Best Places to Live in Texas

What are the best cities to live in Texas?

Texas is a vast state that offers a wide variety of living options for people of all ages and lifestyles. Texas is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and warm weather, making it an attractive destination for people worldwide. In this blog, we will explore some of the best places to live in Texas, from the vibrant urban centers to the quiet suburbs and small towns.

From the bustling cities of Houston and Dallas to the laid-back coastal towns of Corpus Christi and Galveston, there is no shortage of amazing places to call home in the Lone Star State.

While Texas may have many pros and cons, many of its cities are pretty and are considered an excellent place to live. If you are asking “Where should I move to in Texas?” then you have come to the right place. This city guide was created to help determine where and should not live in Texas. Read more about the 5 Best Places to Live in Texas without further ado!

Austin

The state capital of Texas, Austin, is a laid-back city with a growing population of almost one million. Popularized for its slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” Austin is full of outdoor adventures, events, and daily excitement. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, this bustling metropolitan area attracts new residents for its endless job opportunities and affordable housing. Known for its eclectic live music scene, residents and visitors alike can enjoy blues, country, and rock music playing throughout the streets daily. 

Standing out for its high-end residential spaces and new businesses popping up downtown, Austin has become a playing ground for high-tech professionals and business moguls. Big-name celebrities like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan have recently moved to Austin for its amenities and growth potential. While technology may be the up-and-coming industry in the city, government, education, and healthcare are other industries thriving and providing many jobs for residents. Austin is also home to the University of Texas campus, making the city a college town and a great place to live for students. While rent and housing prices may be a bit higher in Austin than in other nearby Texas cities, the average income for residents is also higher. 

Local Favorites: 

• Barton Springs Municipal Pool: This outdoor recreational swimming pool is filled with natural springs and is a popular destination for year-round swimming. The water temperature is constantly between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit making it a desirable place to cool off and relax.

• McKinney Falls State Park: This swimming hole and waterfall is a beautiful state park outside downtown Austin. Also, a great place to hike, McKinney Falls is a must-do on a hot summer day. 

• Ziker Park: A recreational area in south Austin, this park centers around a lake and is the perfect place for hiking and biking. Ziker Park also hosts the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the ABC Kite Festival. 

• Texas State Capital: Housing the legislature and the governor of Texas, the state building is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is the sixth tallest state capital building in the United States. Explore the grounds and get to see this capital building up close and personal.

Dallas

Found in North Texas, the modern city of Dallas is home to over one million people and embraces cultural diversity. Offerings its residents a mixture of urban and suburban living, Dallas is one of the best places to live in Texas. Attracting many young professionals and families to the area, living in Dallas provides a close-knit community with easy access to the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Referred to as the economic center of Texas, Dallas is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and big businesses. Driven by the technological and financial industries, many new residents are moving to Dallas for work, making the city one of the most competitive markets in the country. Considered one of the safest cities in America, Dallas has an affordable cost of living and a solid real estate market. Not to mention desirable weather conditions that will mean more time to spend outdoors. Home of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas State Fair, the city always has an event to attend or a sports team to support.

Local Favorites: 

• Six Flags Over Texas: This 212-acre theme park is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts. Part of the Six Flags chain, this amusement park has multiple themed events throughout the year and is a cool place to bring the family.

• The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: This 66-acre botanical garden is beautiful throughout the year and is great for pictures. There are even seasonal events such as a concert series in the summer, a pumpkin event in the fall, and 12 days of Christmas event during the holiday season. 

• Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Consisting of two campuses in Dallas, one in Victory Park and one in Fair Park, this museum features beautiful exhibits that are both interactive and fun. From dinosaurs to a mineral exhibit, this museum is fun for the whole family while learning about science and the natural world. 

• AT&T Stadium: This stadium is where the Dallas Cowboys play! All Dallas residents should attend a game at least once.

Fort Worth

Found in North Central Texas lies the world-class city of Fort Worth. Home to almost 900,000 residents, Fort Worth, is a modern city that is often grouped into the Dallas metropolitan area. Once an old trading post for cowboys along the Chisholm Trail, Fort Worth celebrates its history and honors its cowboy past through festivals and museums hosted throughout the year. Fort Worth is a desirable destination for young professionals and families with museums, aquariums, shopping centers, delicious restaurants, and endless live entertainment.

Considered the 12th largest city in the United States, Fort Worth is fast-growing and ever-changing, making it a great place to live in Texas. Prized for its excellent school system and outstanding job opportunities, multiple large corporations such as Exxon Mobil and GE are headquartered in Fort Worth. Also, home to top higher education institutions, become a student at The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University School of Law, and Texas Chrisitan University. 

Local Favorites: 

• Fort Worth Zoo: Founded in 1909, this zoo houses over 7,000 animals and has been named a top zoo in the country. This zoo is a great place for your kids to admire the exhibits and learn about animal conservation. 

• Fort Worth Water Gardens: Located near downtown Fort Worth, this urban water garden is intricately designed and has turned into a nice and quiet place to relax while listening to the water cascading down the walls. 

• National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame: This museum was founded in honor of the American West and the women who pioneered the world that we live in today. Featuring costumes, artifacts, a photo booth, and even a horse exhibit! 

• Texas Moter Speedway: If you are a lover of NASCAR, then make sure to head out to this speedway for a race.

Houston

Located in Southeast Texas, right near the Gulf Of Mexico and Galveston Bay, lies the beautiful city of Houston. The city is currently home to more than 2.3 million people and continues to grow due to its affordable housing and exciting attractions. Referred to as the hub of the gas and oil industry, Houston is a large metropolitan area that attracts many new residents for its job opportunities with some of the largest companies in America. Other leading industries in the area include healthcare and manufacturing.

Houston is also home to Space Center Houston, where NASA conducts astronaut training and works on space exploration. With so many things to do, residents enjoy spending time outdoors, admiring the historical architecture, attending the Houston Grand Opera, or dining at one of the many world-class restaurants. In our opinion - Houston is one of the best cities to live in Texas.

Local Favorites:

• Space Center Houston: Learn all there is to know about NASA and mission control at this 250,000 square foot museum. There are even 400 displays of artifacts brought back from space. This is a must-visit! 

• NASA Johnson Space Center: This is where NASA trains astronauts through spaceflight training, research, and flight control. Featuring over 100 buildings, this NASA campus is a cool place to learn about spaceflight. The new Tesla Space X rocket is even on display here. 

• Hermann Park: Featuring beautiful green spaces, picnic areas, gardens, a lake, and a reflection pool, this park is a peaceful place to spend the day. There is even an outdoor theatre and paddleboards available for rent. 

• Kemah Boardwalk: Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, this 60-acre theme park is built on the shore near the Galveston Bay and features rides, games, attractions, and shopping on this well-maintained boardwalk.

San Antonio

Found in South-Central Texas, the vibrant city of San Antonio is home to 1.5 million people. It remains one of the most famous cities in the state for its welcoming atmosphere, amazing neighborhoods, and top amenities. The average age of residents is 34 years old, making San Antonio a hip and trendy place to call home. Considered a safe place to live and visit, San Antonio is home to multiple famous historical landmarks and exciting attractions. Offering its residents a slower-paced lifestyle, San Antonio is perfect for active adults and growing families due to its perfect blend of small-town and big city living. Considered a major military city, many residents work for the military or the defense industry and the job market is constantly flourishing.

The food scene in San Antonio is out of this world. Home to a massive Hispanic population, most residents love to dine at one of the city's many Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican restaurants. Most of these popular restaurants are located alongside the San Antonio Riverwalk. The infamous San Antonio Riverwalk runs for 15 miles along the San Antonio River and is a network of walkways that runs directly through downtown San Antonio. The Riverwalk is a popular tourist destination and local hotspot. San Antonio also hosts multiple fun events and festivals throughout the year. Both new and old residents can be seen attending The Texas Folklife Festival and the Famous Fiesta or the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony.

Check out homes for sale in San Antonio!

Local Favorites:

• The Alamo: This historic Spanish mission and fortress was established in the 18th century and played an important role in the Mexican-American War. Historical figures Davy Crockett and James Bowie died in front of The Alamo in the year 1836. Visit today for a tour and to take pictures! 

• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Preserving four Spanish frontier missions, this historical site and church is a representation of the colonization system in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. 

• Natural Bridge Caverns: Known as the largest commercial cavern system in all of Texas, these caverns are a unique site and spectacular experience. Take a tour below the surface in areas that can reach up to 180 feet deep. Some of the undeveloped areas in the cavern reach shocking depths of 230 feet below the surface. 

• McNay Art Museum: Located in a Spanish-Colonial Revival-style mansion, this art museum features modern art and exhibits of medieval paintings. There is even a beautiful garden and fishpond on the grounds to visit.

Real Estate Markets

Texas is full of diverse and unique cities, each with charm and personality. The state's major urban centers, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth, are among Texas's most desirable places to live. These cities offer a wide range of attractions, from rich cultural experiences to bustling business centers, and each one has its unique real estate market. Here's a closer look at the best places to live in Texas and what to expect from their respective real estate markets.

Dallas, a vibrant and dynamic city, is known for its diverse economy, excellent public transportation, and bustling arts and culture scene. It's a popular destination for families, young professionals, and retirees looking for an urban lifestyle. The real estate market in Dallas is competitive, with a range of homes available, from modern condos and townhouses to sprawling estates in exclusive neighborhoods like Highland Park and University Park.

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is a thriving metropolis with a diverse economy and various industries. It's an excellent destination for people interested in affordable real estate, a bustling arts and culture scene, and an exceptional quality of life. The Houston real estate market is vast, with many options for buyers, including luxurious high-rise condos and single-family homes in prestigious neighborhoods like River Oaks and Memorial.

San Antonio, a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, is a popular destination for families and retirees looking for a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. Its real estate market features an affordable mix of homes, including historic homes in neighborhoods like King William and Alamo Heights and modern condos and townhouses in emerging areas like the Pearl District.

Austin, the state capital, is a vibrant city with a thriving music scene and a booming tech industry. It's a popular destination for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists seeking a passionate, creative community. Austin's real estate market is competitive, with many homes available, including historic bungalows, modern condos, and sprawling estates in exclusive neighborhoods like Westlake and Tarrytown.

Fort Worth, a city with a rich Western heritage, is a popular destination for families and young professionals looking for an urban lifestyle with a suburban feel. Its real estate market offers a variety of options, including modern condos and townhouses in the bustling downtown area, as well as historic homes in prestigious neighborhoods like Rivercrest and Mira Vista.

Best Cities to Live in Texas - The Bottom Line

Everything is bigger and better in Texas. Best known for its hot weather, fantastic job opportunities, excellent food, and incredible outdoor recreation, Texas remains a top destination for college graduates, young professionals, families, and retirees.

Ranked as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, the state of Texas is home to over 29 million people and more than 1,200 incorporated cities. If you are planning a move to Texas and moving to El Paso then there are many great cities to choose from that will appeal to any lifestyle. Whether relocating to Texas for work or simply for a change of scenery, finding the best and safest place to live in Texas is a top priority.

Whether you are looking for the safest city to live in or the city with the lowest cost of living, wherever you decide to live in, Texas will be a good choice, home to many great cities that are excellent place to live, finding the city of your dreams in Texas will be an easy discovery. Before moving, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to aid and guide you through the home buying process. While moving can be stressful, our team is here to help you through every step of the way. Contact us today to find your new home in Texas!

Check out moving to Corpus Christi, the best neighborhoods in Corpus Christi, the best neighborhoods in El Paso, and the best places to live in California and Florida as well!

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