texas location of its store and gallery concept to River Oaks District.

Slated to open next year next to Le Colonial, the Leica Store and Gallery is described in press materials as an “immersive retail concept” that both showcases the brand’s cameras and the work photographers create with them. Towards that end, the store will host exhibitions, educational programming, workshops, and artist talks. Its gallery will provide a museum-style display of photographs taken with Leica equipment.

“Houston is one of America’s most dynamic cultural centers, with a vibrant arts community and an entrepreneurial spirit that makes it a natural home for Leica,” said Mike Giannattasio, president, Leica Camera North America, in a statement. “We look forward to creating a space that not only showcases our products but also brings together photographers, artists, and creators.”

Of course, the store will also sell the full line of Leica cameras, including the M-System, SL-System, and Q cameras, as well as lenses, timepieces, and home cinema products. The German company is known for its craftsmanship, design, and sophisticated technology, making it a favorite among professional photographers.

“We look forward to welcoming Leica to River Oaks District in 2027,” added Robert Bernard, senior real estate manager at Fertitta Entertainment, the company that acquired River Oaks District in 2024. “We are intentional about bringing in brands that elevate the overall experience of the district, and Leica is a perfect reflection of that vision. This unique, art-forward destination celebrates local artists, craftsmanship, and one-of-a-kind experiences alongside the world’s most celebrated luxury brands.”

River Oaks District is an 18-acre development at 4444 Westheimer. It’s home to more than 50 high-end shops and restaurants, including Steak 48, MAD, Hermes, Dior, and Cartier.

openings shopping leica river oaks district