Also known as “The Lone Star State,” Texas is home to a number of well-known cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, you may be curious about what cities in the state are growing the fastest. To figure this out, we compiled a list of the fastest-growing cities in Texas that saw the greatest population increase over a 5-year span from 2017 to 2021. With great restaurants, wonderful parks, and bustling arts and entertainment scenes, it’s no surprise that people are starting to move to these cities. Keep reading to see what made the list.
#1: Leander, TX
Median sale price: $535,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,081
Leander, TX homes for sale
Leander, TX apartments for rent
Coming in first on our list, Leander, TX is best known for its award-winning schools, outdoor recreation, and its proximity to Austin. The city has a population of about 67,000, which is an increase of 35% from 2017.
Many people call Leander home and enjoy a number of activities. There are a handful of parks, including Robin Bledsoe Park, Lakewood Park, and Devine Lake Park. Locals can also check out the bustling arts and entertainment scene with entertainment venues such as the Don Tew Performing Arts Center. There are many restaurants that are sure to please your palette, like Bella Sera of Leander, Mouton’s Southern Bistro, and Jardin Del Rey.
#2: New Braunfels, TX
Median sale price: $413,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,010
New Braunfels, TX homes for sale
New Braunfels, TX apartments for rent
Known for having one of the most scenic roads in Texas, New Braunfels, TX is the second fastest-growing city in Texas. New Braunfels saw a 25% increase to its current population of nearly 99,000.
There are a handful of unique things to do in New Braunfels, such as relaxing and reading a book at Landa Park, Fischer Park, or Cypress Bend Park, grabbing a bite to eat at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Clear Springs Restaurant, or McAdoo’s Seafood Company, checking out the arts and entertainment at the Sophienburg Museum, McKenna Children’s Museum, or New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society, or watching a show at Gruene Hall, The Redbird Listening Room, or River Road Ice House.
#3: Kyle, TX
Median sale price: $401,350
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,295
Kyle, TX homes for sale
Kyle, TX apartments for rent
Kyle, TX is well known for being the Pie Capital of Texas, and there are many activities to explore in the city that are sure to keep you entertained. If you want to grab a bite to eat at a local favorite, check out Casa Garcia’s, Spicy Bite, and Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse. Afterward, take a stroll through one of the numerous parks like Lake Kyle Park, Gregg-Clarke Park, or Steeplechase Park. Lastly, be sure to get tickets to a show at Hays CISD Performing Arts Center, The Railhouse, or Buck’s Backyard.
Kyle saw a 20% increase in population and presently has a population of about 52,000.
#4: Wylie, TX
Median sale price: $492,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,832
Wylie, TX homes for sale
Wylie, TX apartments for rent
Known for its strong community spirit and close proximity to Dallas, Wylie, TX is number four on our list of fastest-growing cities in Texas. The city saw a 20% increase to its current population of nearly 59,500.
There are many fun activities to do in Wylie, from playing sports at Olde City Park, Founders Park, and Friendship Park to grabbing a bite to eat at Villa Vinci, Rosa’s Café & Tortilla Factory, and Cowboy Chicken. If you love the arts and entertainment, make sure you check out the Wylie OPRY, a live music venue that plays hosts Country and Gospel music artists.
#5: Frisco, TX
Median sale price: $775,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,387
Frisco, TX homes for sale
Frisco, TX apartments for rent
If you’re considering moving to a new city, look no further than Frisco, TX. Frisco is known for being home to The Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility. It is the fifth fastest-growing city in Texas. Frisco saw a 19% increase in population since 2017 and currently has about 211,00 residents that call it home.
If you want to know what there’s to do in Frisco, try one of these local favorites: reading a book at Frisco Commons Park, Frisco Central Park, or Limestone Quarry Park, spending a day at the National Videogame Museum, catching a show at the Frisco Performing Arts Center, or trying a delicious meal at Tupelo Honey, The Common Table, or 5th Street Patio Cafe.
#6: Temple, TX
Median sale price: $326,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,312
Temple, TX homes for sale
Temple, TX apartments for rent
Coming in at sixth, Temple, TX is known for its regional medical center and for being the base of three major hospitals. You’ll find a lot of unique activities in Temple, such as grabbing a bite to eat at Old Jody’s Restaurant, Pignetti’s, or Roopa’s kitchen, checking out a museum, including the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum or Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, strolling through Miller Park, West Temple Community Park, or Jaycee Park, or watching a show at Main Street Hall.
Temple currently has a population of about 85,500, which is a 15% increase since 2017.
#7: Burleson, TX
Median sale price: $360,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,575
Burleson, TX homes for sale
Burleson, TX apartments for rent
Trying to figure out if you want to move to Burleson, TX? Known for its historic Old Town and for being on the outskirts of Fort Worth, The city has a population of about 51,600, which is a 12% increase since 2017.
Wondering what to do in Burleson? Many activities are sure to please, like enjoying a day at Centennial Park, Warren Park, or Bailey Lake Park. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Grumps Burgers, Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, or Antonio’s Mexican Restaurant, and afterward catch a show at Hoots Bar Dance and Pool.
#8: Texas City, TX
Median sale price: $325,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,567
Texas City, TX homes for sale
Texas City, TX apartments for rent
Texas City, TX comes in at eighth on our list and is best known for being a deep water port in Texas. It saw an increase of 12% to its current population of nearly 54,500.
If you want to know what to do in Texas City, you should check out one of the many parks such as Rainbow Park, Carver Park, or Bay Street Park and venues like College of the Mainland Community Theatre. Make sure to check out local favorite restaurants like Gus’, Taqueria & Restaurant Vallarta, and Grand Prize Barbeque for a taste of what the city has to offer.
#9: Conroe, TX
Median sale price: $334,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,522
Conroe, TX homes for sale
Conroe, TX apartments for rent
Known for the beautiful Lake Conroe, where you can enjoy the day boating, fishing, or swimming, Conroe, TX comes in at ninth. The city is home to 94,400 people, which is an 11.31% increase from five years ago.
Want to know what to do in Conroe? Well, there are many activities to keep you occupied. You can play sports at Candy Cane Park, McDade Park, or Kasmiersky Park. If you love to try local cuisine, be sure to check out McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers, Mama Juanita’s, and Joe’s Italian Restaurant. If you are interested in the arts and entertainment scene, be sure to pay a visit to Pacific Yard House, Crighton Theatre, and Heritage Museum of Montgomery County.
#10: McKinney, TX
Median sale price: $575,700
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,081
McKinney, TX homes for sale
McKinney, TX apartments for rent
Rounding off our list is McKinney, TX. McKinney is well known for its natural beauty and historic downtown area. The city saw an 11.30% to its current population of about 202,700.
You’ll never get bored in McKinney with parks like Bonnie Wenk Park, Towne Lake Recreation Park, and Erwin Park and museums like Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and Play Street Museum. If you want to grab a quick bite, you should check out Harvest, Harry’s at the Harbor, and Spoons Cafe. Later on, be sure to catch a show at The Sanctuary Music and Events.
Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during July 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during July 2022.
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