Best Places to Live in Texas

There are many great locations in the expansive and diverse Lone Star state for families and young adults alike. This article will explore the top 10 places in the state to reside for people seeking a place with abundant options.

Before beginning, here are some considerations to make when choosing a place to call home in Texas:

• Living expenses can vary based on the municipality or town though Texas is known for affordability.
• Texas has a strong workforce and plenty of job openings, although some cities boast a more robust employment market.
• Several excellent elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools exist across the state though some districts fare better.
• Many towns feature parks, museums, and eateries - the standard amenities in Texas.

Once you've considered these factors, you can refine your search for the ideal place to reside in the state. Reach out if you have any inquiries or need assistance with finding your next home.

Best Places to Live in Texas for Families and Young Adults

1. Dallas: Modern Mettle With Hometown Heart

Dallas is a place equipped with multitudes. From new skyline features and upscale shopping to historical landmarks, there's something for everyone. If you desire major city energy, Dallas delivers. With its burgeoning business sector and renowned corporations, there exist abundant professions.

Add its world-renowned arts and culture, you'll never be without stimulation. But Dallas isn't merely defined by metropolitan living. Just down Interstate 30 from Dallas is Fort Worth, where people embrace historical Stockyards and rodeos. Accompanied by mild winters and a wide variety of outdoor activities, Dallas is a superb place to inhabit if you love nature.

Of course, no portrayal of Dallas would be complete without mentioning transportation. DFW traffic is legendary, and something you'll have to contemplate if planning to move there. But if you can manage the transportation, Dallas is a wonderful place to reside. The city has much to offer, and it’s sure to have something for all ages.

Related:  Things You Should Know When Moving To Texas

2. Austin: Cultivating Uniqueness, Harmony, and Advancement

Austin is a city committed to fostering uniqueness. From its remarkable live performances to its abundance of parks and green areas, Austin is full of life and culture. Austin is ideal for those who appreciate music. The city has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation, offering everything from country and blues to rock and indie.

Moreover, Austin is home to the storied Austin City Limits Music Festival. In addition to music, Austin is superb for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 500 parks and green spaces, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And if you seek adventure, you can hike, bike, or camp in one of the numerous surrounding state reserves.

In recent years, Austin has also emerged as a major technology hub. With prominent corporations like Oracle, Tesla, and Apple establishing operations in the city, Austin has become a hotbed of invention. Additionally, a flourishing startup scene provides abundant entrepreneurial opportunities.

That said, Austin real estate is among the costliest in Texas, with the median home price now surpassing $600,000. But if you're willing to pay the premium, Austin is a wonderful place to call home. The city exudes a distinctive personality and is sure to keep you stimulated.

3. San Antonio: An Extravaganza of Heritage, Custom, and Regional Cuisine

There exists no absence of activities in San Antonio. From its rich history and culture to its diverse cuisine, San Antonio is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Home to The Alamo—one of the most famed historic landmarks in the country—history lovers will certainly enjoy San Antonio.

Travel back in time to the Mission Trail, a series of Spanish missions constructed in the 1700s. Culture devotees will also enjoy San Antonio. The city has a vibrant arts scene, and there are always numerous festivals and events happening. You can also visit the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum, and the Witte Museum.

San Antonio offers a diverse array of exceptional regional cuisines, featuring tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more. Residents and visitors alike often complement meals there with a margarita cocktail. The city likewise enjoys a temperate climate and a modest cost of living.

The rate of joblessness in San Antonio is below the nationwide average. Plus the prices of homes for sale in San Antonio remain moderate compared to other significant Texas metropolitan regions, rendering housing accessible.

Thus, for individuals seeking a community with ample history, a dynamic culture, and delectable cuisine options, San Antonio checks several requisite boxes.

4. College Station: A Dynamic University Community

From its lively university-town atmosphere to its proximity to the Brazos River, College Station is a place brimming with opportunities. If you're a student, you'll love College Station. The city is home to Texas A&M University, one of the largest institutions of higher learning in the country.

There are always many events happening on campus, and other students who are equally passionate about learning will surround you. Young professionals will also enjoy College Station.

A vibrant economy means abundant jobs in the city. You'll also benefit from living in a university town, with a vibrant nightlife and diverse population. Additionally, families find the family-friendly environment appealing.

The city has a low crime rate, and there are numerous parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Locals also take advantage of the educational opportunities that Texas A&M has to offer, like concerts, performances, and art exhibits. And with a median cost of $345,000, College Station is ideal for starter residences and first-time homeowners.

5. Frisco: Upscale Ambiance Meets Family Appeal

Want the best of both worlds? Then head to Frisco where elegant accommodations intersect with family-oriented vibes. The city has exclusive eateries, upscale shopping, and relaxing amenities. You'll also find numerous man-made lakes and nature preserves to enjoy, over 170 miles of trails for hiking and biking, 12 community centers, as well as 50 city parks.

Another great reason to call Frisco home is the Frisco Independent School District, which ranks among the nation's best school systems. The city's population boom has also spurred a thriving job sector across industries. However, all that elegance comes at a cost.

The median home price tops $905,000, placing Frisco real estate values among the highest in Texas. Additionally, traffic and congestion have become a challenge as more people move to this quickly developing community.

But for those seeking an ideal blend of big-city convenience alongside ample green space and family-oriented fun, Frisco's winning recipe offers something for many.

6. Round Rock: Austin's Tech-Savvy Suburb

Looking for Austin vibes with a slightly less hectic pace? Then check out Round Rock, a cool tech town just north of the capital city. Dubbed "Silicon Hills", Round Rock is ideal for people searching for a job in the technology industry.

The city is home to numerous technology companies, including Dell Technologies and Oracle. And with more Fortune 500 businesses per capita than any other U.S. municipality, Round Rock is a hub for innovation.

Besides technology, Round Rock is a fantastic place for families. The city has an acclaimed public school system, with Round Rock High School regularly ranked among the top high schools in Texas. Plus with copious parks, greenbelts, and outdoor recreational areas, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

To add on, the median home price of $475,000 places Round Rock real estate among Austin's more affordable northern suburbs. Overall, Round Rock offers the best of both worlds: the economic possibilities and youthful energy of the Austin tech scene combined with a lower cost of living and family-oriented environment.

7. The Woodlands: Forested Sanctuary near Houston

Escape the chaos of Houston for the serene sanctuary that awaits in The Woodlands—only 35 minutes away. If you're looking for a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle, The Woodlands is a great place to be. The city is home to 27,000 acres of pine forests, hiking trails, lakes, and recreational areas.

A thriving metropolis, The Woodlands is home to top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of leisure activities. And with the convenient proximity to Houston’s corporate jobs and a 4.2% unemployment rate below the national average, professionals enjoy living in The Woodlands.

The median home price of $345,000 means homes for sale in The Woodlands are affordable compared to similar Houston suburbs. Despite its rosy reputation, some people decry The Woodlands' perceived lack of ethnic diversity and urban culture for a city of its size. Overall, The Woodlands offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful sanctuary and a thriving metropolis.

8. Southlake: Living the High Life

Want to live the lux life in a ritzy Dallas suburb? Then Southlake is your place. Nicknamed "All bracelet no wristlet", this affluent town offers upscale living on steroids. From stunning mansion homes to world-class dining, Southlake is the perfect place to live if you're looking for a high life.

The median home price in Southlake is over $700,000, so it's not cheap to live here. But if you can afford it, homes for sale in Southlake offer top-notch finishes and amenities galore. The city is home to the Carroll Independent School District, which consistently ranks among the best in the nation.

Southlake also has a vibrant social scene, with ritzy events happening year-round. And of course, there's no shortage of dining options, with everything from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. A downside to all this luxury is sky-high housing costs and prevalent income inequality.

Southlake's largely white and affluent demographic also faces criticism for lacking diversity. But if you can overlook these issues, Southlake is the perfect place for those who want to live a high life in a ritzy Dallas suburb.

9. Corpus Christi: Beach Bliss on a Budget

Tired of working 9 to 5 and longing for endless summer? Then make your escape to Corpus Christi and enjoy life on the coast—without breaking the bank. This city is home to 4.5 miles of Bayfront boardwalk, North Beach, and the bay's ecosystem, so you can enjoy all the laid-back beach vibes you crave.

And with a median home price of $285,000, you can enjoy waterfront living without breaking the bank. Corpus Christi also has a diverse economy, with tourism, healthcare, and offshore drilling industries all contributing to the local economy. And with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%, you'll be able to find a job in your field.

For families, Corpus Christi schools earn mixed reviews, but there are still plenty of reasonable options available. And despite slightly higher-than-average violent crime rates, Corpus Christi remains generally safe when adhering to basic precautions.

While the city lacks a major arts or sports scene, you'll find plenty of Hispanic culture, delicious Tex-Mex food, and year-round warm weather. And let's not forget about fishing and water sports.

10. Houston: A Hub of Opportunities

Houston is a city that has it all. From job opportunities to a thriving arts scene, Houston is the perfect place to live if you're looking for a big city with something for everyone. The city is home to the famous Texas Medical Center (the world's largest) and NASA's Johnson Space Center, so you know there are plenty of employment opportunities in Houston.

But there's more to H-Town than just work. Residents enjoy pro-sports teams galore, a thriving art scene, diverse neighborhoods, and an awesome food scene featuring everything from BBQ brisket to Viet-Cajun crawfish. With a young, diverse population of over 2.3 million people, Houston truly has something for everyone.

And the median home price of around $347,000 offers reasonable housing for families and singles alike. Students benefit from excellent public schools and access to top universities such as Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University.

While Houston's infamous humidity can be rough, you'll appreciate the ample outdoor spaces such as bayous, parks, and the Gulf Coast. So if you want opportunities abounding alongside Southern charm, come discover what makes Houston such an attractive place to call home.

The Best Places in Texas to Call Home

The vast Lone Star state has something for all, whether you're seeking a beach escape, university town ambiance, or big-city opportunities.

In this article, we've highlighted 10 of the noteworthy places to reside in the state, based on different lifestyle needs and budgets:

• Did any of the showcased places capture your interest?
• Which municipalities appealed to you most grounded on your interests and budget?

To learn more about a specific municipality or to obtain assistance finding the ideal place for you, contact us today. We'll help you refine your alternatives and locate the community that's precisely right for you.