If you’re planning on moving to Texas, add these cities to your list.
Texas is big. Big landscapes, big cities, and big personalities define the southern state, along with a southern culture that values progress and tradition. This unique combination has helped create sprawling cities full of bright lights and innovation adjacent to vast prairies where ranchers have farmed for generations.
These qualities have attracted people to the state for years: Texas was among the fastest growing states in the U.S. from 2010-2020, and is still growing rapidly as people look for sunshine and affordability. Most people are moving to the state’s large urban centers, like Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Because of its size, Texas’ landscape varies widely from one end to the other. There are woodlands to the east, marshes in the south, mountains and desert to the west, and thousands of miles of rolling prairies in the center and north.
Texas’ climate is also very diverse. Western Texas sees dry, sunny weather for most of the year, with very hot summers. Central and Northern Texas experience a windy, temperate climate. As you move east, the climate becomes wetter and more humid, especially in the far east. The entire Gulf Coast sees a huge amount of rain every year, primarily from tropical storms.
Importantly, extreme weather is common in Texas. It sees the highest number of tornadoes in the U.S. (usually in the central and northern plains), is highly prone to flooding, wildfires, and drought, and commonly sees tropical storms and prolonged heat waves.
So, which cities in The Lone Star State are right for you? In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in Texas, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.
1. Fort Worth, TX
| Population:
956,709 |
Average Commute Time:
27.5 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$30,374 |
| Median Sale Price:
$340,495 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,445 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.9% |
Built around the fertile banks of the West Fork Trinity River, Fort Worth tops our list as the best place to live in Texas. Relatively affordable housing costs, plenty of job opportunities, and a steady economy helped earn the city top marks. Cattle ranching and oil drilling have shaped the city since its founding in 1853, but a diverse and engaged population have kept it thriving.
Fort Worth is generally considered a quieter, more affordable alternative to Dallas where you retain the big-city amenities and gain a small-town community feel. Fort Worth’s Downtown neighborhood is a great example of this: it’s historic, slower paced, and full of locally-owned businesses, but also has large attractions like the Water Gardens and Convention Center.
While often referred to as part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Fort Worth is a world-class city in its own right. Nearly a million people enjoy the city’s huge open spaces, unique cuisine, and annual events. For example, the Botanic and Japanese Gardens at Trinity Park are a must-see. For foodies, Panther City BBQ, Birria y Taqueria de Cortez, and Swiss Pastry Shop (get the black forest cake!) are among the best local eats. And if you’re looking for a fun weekend, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo every winter is iconic.
However, minimal public transportation and a fast-growing population often leads to heavy traffic congestion in the mornings and evenings. Make sure you plan extra time for your commute or try to travel during off hours.
Fort Worth homes for sale | Fort Worth houses for rent | Fort Worth apartments for rent
2. San Antonio, TX
| Population:
1,473,000 |
Average Commute Time:
24.6 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$26,328 |
| Median Sale Price:
$270,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,245 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.9% |
Located in Southern Texas, 150 miles from the Gulf Coast, San Antonio is second on our list. San Antonio is referred to as the Alamo City after its most famous landmark, and manages to blend colonial history, agricultural traditions, and modern luxuries into one. Along with a very affordable cost of living (housing costs are ~40% less than the national median) and plenty of amenities, San Antonio has a lot to offer.
A defining feature of San Antonio is its food scene. San Antonio is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, giving credence to the city’s diverse population and outstanding cuisine. Barbecue and Mexican food is world-class, of course, but there is so much more. Great options are available at all price points, too. San Taco, Shiro Japanese Bistro, and Dough Pizzeria Napoletana are among the best.
Beautiful parks and trails are a bit of a hidden gem in San Antonio. More than 240 fields, pools, and facilities are scattered throughout the city, with Pearsall Park, Southside Lions Park, and Phil Hardberger Park among the most popular. You can’t miss the iconic River Walk, either. And just outside city limits, you can see Government Canyon and Natural Bridge Caverns, home to forested trails and underground concerts.
San Antonio homes for sale | San Antonio houses for rent | San Antonio apartments for rent
3. Austin, TX
| Population:
974,447 |
Average Commute Time:
24.6 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$44,829 |
| Median Sale Price:
$599,450 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,560 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.2% |
An hour and a half northeast of San Antonio, Austin is a historic and rapidly growing hub of technology, culture, and education. World-class events, outdoor recreation, and diverse cuisine are a few highlights.
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, millions of people flock to Austin every year for its music, highlighted by the South by Southwest and Austin City Limits festivals. But that’s just the tip of the musical iceberg; more than 250 music venues (plus the airport) host shows year-round. Some bands will even skip the formalities and just set up on a corner downtown.
Importantly, Austin has been the poster child of growth in the past few decades, and really took off during the pandemic housing boom. The ensuing housing frenzy led Austin to be a national hotspot, adding wealth, jobs, and new communities seemingly overnight. What was already a hip destination became renowned nationwide.
In part due to the growth, house prices in Austin rose from $382,000 in January 2020 to $570,000 today. Unfortunately, the increase priced some homebuyers out of the city, and continues to impact locals. However, the Austin metropolitan area remains among the fastest-growing in the country.
Even with all of the recent changes, the Texas capital manages to stick to its “Keep Austin Weird” slogan. Eat breakfast tacos, float down the river with friends, and see your favorite band at a bar. In Austin, the world is your oyster.
Austin homes for sale | Austin houses for rent | Austin apartments for rent
4. Dallas, TX
| Population:
1,300,000 |
Average Commute Time:
26.9 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$35,487 |
| Median Sale Price:
$367,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,525 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.4% |
Dallas comes in at number four on our list of the best places to live in Texas. Sitting adjacent to Fort Worth, Dallas is known for its football, cowboy culture, glamorous downtown, and great barbecue. Dallas is generally pricier than Fort Worth, but both sit below the national median house and rental prices. Plenty of people have been taking advantage of the affordability recently, too: the area saw the largest population growth of all metros in 2023.
People of all ages will have plenty to do in Dallas. The Great Wolf Lodge, Six Flags in Arlington, and the Dallas Zoo are perfect for weekend fun, while 180 miles of pedestrian trails make for easy recreation. Dozens of historic landmarks dot the city’s gridded streets, too, like Founder’s Plaza, the Old Red Museum and Courthouse, Old City Park, and Degolyer House & Gardens.
And you can’t miss the food, whether it’s Tex-Mex or good ol’ barbecue. Avila’s, Hutchins BBQ, and Maple and Motor offer some of the best cuisine the city has to offer.
Make sure to consider the climate before making the move. Similar to many other Texas cities, Dallas summers can be unbearably hot and very stormy. But a mild, sunny climate the rest of the year is a fair tradeoff for locals, perfect for enjoying sporting events, eating outdoors, or enjoying one of 410 city parks.
Dallas homes for sale | Dallas houses for rent | Dallas apartments for rent
5. Houston, TX
| Population:
2,303,000 |
Average Commute Time:
27.6 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$33,626 |
| Median Sale Price:
$365,500 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,269 |
Unemployment Rate:
4.2% |
Houston, the largest city in Texas, is next on our list. The city extends over 600 square miles nearly to Galveston, and hasn’t stopped growing for decades. It saw the second-largest population growth in the country in 2023, and the larger metropolitan area has added one million new residents since 2010. Many people choose to live in Houston for its economic opportunities and affordable cost of living.
In Houston, a sparkling, historic downtown gives way to a seemingly endless number of buildings and attractions. You’ll find 10,000 restaurants, miles of bayous and trails, thousands of acres of parks, a Space Center, war memorials, ritzy shopping districts, and much more.
Oil, natural gas, and manufacturing are the major industries in town, but startups and technology are growing, too. You will likely need a car to get to work, though, as public transportation and pedestrian access are generally lacking. As a result, traffic can be very heavy during rush hours.
It’s also essential to consider climate risks. Due to the city’s massive sprawl, very wet climate, and poor urban planning, flooding is common and can be extreme. Hot, humid summers give way to strong tropical storms and rare hurricanes. Thunderstorms are common during the spring and summer, too. Surprisingly, drought has been a regular occurrence in the past decade. Fall and winter are the best seasons in Houston, when mild weather and plenty of sunshine dominate the forecast.
Houston homes for sale | Houston houses for rent | Houston apartments for rent
6. El Paso, TX
| Population:
677,456 |
Average Commute Time:
23.4 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$23,450 |
| Median Sale Price:
$259,900 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,070 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.8% |
El Paso, located in the Chihuahuan Desert, has a markedly drier, sunnier, hotter climate than most other cities in Texas. It’s named the Sun City for a reason, after all. Great affordability, plenty of open space, and outdoor recreation earned it the number six spot on our list.
The area has been both a railroad and cow town, both legacies of which are still obvious today. You’ll find plenty of steakhouses, historic grazing lands, and modern-day ranchers with their Stetson hats and spurred boots, as well as railroad exhibits at the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.
El Paso is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. The Rio Grande River provides plenty of opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, sunbathing, and more. Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks State Parks are probably the most popular spots, though, with amphitheaters, trails, vistas, and more. You can explore old mine shafts, too.
Importantly, El Paso is located on the border of Mexico, adjacent to its southern twin, Ciudad Juárez (whose name used to be El Paso Del Norte). The two cities were originally founded as one, but they were split by the border in 1848. Today, the cities have a cordial relationship with one another, with daily life often split between the two. For example, it’s commonplace for binational children to cross the border every day for school.
El Paso homes for sale | El Paso houses for rent | El Paso apartments for rent
7. Denton, TX
| Population:
150,353 |
Average Commute Time:
23.9 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$30,183 |
| Median Sale Price:
$389,900 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,427 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.3% |
Denton is home to great food, quiet neighborhoods, and historic buildings throughout its compact layout, along with 41 parks and thousands of acres of open space. Housing is relatively affordable, too, although more expensive than Dallas proper. In general, a strong economy, great schools, and a steadily growing population help make the city an attractive place to live.
Denton has long been a university town with a youthful vibe, home to the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University (TWU). More than 50,000 students are enrolled across the two colleges, influencing the city’s culture and economy. Education is the city’s top industry.
The heart of Denton is the recognizable Denton Square, home to the historic Denton County Courthouse and a new, large shopping mall. As you move out, you’ll find suburban neighborhoods, parks, and lively community hubs.
Restaurants of all types, from black-tie establishments to casual diners, are a local highlight. However, the city’s music scene may be its best-kept secret. The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, Denton Blues Festival, and Make Music Day are annual highlights. UNT’s renowned College of Music bolsters the music community, too.
Denton homes for sale | Denton houses for rent | Denton apartments for rent
8. Richardson, TX
| Population:
118,802 |
Average Commute Time:
24.7 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$40,408 |
| Median Sale Price:
$465,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$2,500 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.0% |
A suburb just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, Richardson is the eighth-best place to live in Texas. Economic stability, an abundance of housing, and delicious food are the city’s main calling cards. Housing prices are relatively expensive, though, with sale and rental prices sitting above the national average.
Richardson is best known for its telecommunications industry. In fact, the city is often referred to as the Telecom Corridor due to the concentration of companies like AT&T, Cisco, and Texas Instruments. This abundance helped move the city beyond a small suburb, and currently makes the area appealing to professionals.
Even though Richardson is a relatively quiet, business-focused suburb, you won’t easily run out of things to do. You can play more than 80 retro games at Free Play Arcade (not actually free), sip a beer from Guitars and Growlers, or see a show at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. Live music is a big deal in Richardson, too.
Richardson homes for sale | Richardson houses for rent | Richardson apartments for rent
9. College Station, TX
| Population:
124,319 |
Average Commute Time:
16.8 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$28,008 |
| Median Sale Price:
$305.582 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,750 |
Unemployment Rate:
2.8% |
College Station, known as The Heart of Aggieland®, is located in Central Texas between Dallas, Austin, and Houston. Texas A&M’s flagship campus is situated in the heart of the city, around which residential neighborhoods, parks, and other amenities are located. The city of Bryan is directly adjacent, to the northwest. Strong education and an affordable cost of living helped College Station earn a high score.
College Station is well and truly a college town. More than 71,000 Texas A&M students live in the city, accounting for well over half its population. Many of the city’s attractions are also attached to the university in some way. For example, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, Gary Halter Nature Center, and The Gardens are all on the campus, but welcome everyone who wants to visit. Beyond campus limits, you can find places like the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park and BigShots Golf.
You will also find plenty of restaurants in town beloved by students and longtime residents alike. The Northgate district is where you’ll find most student hotspots, including Nam Cafe and the iconic Dixie Chicken, A&M’s favorite watering hole. To the south, Stella Southern Cafe and Urban Table are great spots for people of all ages.
College Station homes for sale | College Station houses for rent | College Station apartments for rent
10. Plano, TX
| Population:
289,547 |
Average Commute Time:
26.8 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$49,455 |
| Median Sale Price:
$545,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,682 |
Unemployment Rate:
2.8% |
Plano is a dense suburb of Dallas but has recently become a city in its own right. A strong economy, high per-capita income, and plenty of popular amenities help make Plano a great place to live. It will cost quite a bit more to buy a house than surrounding areas, though – nearly $200,000 more than Dallas proper.
Plano saw a massive surge in growth from 1970-2020, increasing nearly 15x. As a result of this booming population, and a business-friendly environment, numerous Fortune 1000 companies now have headquarters in the city, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Toyota, Liberty Mutual, and more. If you’re looking to relocate for a career, Plano may be the place for you.
Most popular amenities in town are located at one of many malls, such as Preston Park Village, Park Pavilion Center, and Lakeside Market. Other unique amenities, like the Japanese food and goods store Mitsuwa Marketplace, can be found along main boulevards.
Plano homes for sale | Plano houses for rent | Plano apartments for rent
Methodology
Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings are meant to help home searchers make an informed decision when choosing where to live. To attempt to measure the overall quality of a metro area, each ranking takes into account several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and travel time to work. Only metros with a population of 100,000 or greater were considered for our Texas list. More information about our methodology can be found here.
Data valid June 2024. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.
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