EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso has landed near the top of a national list of the best large cities to live in the United States, earning the No. 2 spot for 2025-2026.

U.S. News & World Report ranked El Paso second among large cities with populations above 500,000 in an evaluation highlighted this week by Business Insider. The ranking considered factors including quality of life, value, desirability, job market and migration.

This moment speaks to who we are as a city and where we are headed,” Mayor Renard U. Johnson said. “We are proud to see El Paso recognized on a national level, and will keep doing the work to build and even stronger future for our community.

El Paso was ranked alongside other major cities across the country, with Texas cities performing especially well overall, according to the information released with the ranking.

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The ranking’s focus mirrors what residents identified as priorities in the city’s most recent community survey, including quality of life, affordability, public safety, economic mobility and overall community well-being.

U.S. News & World Report’s ranking cited El Paso’s combination of value and livability, including relatively affordable housing and lower median rent compared with other top-ranked large cities.

We know rankings are only one measure, but this recognition reinforces the strengths that continue to make El Paso a place people are proud to call home,” City Manager Dionne Mack said. “The City will continue investing in the priorities that matter most to residents, including infrastructure, public safety, economic mobility, and quality of life.

City officials said El Paso will continue work aligned with the mayor and City Council’s priorities to strengthen neighborhoods, support economic opportunity, improve infrastructure and enhance quality of life across the community.

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