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Best Places To Live in Texas

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Best Places To Live in Texas

From bustling cities like Houston and San Antonio, to bucolic outliers like Flower Mound and Sugar Land, here's where you'll want to relocate in Texas.

By Livability on October 27, 2023

With upwards of 250 counties and a rapidly growing population of more than 29 million people, it’s no surprise that narrowing down the places to live in Texas can feel a little overwhelming. The good news is we’re here to help you whittle down the list and find the perfect place to put down roots.

Texas offers a winning combination of affordability and natural diversity. People are drawn to the zero state income tax policy, low cost of living and booming economy with a surplus of jobs in everything from oil and gas to tourism and aeronautics. The state even plays host to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Whole Foods and Southwest Airlines. As far as outdoor recreation is concerned, you can have it all. Rolling hills, stunning mountains, beautiful forests, sandy deserts and more than 350 miles of coastline are right at your fingertips. 

Abilene

A band plays during a music festival in Abilene, Texas. Abilene is one of the best places to live in Texas.
Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Music festival in Abilene, Texas.

Why Abilene is one of the best cities to live in Texas.

If you want to live somewhere with a warm climate and a quality of life that rivals most cities in the country, look no further than Abilene, Texas. Dubbed the center of the “West Texas Universe,” this thriving city has more to offer than its admittedly convenient geographical location. Residents enjoy all manner of perks here, ranging from a host of museums and sporting events to an abundance of green space and outdoor recreation. It doesn’t hurt that the city boasts a reasonable cost of living, making this an affordable place for young families seeking a safe community to raise children. 

Abilene is considered a hub of commercial, medical and retail activity these days, but the city spent decades pouring into revitalization projects to get there. From the overhaul on places like The Grace Museum and Paramount Theatre to new infrastructure to ease transportation growing pains, the city is now a thriving destination for entertainment and activity. Families with small children will love local haunts like the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene Zoological Gardens and Frontier Texas interactive museum. Foodies appreciate the wide range of locally-owned eateries, and those with a penchant for treasure hunting will swoon over the multitude of antique stores in town. 

What is there to do in Abilene?

The more appropriate question here might be what isn’t there to do in Abilene? From downtown art walks and massive splash pads (we’re talking 2,920 square feet of water features) to annual gatherings like Balloon Fest and outings to the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, you will have no shortage of fun things to do when you call this hopping town home.

Read more about living in Abilene, TX.

Amarillo

A photo of downtown Amarillo, one of the best cities in Texas.
iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Known for beef production and its hot business development market, Amarillo is one of the best places to live in Texas.

Why is Amarillo one of the best cities to live in Texas?

Amarillo, Texas, is considered by many to be one of the hottest spots to start a business in The Lone Star State. Many large employers, such as Tyson Foods and Texas Beef, have already established deep roots within the community, and other major players in the job market include West Texas A&M University, Siemens Government Technologies, and Pantex Plant. Combined with other popular industries such as agriculture and medicine, there is no shortage of job availability here in the Texas Panhandle. 

Whether you decide to move to Amarillo for a job change or simply because you’re wanting to start a new chapter in your life, you won’t be disappointed in the arts and culture offerings of the city. The Amarillo Museum of Art, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Amarillo Symphony Orchestra inspire all manner of cultural growth in the community. The wide range of dining options are equally enticing, although the most iconic destination is probably The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Microbrewery. Located just off Route 66, they have developed a reputation for their 72-ounce-steak challenge. If you can eat all 72 ounces, your dinner is free. Otherwise, you pay $72 to take on the challenge. All these perks and more landed Amarillo on our list of the Top 25 Best Places To Live in the Southwest.

What is Amarillo known for? 

Beef production is hands down one of the biggest industries in the Panhandle. The area produces nearly 90 percent of Texas Beef, as well as an impressive 30 percent of the beef for the entire country. Interestingly, before Amarillo was widely recognized for raising cattle, it was considered a crucial transportation hub thanks to its central location within the Texas Panhandle. In the 1880s it tied Dallas and Fort Worth to far-reaching destinations like Denver and Cheyenne.

Read more about living in Amarillo, TX.

Austin

Bars line the entertainment district in downtown Austin, Texas. Austin is a best place to live in Texas.
iStock/benedek
Bars line the entertainment district in downtown Austin, Texas.

Why Austin is one of the best places to live in Texas.

Austin, Texas, is the capital of The Lone Star State and its third largest city with a population of about 2.3 million people. But the numbers aren’t what draw people from all around the world to this widely recognized and well loved city. Affectionately known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is the place to be for anyone who loves live entertainment, exceptional food and a reputation for housing some of the most inspired and creative minds in the South. 

In addition to its long list of arts and culture events, activities and festivals, Austin is also known for its impressively healthy population. When you consider the excellent weather and countless outdoor amenities and recreational opportunities, it starts to make sense. The city has about 220 parks and 250 gyms, as well as innumerable hiking trails and lakes. Many locals regularly participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and water sports. 

Is it easy to find a job in Austin?

You can find an abundance of solid, reliable and well-paying jobs in the heart of Austin, Texas. The city has developed a name for itself in the tech start-up industry and is home to many major players such as Facebook, Google, and Dell. You can also build a quality career in other growing industries here, such health care, education, engineering and entertainment. On average, you can expect to find jobs here that pay about 10 percent more than the national average.

Read more about living in Austin, TX.

College Station

The Academic Building at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas — on of the best places to live in Texas.
iStock/ShengYing Lin
The Academic Building at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Why is College Station one of the best places to live in Texas?

People from all around the world flock to College Station, Texas, because of Texas A&M University. Thanks to the university’s popularity and approximately 73,000 enrolled students, College Station is considered one of the most culturally rich and socially diverse places to live in the state. The city also boasts an abundance of highly rated grade schools, safe neighborhoods, and a growing economy to support both existing and new businesses. The small town feel paired with big city amenities have understandably earned College Station a reputation for being one of the best places to live in Texas.

Students, professors, and administrative staff make up a generous percentage of the population, but the amenities and quality of life available in College Station have made it increasingly attractive to young families. Locals understandably enjoy cheering on the Aggies throughout the season. But other attractions include the Museum of the American G.I., Research Park, Gary Halter Nature Center, and various indoor activities like ax throwing, rock climbing and ice skating.

What is the job market like in College Station?

Those interested in finding a job in College Station are in luck. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the city has around a 3% unemployment rate. Texas A&M University is obviously the greatest employer in the community, with about 13,000 employees, but you can also find a plethora of positions in the biotechnology, manufacturing, agricultural, and tourism industries.

Read more about living in College Station, TX.

Dallas

Downtown Dallas, Texas, at sunset. Dallas is a best place to live in Texas.
iStock/f11photo
Dallas, Texas, offers bigger than average salaries plus a lower than average cost of living — leaving more to enjoy the city’s many entertainment options.

Why Dallas is a best place to live in Texas.

More than 1 million people have moved to Dallas, Texas, in the past decade. Want to know why? This hopping city is at the top of many relocation lists for its good schools, strong economy and robust job market. Combined with the temperate climate, zero state income tax policy and affordable cost of living, Dallas has a lot to offer people in all stages of life. 

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s true for Dallas salaries, too. The city boasts higher than average salaries and lower than average cost of living. Don’t forget you also won’t be paying a state income tax, which means your dollar will stretch farther here than in many other comparable cities. With more breathing room in the budget, you can afford to spend more time enjoying local food and entertainment. Dallas offers a generous calendar of events for locals, as well as more restaurants per capita than any other major metro area in the country. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean, Mexican or a good, old-fashioned smoked brisket, you’ll have no trouble finding it here.

Who are the major employers in Dallas?

Narrowing down the list of major employers in Dallas, Texas, is no easy task. But among the lengthy list of recognized names you’ll find American Airlines, AT&T, Bank of America, Baylor Scott & White, JPMorgan, Kroger, Naval Air Station, Texas Instruments and Walmart. Smaller but equally influential employers in the area include FedEx, Home Depot and General Motors. 

Read more about living in Dallas, TX — or, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out The 4 Best Dallas Suburbs.

Flower Mound

The prolific wildflowers in Flower Mound, TX, make this Dallas-Fort Worth suburb a pretty place to live.
Alamy/Inge Johnsson
The prolific wildflowers in Flower Mound, TX, make this Dallas-Fort Worth suburb a pretty place to live.

Why is Flower Mound a best place to live in Texas?

Flower Mound, Texas, often comes up in conversation when people want to find a nice suburb to put down roots near Dallas-Fort Worth. The city’s convenient location 30 miles northwest of Dallas and 33 miles north of Fort Worth are just a drop in the bucket as to why people from all around the nation want to move here. Even though the area has seen a rapid increase in growth over the past two decades, it has managed to retain that small town Southern charm we all know and love — and how can you put a price tag on that? 

In addition to its convenient location, Flower Mound is known for having an excellent school system, lower than average taxes, and a multitude of amenities that appeal to young families. The housing market is affordable, the crime rates are low, and the growing population means new events, activities, shops and restaurants are popping up with an increasing frequency. The city’s historic downtown is lined with everything from coffee shops and art galleries to wine shops and food markets. If that isn’t enough, the city is also home to 54 parks and recreational facilities that span more than 700 acres of green space. All these amenities and more landed Flower Mound on Livability’s list of the Top 100 Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023.

Why is it called Flower Mound? 

According to the city, there are all kinds of legends and interpretations about how Flower Mound earned its name. But their explanation is sweet and simple. The area sits around 650 feet above sea level, which places it around 50 feet higher than the surrounding countryside. Historians also believe that an unusual number of wildflowers grew on this stretch of land in the 1840s, earning the area its beloved and admittedly unusual name.

Read more about living in Flower Mound, TX.

Fort Worth

Stockyards Historic District in Fort Worth, Texas, one of the best places to live in Texas.
iStock/benedek
Stockyards Historic District in Fort Worth, Texas.

Why Fort Worth is a great place to live in Texas

Have you thought about moving to Fort Worth, Texas? Putting down roots somewhere new can be a little intimidating, but this beautiful city offers an abundance of perks and amenities that will make you feel right at home in no time. People often associate this pocket of the state with “cowboy culture.” While the agricultural, equine and rodeo presence is definitely a significant part of Texas culture, there’s still plenty to do for those who are looking to enjoy everything else the state has to offer. 

One of the biggest reasons to move to Fort Worth is the economy. Major industries include oil and gas, technology, defense, manufacturing, distribution and tourism. Understandably this draws a number of young professionals and families to the city and its surrounding suburbs. With the rise of young adults and their children comes a more vibrant and active community with live entertainment, quality restaurants, family-friendly events, quality schools and an impressive number of free activities and attractions.

Is it expensive to live in Fort Worth? 

Despite its countless amenities and proximity to Dallas, Fort Worth is a surprisingly affordable place to live. The cost of living is around 5% cheaper than the national average, and the housing market is estimated to be around 32% cheaper than the national average. That means young families and professionals who are itching to become first-time homebuyers actually stand a chance at scoring property in Fort Worth. 

Read more about living in Fort Worth, TX.

Houston

Houston, Texas, downtown city skyline over Root Square.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Houston, Texas, downtown city skyline over Root Square.

Why is Houston a great place to live in Texas?

Are you considering a move to Houston, Texas? You’re in good company. The city is home to nearly 2.3 million residents spread across 640 square miles, and the appeal of life in the city doesn’t seem to be shrinking. The U.S. Census shows that young professionals and families are moving to Houston in droves, with the median age in the city coming in at just under 35 years old. You can hardly blame young residents for wanting to take advantage of the low cost of living, which comes in about 8% lower than hundreds of comparable urban areas, and affordable housing prices, which are about $84,000 less than the national typical home value. 

You won’t want for things to do in Houston. A few of the most praised local highlights include going on distillery tours, perusing Houston’s Chinatown, attending a live performance in the Museum and Theater Districts, exploring the NASA Space Center exhibitions and taste testing the hundreds of barbecue joints around the city. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, you could always invest in season tickets to city sporting events or try to hit up all the parks and nature reserves for a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. These amenities and more make Houston hands-down one of the best places to live in Texas.

Why do people want to move to Houston?

Everyone is drawn to life in the city for a different reason. But the most commonly referenced reasons for moving to Houston include the great job opportunities, low cost of living and affordable housing prices. The year-round warm weather that makes it easy to get outside is another draw to life in Houston. 

Read more about living in Houston, TX.

Midland

Midland, Texas skyline. Midland is a best place to live in Texas.
iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Downtown Midland, Texas, is loaded with things to do, including arts, culture and family-friendly museums.

Why Midland is a great city to live in Texas.

Located in the nation’s largest oil-producing area, Midland, Texas, is the place to be for anyone seeking that elusive combination of job opportunities and close-knit community. This medium-sized city is often praised for its warmth and tendency to welcome new residents with open arms. When you consider the Southern hospitality and thriving economy, it’s easy to understand why people are interested in moving to Midland, Texas

Because the city is in the Permian Basin, it’s understandable that the oil industry is a major player within the local economy. But other industries thrive in the area as well. You can find plenty of opportunities in industries like mining, health care and education, as well as professional services like business and finance. The cost of living in Midland is less than the national average, with housing coming in around 10% lower. 

What is there to do in Midland?

You might think you have to hop on over to the next major city to find fun things to do. But Midland actually has several places to explore. Marion Blakemore Planetarium is considered a local gem, and Permian Basin Museum is an interesting highlight that displays the largest collection of antique oil drilling equipment. Arts and culture fans will enjoy visiting the Wager Noel Performing center, Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum and George W. Bush’s childhood home, which is open to visitors. Flat plains and stunning landscapes are also easy to find, and the city’s various parks, nature preserves and green spaces are conveniently located to help you take advantage of them all. It’s no wonder that Midland is among the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southwest

Read more about living in Midland, TX.

Round Rock

An aerial shot of houses in Round Rock, Texas. Round Rock is a great place to live in Texas.
iStock/jeremyiswild
An aerial shot of houses in Round Rock, Texas.

Why is Round Rock a great city to live in Texas?

Located near Austin and known for its winning combination of outdoor recreation and historic landmarks, Round Rock, Texas, has become a hotspot for young professionals and young families seeking a place to put down roots. Studies suggest the overall cost of living in Round Rock is around 8% less than the national average, including housing, food and transportation. Forest Ridge, Mayfield Ranch and Meadows at Chandler Creek are among the top neighborhoods for those interested in becoming first-time homebuyers.

The warm climate may not come as a surprise. This is Texas, after all. But even with more than 230 sunny days per year, the average year-round temperatures in Round Rock sit right around 68 degrees Farenheit. Winter brings slightly chillier weather, but the pleasant weather means you can get outside and enjoy the 2,305 acres of green space available in the city. Old Settlers Park is considered “a crown jewel” with almost 700 acres to explore and various events, live performances and family-friendly activities throughout the year. It’s easy to see why Round Rock is among the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southwest.

What kinds of jobs are in Round Rock? 

Round Rock saw a huge uptick in growth and development during the Austin tech boom in the 1990s. While many locals continue to commute into the city for work, opportunities within Round Rock proper have increased in recent years. You can find international employers such as Dell, 3M, Google, Apple and Samsung within or just outside of Round Rock. Industries such as health care and higher education are also seeing an upward trajectory of opportunity, helping make Round Rock one of the best places to live in Texas. 

Read more about living in Round Rock, TX.

San Antonio

Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, Texas at sunset.
iStock/f11photo
Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, Texas at sunset.

Why San Antonio is one of the great cities to live in Texas

Considering a move to San Antonio? Home to more than 1.5 million people and ranking in the top 10 most populous cities in the entire country, this vibrant south-central Texas city is known for art, culture and history. Rent a boat or order a drink along the 15-mile San Antonio River Walk, which registers more than 14 million visitors per year. Spend an afternoon exploring the Alamo, which is considered one of the most historically significant places in the country. Soak up the more than 220 sunshine days per year with the countless outdoor activities like hiking, tubing and cycling. Whether you want to attend a festival or create your own itinerary of adventure and exploration, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in San Antonio.

Why do people love San Antonio?

San Antonio is admittedly rich in history thanks to places like The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site). UNESCO also designated San Antonio as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 due to the abundance of flavorful cuisine. But other selling points include the city’s ranking as one of the safest large cities in the country, as well as one of the most affordable city centers in Texas. These accolades are just a few of the reasons everyone from young professionals and families to retirees are looking to relocate to San Antonio. 

Read more about living in San Antonio, TX.

Sugar Land

The City Hall building in Sugar Land, Texas. Sugar Land is a best place to live in Texas.
iStock/carrollmt
The City Hall building in Sugar Land, Texas.

Why is Sugar Land one of the great cities to live in Texas?

Sugar Land, Texas, is known for being one of the more affluent and rapidly growing master planned communities in the state. The population saw a significant boom between 1990 and 2000 with some numbers showing a more than 150% increase in residents. It may have something to do with the city’s proximity to the job market and industry in Houston, although Sugar Land offers plenty of quality amenities to its locals. Families enjoy visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, which features a unique saltwater aquarium, and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center with its variety of interactive and engaging exhibits. Those seeking a more outdoor lifestyle can also take advantage of the city’s numerous trails and parks, which encompass an impressive 1,174 acres of developed green space. Foodies will be equally pleased with the dozens of establishments offering everything from barbecue and burgers to Japanese and Korean.

What is Sugar Land known for? 

Sugar Land might have you thinking about the award-winning American country music duo, but that’s not where the city got its name. Early pioneers discovered the land in Fort Bend County was remarkably fertile, which led to the area’s agricultural boom in sugarcane production. The rise of sugarcane production naturally led to an economic bounty, increasing the city’s population, and helping establish what is now considered one of the nicest and safest places to live in the state of Texas — and one of the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southwest.

Read more about living in Sugar Land, TX.

Tyler

The front of the Liberty Hall theater in downtown Tyler, Texas.
©Journal Communications
The front of the Liberty Hall theater in downtown Tyler, Texas.

Why Tyler is one of the best cities to live in Texas.

With its charming brick streets, array of antique shops and national acclaim for being The Rose Capital of America, who wouldn’t want to move to Tyler, Texas? Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate this growing town’s scenic lakes, campgrounds and golf courses, while young families are eager to invest in a place that boasts both a thriving economy and small town charm. Living here makes it easy to access larger cities for work or travel while still savoring a slower, simpler life with all the riches Texas has to offer. 

Tyler attracts all manner of major employers and industries thanks to its convenient location and reputation as a hub for Northeast Texas. Job postings are readily available in sectors such as agriculture, health services, energy, transportation, manufacturing and logistics. Tack on the moderate cost of living and zero state income tax and it’s easy to see why this budget-friendly and amenity-rich city is garnering interest from people all around the country.

What is there to do in Tyler? 

Widely known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler understandably offers a lot to see and do for those interested in gardening. The city is home to the largest municipal rose garden in the country and several amenities that make it easy to get outside as much as you want during its 248 sunny days per year. Fishing and boating are popular pastimes, as are cycling, horseback riding and hiking. Families also enjoy hitting up places like The Caldwell Zoo, The Discovery Science Place and Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Read more about living in Tyler, TX.

Interested in Moving to Texas?

Narrowing down the list of best places to live in Texas doesn’t have to be a headache. We have all the resources you could want for moving to Texas, as well as other best places to live in the Southwest. We’re here to help you decide where to move and uncover the best places to live in the United States

Other Great Places To Live Near Texas

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