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    Surprise! we ain't that bad

    Shocker poll results reveal how outsiders actually view Texas

    Amber Heckler
    May 8, 2023 | 10:30 am
    Don't Mess with Texas, neon light, sign

    They like us. They really like us, y'all.

    Photo by Adam Gerard/Flickr

    Despite calls to #BoycottTexas by sports groups, business groups, women's groups, and more over any number of state laws and public policies sparking national outrage (here's a recent list), a surprising new poll shows a majority of Americans view Texas in a positive light.

    And, the recent findings are a noteworthy increase from a previous year's poll.

    The survey from Crosswind Media and Public Relations shows 59 percent of Americans outside of Texas view the state favorably, with 33 percent having a “very positive” view of the state, and 26 percent having a “somewhat positive” view.

    On the other side of the spectrum, 21 percent of those surveyed did not view Texas positively. Nine percent held a “somewhat negative” view, and 12 percent had a “very negative” view of the state. Only 17 percent of Americans polled held a “neutral” view about Texas.

    The survey also asked about the state’s friendliness for starting businesses, raising families, and traveling on vacation. 66 percent of Americans saw Texas as a good place to start a business, 64 percent said it was a great place to raise a family, and 69 percent of respondents considered the state a great travel destination.

    The business- and family-friendliness categories were 13 and 12 percent increases year-over-year from their 2022 survey. Additionally, their data suggests San Antonio is the leading vacation destination for most Americans.

    In a press release, Crosswind CEO Thomas Graham remarked that the state is “heading in the right direction” by poll-takers, after last year’s poll resulted in only 45 percent of outsiders viewing Texas in a positive light.

    "This survey demonstrates the durability of the brand of Texas as being pro-business, family-friendly, and a premier travel destination," he said.

    But, does it?

    Only 845 people were surveyed… by a public relations firm that's charged with "Branding Texas." So take that with as big of a grain of salt as you’d like.

    The full report and its methodology is available on their website.

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    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.

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