Dallas was named multiple times in an open-ended survey asking Americans where in the U.S. they'd like to live.
Why it matters: The survey didn't have a drop-down or multiple-choice option. Respondents actually typed in Dallas as their choice when asked where they would like to live and where the best job opportunities are.
The city came in third for economic opportunities, and 12th as a desirable place to live.
About 2,000 people nationwide were asked to name the top three U.S. towns or cities they would most like to live in someday.
New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego and Chicago took the top five spots.
Zoom out: The marketing firm also did its own "best cities" rankings using hard metrics like GDP and unemployment and softer indicators like TripAdvisor reviews and Instagram activity.
Houston came in 13th overall, and Dallas was 14th.
The Dallas area was No. 34 for livability, No. 17 for lovability and No. 5 for prosperity.
"The city's maverick, can-do spirit runs through increasing investment, population growth and cultural ascent in the Big D," the ranking's authors wrote.
Between the lines: The results reflect cities' perception and image, not necessarily reality.
