San Antonio
Rank: 30
Population: 1,365,256

The home of the Alamo, San Antonio beats in-state rival Dallas this year, thanks to a better local economy and significantly lower crime. Mayor Julian Castro is a rising political star, the first Hispanic person to give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Although its strength may be its Tex Mex cuisine at joints such as Rosario’s, San Antonio meets diverse tastes with its Culinaria wine and culinary arts festival in May and street fair Fiesta each April.

Bars: 345
Restaurants: 2,914
Museums: 31
Libraries: 36
Pro sports teams: 3
Park acres per 1,000 residents: 17
Colleges: 7
Percent with graduate degree: 5.5
Median household income: $54,444
Percent unemployed: 7.4