A recent survey by Forbes.com placed Houston on the top of the list of cool cities in the United States. 

Washington D.C may be the political center, New York the financial hub and Los Angeles the home of movie stars, but Houston is the place to be in at the moment.

The Texas city, better known for oil, NASA and cowboys, topped the list for its hip and trendy lifestyle, ahead of the Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

"Houston enjoyed 2.6 percent job growth last year and nearly 50,000 Americans flocked there in response - particularly young professionals. In fact, the median age of a Houston resident is a youthful 33," according to Forbes.com.

The survey ranked cities based on entertainment options, number of restaurants and bars, recreational, outdoor and cultural activities, cost of living, green spaces, and job opportunities. According to Reuters, data was used from Sperlings Best Places.

The survey revealed that the influx of young professionals in Houston has led to a rapid increase in restaurants, galleries and stylish housing. Besides, a thriving theater and art scene make the city an enviable place to live in.

Dallas and Seattle were also high on the list, coming in fourth and fifth, while San Francisco and New York just managed to enter the top 10.

California and Texas tied with five cities each in the top 20.