Houston Tapped As 10th Most Joyous Destination On The Planet The Joy Index measures the level of happiness derived from art, architecture, food, and other factors. By James Brock, Patch Staff | Jun 23, 2017 3:32 pm ET

They say that joy is in the eye of the beholder, or something along those lines, and if that's the case, then Houstonians are in great company. In fact, the Bayou City is the 10 most joy-filled place on the planet to visit, according to the Joy Index.

The index, put together by "happiness experts" Shawn Achor and Gretchen Rubin in partnership with Condé Nast Traveler and Bank of America, uses data from Gallup, the United Nations, and six happiness factors created by Achor and Rubin.

The list, published by Condé Nast Traveler, has this to say about Houston:

Art is a gateway to happiness. Staring at great works stimulates the same part of our brain that lights up when we look at someone we love. And thanks to a steady flow of oil money, Houston's art and architecture scene has something for everyone. Admission is free at the Menil Collection (built by Renzo Piano), as well as Rice University's James Turrell Skyspace. Don't miss the non-denominational Rothko Chapel, where you can admire 14 black paintings by Mark Rothko.

Doesn't sound like Texas to you? As America's fourth largest city and arguably one of its most diverse, Houston defies easy stereotypes. Just look at the white-hot restaurant scene, where culinary mashups of local and immigrant cuisines like Pan-Asian/Southern Underbelly have enthralled chefs from around the world.

Achor, a Texas native, loves walking around the Houston Zoo for family bonding with built-in exercise. "Social support is the greatest predictor of long-term happiness," he says, "and exercising for just 30 minutes a day has been shown to be as powerful as taking an antidepressant."

Here is the complete Joy Index Top 10:

1. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

2. Shanghai

3. Aarhus, Denmark

4. Madagascar

5. Hawaii Island, Hawaii

6. Bordeaux

7. Telluride

8. Bermuda

9. Matera, Italy

10. Houston