UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 629 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 80 |
| Demographics | 77 |
| Economy | 63 |
| Education | 55 |
| Health | 42 |
| Housing | 51 |
| Infrastructure | 83 |
#34. Richardson, TX
Nicknamed “The Telecom Corridor” for its high number of employees who work in the tech sector, Richardson is a small suburb in DFW that boasts big-time jobs. But don’t think that just because Richardson is in the ‘burbs that it has nothing to offer younger residents — there are plenty of cool bars, plentiful bike trails, and events in town that may make you forget about that big city nearby (okay, yes, the amenities of Dallas are just a few minutes away).
Richardson earned a slot on our Top 100 list not only because of its fantastic job market, but also because of its low crime rate, which is 22% lower than the rest of the country on average. Richardson also got points for its infrastructure — and specifically for its access to public transportation via the four Dallas Area Rapid Transit rail stations in town, which can connect you to downtown Dallas in just 20 minutes.
Climate Described in 6 Words Or Less: Scorching summers with mild winters
Top Industries and Employers: Richardson has a vibrant economy, with top industries including semiconductor, software and telecommunications. The top employers in Richardson are Texas Instruments, Samsung, Metro PCS, and Fujitsu.
Local Dream Job: Software Development Engineer at Fujitsu, the world’s fourth-largest IT services provider that has a headquarters office in Richardson
Quintessential Meal: Texas is one big melting pot of flavors and cultures, which is why Chicken Moto — a Tex-Mex and Korean fried chicken joint — exists. Do yourself a favor and get the Asian-Cajun Half Bird with coleslaw on the side.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Step back in time at Free Play Richardson, a retro arcade that has one of the largest collections of retro arcade games and pinball machines in the world, plus one of the biggest beer lists in the metroplex.
After-Work Meetup Spot: For those who are musically inclined (or maybe for those who just like to admire music from afar), there’s Guitars and Growlers, a unique spot for those who want to shop for hand-built guitars and toss back a brew or two.
Best Brewery: When in Richardson, drink as the locals do, which is at Four Bullets Brewery, a family owned brewery that specializes in English style beer.
Free Way to Have Fun: Break a sweat on the Richardson Trail System, which has more than 40 miles of trails.
Truly Hidden Gem: You can stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to — or you could chase some waterfalls at the Prairie Creek Park, a beloved local trail that leads to some hidden falls.
– Jamie Birdwell-Branson
Read More:
Richardson, TX is a Best City for STEM Workers