Texas is a huge state with a diverse landscape and booming cities, making it a magnet for movers. In fact, Texas ranked among the fastest-growing U.S. states from 2010–2020. People flock to Texas’ sunshine and affordability, as it offers big-city amenities alongside rural open space. Because Texas is so large, its climate and geography vary widely: there are pine forests in the east, marshes along the Gulf Coast, desert and mountains in the west, and vast prairies in the north. However, newcomers should be prepared for extreme weather too – Texas has the highest number of tornadoes in the U.S. and faces hurricanes and heat waves. Overall, the state’s strong economy (no state income tax), wide job market, and cultural attractions keep drawing people for Discover the 10 best places to live in Texas, from vibrant Austin and Dallas to family-friendly Plano and affordable El Paso. Explore what makes each great best places to live in texas
Why Texas is Great: Key factors that make Texas cities appealing include:
- Economic Opportunity: Texas has a booming economy (energy, technology, healthcare) and no state income tax, which attracts many newcomers seeking jobs and a favorable business climate.
- Affordability: Many Texas cities have housing costs below the national average. Cities like El Paso and Corpus Christi are known for low home prices, while even big metros (e.g. Fort Worth, San Antonio) often remain cheaper than comparable U.S. cities for best places to live in texas
- Quality of Life: Excellent schools, plentiful parks, and community events make life enjoyable. For example, family-friendly suburbs (Plano, Flower Mound, The Woodlands) offer great schools and lots of parks. Urban centers like Austin and Dallas boast world-class entertainment, dining, and cultural scenes.
- Climate & Outdoors: While summers are hot, Texas winters are mild. The varied environment means you can enjoy beaches on the Gulf Coast, desert hiking west of El Paso, or lakes and forests in central Texas. (Just note severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes can occur.) best places to live in texas
With these advantages, it’s no surprise people search for the “best places to live in Texas.” Below is our list of the top 10 cities and towns to consider in 2025, each offering a unique lifestyle for best places to live in texas
1. Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth tops many Texas livability rankings. This city of nearly 978,000 residents blends big-city amenities with a friendly, small-town vibe. Fort Worth is often seen as a quieter, more affordable alternative to Dallas. Its economy is steady (oil, ranching history) and job opportunities are ample. The city’s housing remains relatively affordable – the median home price is about $357,000 (well under many U.S. metros) best places to live in texas
Fort Worth’s attractions include expansive parks and cultural venues. Downtown Fort Worth features historic sites like the Stockyards, the Botanical Gardens, and world-famous Stock Show & Rodeo events. In addition, the city has good schools and a low unemployment rate (around 3.9%). Pros include great barbecue and cowboy culture, and the sense of community. A downside may be increasing traffic as the population grows. Overall, Fort Worth’s affordability and Texas charm make it the best place to live in Texas for many people best places to live in texas
2. San Antonio, TX
San Antonio (population ~1.5 million) is known as “The Alamo City,” blending rich history with modern living. Its famous River Walk, Spanish missions, and Texas hill country surroundings give it a unique character. San Antonio offers an affordable cost of living – housing prices are about 30% below national median – which is a big draw for families and retirees alike. The job market is robust (healthcare, military, tourism) and the city’s economy is growing best places to live in texas
Culturally, San Antonio has a strong food scene (it’s even a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) and numerous parks. Over 240 recreational fields and pools, plus attractions like the River Walk and theme parks, keep families entertained. San Antonio’s traffic and commute times are relatively light (avg ~24.6 min). The main drawback: humid summers and hurricane season from the Gulf. Overall, San Antonio’s historic charm, lower costs, and family-friendly vibe land it high on any “best places to live in Texas” list best places to live in texas
3. Austin, TX
Image: Austin’s skyline at dusk. The capital city is known for tech, music and quality of life.
Austin is Texas’s capital and cultural hub. With about 980,000 people, it’s a global center for technology, education, and live music. Nicknamed the “Live Music Capital,” Austin hosts SXSW and ACL festivals and has 250+ music venues. The city’s youthful, entrepreneurial vibe has attracted companies and startups, making jobs plentiful.
Austin’s cost of living has risen sharply in recent years – home prices jumped from $309K in 2020 to $555K in 2022 – but even now Austin remains competitive with California or New York markets. In 2023 it saw a big population boom. If higher costs aren’t a barrier, Austin offers excellent schools, healthcare, and recreation (the lakes, parks, and Barton Springs). It’s great for young adults and professionals, but families also enjoy its strong school districts and outdoor lifestyle. The main cons are high housing prices and busy traffic. In summary, Austin’s dynamism and culture make it one of the best places to live in Texas, especially for tech workers and music fans best places to live in texas
4. Dallas, TX
Dallas (metro pop. ~1.3 million) is Texas’s economic powerhouse. Known for its iconic skyline, sports teams, and vibrant downtown, Dallas ranks high for jobs and amenities. The city is slightly pricier than Fort Worth, but housing costs still sit below national medians (median home ~$419K). In 2023 Dallas led U.S. metros in population growth, thanks to its robust job market.
Life in Dallas is cosmopolitan: world-class dining (Barbecue, Tex-Mex), arts districts, and big attractions like the Dallas Zoo, Six Flags, and sports venues keep all ages busy. There are over 410 city parks and 180 miles of trails. However, Dallas summers are very hot, and the city does face occasional tornado and storm risks. In short, Dallas is a top Texas city for professionals and families who want urban living with Texas hospitality.
5. Houston, TX
Houston is the largest Texas city (~2.3 million people) and a major global center. Its economy is diverse – energy (oil & gas), aerospace (NASA), medical (largest medical center in world) – so job opportunities are vast. In recent years Houston saw the second-largest population increase of any U.S. city. The metro area has added over one million people since 2010.
Housing in Houston is relatively affordable (median home ~$338K), especially for a city of its size. The city offers excellent cultural diversity, sports, and restaurants. Major attractions include the Houston Space Center, Museum District, and big parks like Memorial Park. Drawbacks: traffic can be heavy and summers are very hot and humid. Houston’s strengths (low taxes, economy, big metro lifestyle) make it one of the best places in Texas to live, especially for job-seekers.
6. El Paso, TX
El Paso (population ~679,000) sits on the far western edge of Texas, on the border with Mexico. Nicknamed “Sun City,” it has a very dry, sunny climate. Housing and rent in El Paso are among the lowest of any large Texas city (median home ~$264K). Great affordability, wide-open desert space, and lots of outdoor recreation put El Paso at #6 on Redfin’s list.
The city’s history as a railroad and cattle town lives on in its culture – you’ll find old West saloons and Mexican-influenced Tex-Mex everywhere. Nature lovers enjoy the Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks parks for hiking and rock climbing. El Paso’s border location means daily life is influenced by its twin city Juárez. Overall it’s very affordable and family-friendly (good schools, low crime), making it one of the best places to live in Texas for retirees or anyone on a budget.
7. Denton, TX
Denton is a small city (~158,000) just north of Dallas. It’s known as a college town (home to UNT and Texas Woman’s University) with a lively “youthful vibe”. Over 50,000 students attend these schools, fueling a vibrant local culture with live music, festivals, and quirky shops. Despite being near Dallas-Fort Worth, Denton has quiet neighborhoods and over 40 city parks.
Housing in Denton is more expensive than DFW outskirts but still reasonable for the quality. The city touts a strong economy, excellent schools, and a steadily growing population. Its historic courthouse square has unique restaurants and shops. For families and young adults who want the energy of a college town plus easy access to Dallas amenities, Denton is a top choice in Texas.
8. Richardson, TX
Richardson is a suburb 20 minutes north of Dallas (population ~117,000) that stands out for its technology jobs. It’s known as the “Telecom Corridor” because companies like AT&T, Cisco, and Texas Instruments have headquarters there. This has driven strong economic stability and plenty of high-paying jobs.
Richardson offers abundant amenities (restaurants, shopping, parks) for a suburb. The housing prices are higher than the Texas average (median home ~$431K), reflecting its affluence. Its schools are good, and local arts (Eisemann Center) and gaming (arcades) add to the entertainment. In short, Richardson’s business-friendly environment and quiet neighborhoods make it one of the best places to live in the Dallas area for professionals.
9. College Station, TX
College Station (~125,000 people) is home to Texas A&M University, making it a vibrant college city in Central Texas. It’s roughly midway between Dallas and Houston. The entire “Aggieland” community revolves around the university and has grown rapidly – from 1970–2020 its population increased nearly 15x.
Strong education and affordability are College Station’s strengths. The city’s economy is stable (gov’t, education) and the cost of living is reasonable. For example, it’s one of the best affordable places to live in Texas for families. Big attractions include the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Aggie sports. With over 71,000 students on campus, there are plenty of restaurants, events, and a young demographic. Overall, College Station is ideal for families and young people looking for a safe, educational environment.
10. Plano, TX
Plano is a major Dallas suburb (population ~290,000) that often ranks among the best cities in America. It has high incomes and a strong economy, with several Fortune 1000 companies (JPMorgan Chase, Toyota, Liberty Mutual) headquartered there. This brings plenty of jobs in finance, tech, and corporate fields. The median home price is about $550,000, which is higher than Dallas proper, but many families feel it’s worth it for Plano’s quality.
Plano offers everything from large parks and trails to shopping at big malls. Its public school district is top-notch, and the city is noted for being very family-friendly. In fact, Plano consistently appears on lists of the best places in Texas to live for families. Its community vibe, safety, and amenities (libraries, sports fields, community events) are major draws. For anyone seeking a prosperous, suburban life with excellent schools, Plano is one of the best places to live in Texas.
Best Places to Live in Texas for Families, Young Adults, and Retirees
Some cities above already stand out for specific groups. For families, suburbs like Plano and Flower Mound are top picks (great schools, parks, safety). For example, Plano “will provide your kids with a top-notch education” thanks to its outstanding school district. College Station also ranks as an affordable, family-friendly city.
Young adults tend to favor Austin and Dallas – both offer vibrant nightlife, concerts, and tech jobs. Austin’s live-music scene and SXSW festival (over 250 music venues in town) make it especially popular with singles and college graduates. Denton’s youthful college vibe (50K+ students) also appeals to that age group.
For retirees, cities with good healthcare, culture, and mild winters rank high. San Antonio and Austin often top retiree lists since they are walkable, have good medical facilities, and still offer plenty of entertainment. Other affordable retiree options include El Paso and the Texas Gulf Coast towns, thanks to low living costs.
In short, where to live in Texas depends on your priorities – affordability, career, family, or culture – but the cities above consistently emerge as the top choices in the Lone Star State.
FAQs
Q: What is the best place to live in Texas?
A: There’s no single answer, but many rankings and residents point to Austin or Fort Worth as top contenders. Austin is often praised for its economy and culture, while Fort Worth has been rated the #1 Texas city to live in due to affordable housing and jobs. Plano and San Antonio also frequently appear on “best places” lists for their family amenities and low cost of living.
Q: Where is the best place to live in Texas with a family?
A: Family-friendly cities include Plano, Flower Mound, and College Station. These towns have excellent schools, plenty of parks, and safe neighborhoods. For instance, Plano “is a top pick” for families thanks to its top-notch education and community events. Flower Mound is similarly noted as “one of the best cities in Texas to raise a family” with high-quality schools.
Q: What are the best places to live in Texas for young adults?
A: Young adults often choose Austin (live music, tech jobs) and Dallas (urban nightlife). Austin’s vibrant culture and job opportunities make it a hub for millennials. Denton (a college town) and Houston (big city with diverse opportunities) are also popular for those seeking city life and careers.
Q: Which places in Texas are most affordable to live?
A: Some of the cheapest large Texas cities include El Paso and Corpus Christi, where median home prices are much lower than in Austin or Dallas. El Paso, for example, is very affordable and ranked #6 on Redfin’s list due to its low costs. College Station is also cited as an affordable city, especially for families.
Q: How do I find the best place to live in Texas?
A: Consider your priorities (jobs, schools, climate) and compare cities on those factors. Use reliable rankings and local sources: for example, Redfin’s 2025 list ranks Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston as the top five Texas cities. Checking criteria like cost of living and amenities for each city will help you decide which best places to live in Texas match your needs.
Sources: All place highlights and data above come from recent Texas city rankings and analysis.
