# Why Houston
**Source**: https://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/why-houston
**Parent**: https://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/choose-houston-mba
*Updated from original post that was published on 10/07/2021.*
Life evolves, and so does Houston. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Houston ranked No. 2 nationally for growing tech markets during the pandemic and No. 19 in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report. With 24 Fortune 500 headquarters, ranking us [No. 3](https://www.houston.org/why-houston/industries/headquarters) in the U.S., and one of the largest concentrations of U.S. headquarter locations for companies around the world — Houston is booming. So choosing an MBA program in Houston, Texas is a smart decision, offering opportunities to [expand your career](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/career-development) and enrich your life.
Houston is the most diverse American city. A perfect place to gain new perspectives on business, culture and of course cuisine. (We’re always in the top 10 foodie destinations in the U.S.) It’s also affordable, compared to other big cities. The cost of living is lower in Texas (where most things are bigger). Think groceries, gas, rent and also no income tax
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Looking at Rice Business [with Houston as its backdrop](https://business.rice.edu/life-rice/home-houston), everything feels heightened, especially your opportunities to work and play. There is so much to do in your two years, along with studying for [your MBA](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba). Let the people you meet, the [student clubs](https://business.rice.edu/rice-mba/beyond-classroom/student-clubs) you join and the experiences you have build a foundation for learning and earning your degree, and launching the next phase of your life.
Here are my top 6 reasons why you should choose the city of Houston for your MBA:
### For Food
- 11,000+ restaurants
- Representing 70 countries and American regions
- #6 food truck city in the U.S.
### For Innovation
- [The Ion](https://www.ionhouston.com/)
- No. 19 in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report
- No. 1 ranking in Entrepreneurship from Princeton Review
### For Industries
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Digital Technology
- Energy
- Life Sciences and Biotech
### For Sports
- Astros
- Dash
- Dynamo
- Rockets
- Texans
- Livestock Show and Rodeo
### For Culture
- Museum District (150 museums)
- Theater District (13,000+ seats)
- Ballet
- Symphony
- Grand Opera
### For Play
- 366 parks
- 200 green spaces
- 125 miles of hike-and-bike trails
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#### Want to learn more about pursuing your MBA in Houston? [Request more information](https://business.rice.edu/request-information) or check out our blog post: [Choose Houston.](http://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/choose-houston-mba)
[Explore Why Rice](https://business.rice.edu/node/23611)
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