News Summary
San Antonio has been notably left out of a recent ‘coolest cities’ ranking by Betway.com, which evaluated popular cities in the U.S. and Canada. Austin and Dallas made the list, but despite its cultural richness and vibrant food scene, San Antonio was overlooked. The study emphasized various coolness factors, highlighting the unique offerings of Austin and Dallas. Meanwhile, San Antonio continues to enhance its recreational spaces and cultural attractions, positioning itself as a significant player in Texas’s vibrant identity.
San Antonio has been notably excluded from a recent ranking of the coolest cities in America, conducted by Betway.com. The study evaluated the 50 most populated cities across the U.S. and Canada, placing Austin and Dallas on the list but leaving out San Antonio and other major Texas cities like Houston.
Austin secured the 11th spot on the ranking, while Dallas followed closely in 14th place. Neither city, however, managed to make it into the prestigious top 10. The title of the coolest city went to Boston, which was praised for its blend of energy and culture. It was followed by Las Vegas and Portland in second and third places, respectively.
According to the report, the rankings were based on several coolness factors that included the median age of residents, the number of tattoo parlors, the presence of record stores, the frequency of upcoming music events, the quality of street art murals, and the availability of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. These criteria aimed to encapsulate the vibrant atmosphere and cultural appeal of the cities considered.
The studies highlighted the energy and cultural offerings of both Austin and Dallas, particularly noting the strength of their culinary scenes. Despite San Antonio’s rich cultural tapestry, critics argue that it has been overlooked in this assessment. They point out that San Antonio boasts unique cultural icons, top-tier universities, and suburbs recognized among the best places to live in the country. Moreover, San Antonio’s food scene, considered unmatched by some, continues to thrive with a plethora of new bars and restaurants opening regularly.
The city is known for its quirky cultural personality, with local figures contributing to its charm. Additionally, San Antonio is steeped in a rich history characterized by countless buildings that possess intriguing spooky stories. Notable attractions such as the Alamo and the iconic River Walk remain central to the city’s identity, enhanced by vibrant events like Fiesta that paint San Antonio’s canvas with color and community spirit.
In other developments, San Antonio recently launched its first futsal court at Bonnie Connor Park, promoting the rise of this popular sport in the area. Futsal, which has gained significant popularity in Latin America, has also been embraced in the U.S. following the COVID pandemic. This new facility aligns with the “Play SA” initiative, a comprehensive $1 million project aimed at revitalizing local parks and recreational areas throughout the city.
The Play SA initiative includes upgrades to basketball courts, the construction of a new skate park, and improvements to existing playgrounds. City Parks and Recreation officials have expressed enthusiasm regarding these new offerings, emphasizing the importance of providing enhanced recreational opportunities for the community.
In a separate assessment by Time Out, three Texas cities—Austin, Dallas, and Houston—were noted as among the top 10 best cities to visit in 2025, indicating the regional appeal of Texas tourism. San Antonio is also set to boost its historical significance with the opening of the World Heritage Center, which promises to enhance the city’s allure for visitors interested in its rich history.
Furthermore, Texas continues to receive recognition for its diverse culinary landscape, with Austin ranked 4th for best food cities and Houston coming in at 9th in the Food & Wine magazine’s Global Tastemakers Awards for 2025. Though San Antonio may not have been included in the coolness rankings, it is clear that its cultural offerings and attractions remain vital to Texas’s identity and draw for potential visitors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas: The Best State for Business for 21 Years
San Antonio Tops the City Nature Challenge 2023
Local Resident Wins $2 Million in Powerball Lottery
San Antonio Ranks 7th Dirtiest City in the U.S.
San Antonio Faces Business-Friendly Ranking Challenges
Austin Ranks Third Best Large City for Entrepreneurs
Houston’s Entrepreneurial Support Ranking Disappoints
Alamo Heights Faces Security Challenges While Maintaining Charm
San Antonio Welcomes Wine & Wildflower Journey
Texas Maintains Top Business Climate in the U.S.
Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Express-News
- Google Search: San Antonio
- Statesman
- Google Scholar: San Antonio
- Spectrum News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Axios San Antonio
- Google News: San Antonio
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
