What are the best places to live in Texas?
Texas, commonly known as the Lone Star State, occupies the most extensive land in the south-central US. Most of its borders are delineated by waterways: the Red River borders Oklahoma to the north; the Sabine River forms most of the border with Louisiana to the East; and the Rio Grande separates Texas from Mexico to the south. The state capital sits in Austin, a city with a rich history and thriving culture.
Living in Texas
Living in Texas is like being home and on vacation at the same time. Whether you’re a historian, adventurer, antiquer or foodie, Texas has activities that fit everyone's budget and lifestyle. Begin your day with beach activities such as surfing the Texas Gulf Coast and enjoy your evening watching sports teamslike the San Antonio Rampage and Texas Stars hockey at Cedar Park. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, you’ll always find something exciting going on in Texas.
Thanks to its vast economy, history, culture, physical attractions and weather, Texas is filled with opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. Texas topography varies widely from densely populated coastal plains to high plains, mountain terrain and low prairies. No matter what climate you love, you’ll find it in Texas!
Best Reasons to Live in Texas
There is no shortage of reasons for living in Texas. This state has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a new adventure, exciting job opportunities, warm weather or top-rated learning institutions. Here’s what you can look forward to when choosing thebest places to move in Texas:
No State Income Tax
Texas is among nine US states that do not have a state income tax. This tax-friendly state enables visitors and Texans to save more than those in states with taxes on personal income. Relocating to Texas means you will have more disposable income to put in your child's college fund or enjoy the state's beautiful scenery.
Excellent Education and Schools
Schools are one of the main factors people consider before relocating. Texas school districts offer excellent academics, sports and art programs; U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking shows that Texas is home to at least 10 percent of the top 100 ranked high schools in the US. The state's elementary schools remain among the top schools with the best curriculums.
Low Cost of Living
Unlike in many populous states, homes in Texas are generally affordable. Moving to this no-state income tax state means you can save more to make a down payment for a bigger house. The median listing home price for a home ranges from $298,000 in San Antonio to $334,000 in Houston.
Booming Economy & Growing Job Market
Texas offers many employment opportunities. Despite a downshift in economic growth in 2023, the unemployment rate in Texas stands at just 4.1 percent. Texas abounds with opportunities to found a start-up or find a job in the tech industry.
Weather in Texas
Texas experiences cold winters and hot summers, with dry heat in the desert areas and humidity around the Gulf Coast. But no matter how hot the day gets, Texas abounds with community pools for you to enjoy a cool afternoon.
Diverse Culture
Texas is the second-most populated state after California. With a population of over 30 million, Texas offers endless opportunities to enjoy diverse cultures and experiences. The state is known for its cowboy heritage, diverse agricultural wealth, natural gas and oil production and rich cosmopolitan cultural life.
Young Adults to Retirees
From lively cities to quaint suburbs, Texas has a place for every age group. Younger generations can look forward to a thriving job market, fun-filled outdoor activities and accessible real estate options, while retirees will find affordable healthcare and housing, plus a supportive community.
Safe Cities and Suburbs
Security and safety are also among the top reasons people relocate to Texas. With a violent crime rate below 0.5 per 1,000 in most cities, Texas is among the safest and most family-friendly states to call home. According to statistics from the total crime rate of 2023, the top five safest cities in Texas include Hutto, Fulshear, Trophy Club, Colleyville and Murphy.
Top Cities to Live in Texas
Every year, U.S. News rates the best places to live in Texas. Their methodology considers everything from crime rates and quality of education to the commuter and air quality indices to determine the best places to move in Texas.
Based on 2023–2024 data, here are the top five best places to live in Texas:
1. Austin
It should come as no surprise that Austin is considered one of the best places to live in Texas. Despite being the state capital, Austin is an up-and-coming city with a laid-back vibe. While the median house price is around $566,144, the median monthly rent is only around $1,398.
From Barton Springs to Zilker Park, there's always something fun to do, especially if you love outdoor recreation, film and the arts, or incredible food. Austin's median age is around 35, making it one of the best places to live for young adults.
2. San Antonio
The city is home to many veterans and thousands of tourists. Residents benefit from jobs in the hospitality and tourism sectors. In 2020, the average unemployment rate was at 8.6%. The city is known as a family town that is home to San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.
San Antonio offers affordable housing and a relatively low cost of living in Texas. People with a military background will find San Antonio a favorable destination, as the city is home to the Joint Base San Antonio and various leading industries.
3. Dallas-Fort Worth
The DFW area remains among the places with low violent crime rates, low cost of living and affordable housing in Texas. The area is a dream for sports fans, boasting everything from legendary pro sports teams to college athletics, including TCU University. The medium housing price in DFW stands at $330,000, which is affordable when compared to other most populous cities in the U.S.
The area is home to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Plus, you can always access natural parks such as the Fort Worth Zoo from popular neighborhoods, including Austin Heights, Rivercrest and Westover Hills.
4. Killeen
Are you looking for a Texas city with a tight-knit community and a small-town feel? Killeen, Texas, is the place for you! Killeen is close to major cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin but has a significantly lower cost of living. The city also has a growing job market in the military and medical industries.
Killeen is considered one of the best places to live in Texas for families. With great school systems, stunning parks, and community events, you'll be impressed with the quality of life this city offers.
5. El Paso
El Paso, Texas, is more than just another southern cow town. There are many affordable, family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor activities and history museums. Weekend adventurers love the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the El Paso Museum of Art and the Plaza Theatre. If you're moving your family, some great neighborhoods to consider are Castner Heights, Cielo Vista and Manhattan Heights.
Make the Move to Texas with North American Van Lines
At North American Van Lines, we’ve helped individuals, families and businesses discover Texas for over 90 years. Our expert relocation specialists and professional movers are at your service as you move to the best places to live in Texas for families, young adults or retirees.
All of our moving services are personalized to align with the needs and budget of your move. Whether you need help with packing, loading and unloading, installation and assembly or auto shipping, our team is here to help every step of the way.
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