Houston is ranked among the top four U.S. cities in which to earn a living, according to Forbes Magazine, (article written September 3, 2009).  Three of the top four cities were located in Texas.  According to Forbes, Dallas is the most desirable city in the nation to live (of course, we believe that Dallas is second to Houston).  Houston was ranked second and Austin was ranked third.  Among the best reasons to take up residence in Houston or Dallas, according to Forbes, is the number of top-ranked companies headquartered in each city:  38 and 15, respectively.

The rankings were determined by median income, cost of living, job growth and the quality of the business environment.

Most importantly, the magazine stated that "if you are worried about the economic situation changing in Houston, Dallas or Austin, in the next few years, don't be.  As health care, technology and energy take more employees into their ranks, cities that specialize in these core industries will continue to draw skilled workers and dole out attractive compensations."

According to Forbes.com, "Expect this list to look similar next year--but you might not need it if by then you've moved to Texas for a job."