A just-released national report ranking the best cities in America has revealed San Antonio has taken a major plunge for 2025.

The annual “America’s Best Cities” report from Resonance Consultancy, a Canada-based real estate and tourism marketing firm, ranks the relative qualities of livability, cultural “lovability,” and economic prosperity in America’s principal cities with metropolitan populations of 500,000 or more.

These top 100 cities “brilliantly weave local culture with economic prospects, aligning with global and domestic travel trends to create premier experiences for both residents and travelers.”

San Antonio ranked No. 41 this year in a nine-place drop from its former rank as No. 32 in 2024, though the report praised the Alamo City for its “tactical urbanism.”

Among San Antonio’s other shining attributes are its its booming population and economic growth – boosted by projects like the $275‑million, 12‑story Innovation Tower – which may one day rival Austin’s explosive growth. The report also commends San Antonio’s vibrant hospitality scene and numerous cultural attractions.

“A city synonymous with its River Walk just keeps adorning its waterside promenade, most recently with the 21‑story InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk — 390 rooms of Hollywood‑glam river views and four new eateries,” the report said. “Retail loves the growth: Burlington is adding three off‑price boxes while Marshalls lands at The Rim luxury center later this year, proof that value‑hungry shoppers keep ringing registers north and west in a city that already enjoys a Top 25 spot in our Shopping subcategory.”

The report also referenced a $500 million investment by British equipment manufacturer JCB to develop a one‑million‑square‑foot plant that plans to employ 1,500 San Antonians, demonstrating a “comeback” with American manufacturing while also boosting the local economy.

Elsewhere in Texas
Three Texas cities earned spots in the top 20: Houston (No. 13), Dallas (No. 14), and Austin (No. 15). El Paso fell from No. 83 in 2024 to No. 100 this year.

Jason McGrath, the executive vice president and head of U.S. Corporate Reputation at Ipsos, said in the report that American cities are proving their resiliency as they are faced with “climate issues, increasing infrastructural demands, and shifting geopolitical landscapes affecting international relations and travel.”

“Despite these hurdles, cities are creatively reinventing themselves to shine as examples of cultural vibrancy and innovation, keeping their competitive edge both locally and globally,” McGrath said. “Our report shows that the allure of American cities remains strong, thanks to their rich diversity and vast attractions — from natural wonders to buzzing cultural hubs.”

The top 10 best cities in America in 2025 are:

  • No. 1 – New York City, New York
  • No. 2 – Los Angeles, California
  • No. 3 – Chicago, Illinois
  • No. 4 – San Francisco, California
  • No. 5 – Seattle, Washington
  • No. 6 – Miami, Florida
  • No. 7 – Boston, Massachusetts
  • No. 8 – Washington, D.C.
  • No. 9 – Las Vegas, Nevada
  • No. 10 – San Diego, California