Although it is not technically a city, The Woodlands has claimed the No. 1 place on a national platform as "Best City to Live in America," township officials announced this week.

The company Niche.com on March 15 announced The Woodlands, a community of about 118,000 in Montgomery County, has moved up from the No. 2 place to No. 1 among the 228 cities and 18,516 towns and neighborhoods evaluated by the site. Niche.com describes itself as a platform that connects students and families with college and schools, according to a township news release.

“We have been in the Top 10 for a number of years, and today, it’s with great honor to receive the news we’re ranked No. 1,” said Gordy Bunch, chair of the township's board of directors, in a statement. “The Woodlands is a dynamic hometown within a natural forest and is known for its balance between man and nature. The Woodlands provides premier services and activities, superior educational opportunities, is committed to public safety, has a diversity of jobs, vibrant public spaces, integrated mobility options, public activities, cultural events and entertainment. We are a thriving business community and a place where generations from all over the world come to live, worship, work, learn and play.”

In addition to residents in nine villages, the master-planned community founded in 1974 boasts 2,000 businesses, about 140 parks and more than 220 miles of trails.

According a township news release, the Niche.com site produces its ranking using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and other sources including resident reviews. Affordability, the housing market, diversity and public schools are also factors, according to the release.

The remaining top five cities in the U.S. listed on the site are Arlington, Virgina.; Naperville, Illinois; Overland Park, Kansas; and Cambridge, Massachusetts.