The World’s Energy Capital Rated the #1 US City to Live, Work and Play It looks like the weather isn’t the only thing red hot in our industry’s capital. Earlier this month, Kiplinger.com rated Houston as the top city in the nation to live, work and play. Their methodology was unique. It not only looked at past performance, but also future opportunity, making Houston the perfect fit. Cities that had an abundance of individuals in the “creative class” were noted to hold the brightest futures. The “creative class” includes people that innovate and develop ideas. It includes scientists, engineers, educators and artists. One in three of Houston’s population belongs to this group, making it among the highest percentage in the nation. “Houston may not be the epitome of chic, but it is a home of brilliance. Combine this with a global community and a distinct camaraderie around challenge and it is a rather amazing place to live,” notes Brandy Brazell Obvintsev, the president of Energy People Connect, an online social network and lifestyle company for people in the energy industry. Hot, humid and lush are great adjectives to describe Houston, but the industrious vibe creates an interesting contrast. Despite the tropical climate, the pace of the city is fast and edgy. Obvintsev, a Houston native, explains, “People come here to work and create breakthroughs in energy technology and medicine that can change quality of life for the entire world. We’ve spent the day feeding our passion, so now it is off to the ballet or to a world-class restaurant. It’s not a bad way to live- in this context the landscape and mosquitoes can easily be overlooked.” There is another reason to ignore the weather-While Houstonians work hard and have a collective aesthetic that is influenced by a constant influx of international talent, they are also very nice. They are glad you are here. At 600 square miles, there is room for everyone, and without its people and their innovations, the best city in the U.S. to live, work and play would just be a big swamp.