10 Best Places to Live in Texas in 2025

“Everything’s bigger in Texas”—including the opportunities! Saddle up y’all, because the Lone Star State charges ahead with its economy ranked #6 in the nation! Even better, the cost of living is 7% lower, and housing prices are 17.9% below the U.S. median.

Say “Howdy!” to Houston, where the renowned Space Center is just the beginning. From the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ to Dallas’s booming job market, it offers something for everyone. Explore the best places to live in Texas in 2025 to find your perfect fit!

What Are the Best Places to Live in Texas?

^{*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.}

To simplify your search in the Texas housing market, we’ve sorted the top 10 cities into four categories: for young adults, for families, for retirees, and for black families. Each city is evaluated based on career opportunities, affordability, community wellbeing, and lifestyle.

3 Best Places to Live in Texas for Young Adults 💼

1. San Antonio

• Median House Price: $265k
• Cost of Living: 7.90% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 1% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 5.90%
• Walkability Score: 37; it is a car-dependent city.

San Antonio isn’t just where the Alamo stands—opportunities do too! Healthcare employs 13.7% of the workforce, and retail employs 12.1%. Housing expenses are also 20% below the US median, which makes it the perfect spot for young professionals.

The Pearl District is an art lover’s dream, with the San Antonio Museum of Art at its heart. Additionally, every April the city comes alive with Fiesta San Antonio. It’s a 10-day festival of parades, music, and vibrant celebrations of the city’s culture!

» San Antonio Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best areas to live in Texas.

2. Fort Worth

• Median House Price: $344k
• Cost of Living: 1.20% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 9% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 5.30%
• Walkability Score: 35; it is a car-dependent city.

Fort Worth isn’t just ‘Cowtown’. Here, the Wild West meets a booming economy! 12.3% of residents work in healthcare, followed by 11% in manufacturing. Besides, it is home to Texas Christian University, which makes it perfect for young professionals.

After work, you can unwind at Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District. You could watch a cattle drive, or shop for custom cowboy boots. On the weekend, you can explore Sundance Square’s boutiques for handcrafted jewelry and high-end fashion.

» Fort Worth Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best places to move in Texas.

3. Dallas

• Median House Price: $425k
• Cost of Living: 7% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 5%
• Walkability Score: 46; it is a car-dependent city.

It’s not just the skyline that stands tall in Dallas—ambitions do too! With 11.2% of the workforce in healthcare and 11% in retail, career opportunities are diverse. Also home to the Southern Methodist University (SMU), it is a great spot for young professionals.

On weekends, you can explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a peaceful escape. You can also hike, bike, or enjoy water sports at White Rock Lake. Additionally, you can catch the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium for a fun outing.

» Dallas Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best places in Texas to live.

3 Best Places to Live in Texas for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

1. McAllen

• Median House Price: $280k
• Cost of Living: 21% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 19% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 5.40%
• Walkability Score: 41; it is a car-dependent city.

Why pay more when McAllen offers the Texas dream for less? Its median home price is a whopping 20% below the state average. Schools here also outperform 64.8% of all US school districts, which makes it the best place to live in Texas for families.

For recreation, visit the McAllen Nature Center on the weekend. Here you can explore nature trails, or enjoy picnics with your family. You can also explore interactive science displays at the McAllen International Museum of Art & Science.

» McAllen Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the good places to live in Texas.

2. El Paso

• Median House Price: $266k
• Cost of Living: 15.80% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 20% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 6.80%
• Walkability Score: 40; it is a car-dependent city.

El Paso isn’t just a border city. It’s a vibrant blend of opportunities, and healthcare leads local employment at 13.4%. Besides, schools here outperform 54.6% of US school districts. These factors make it one of the best places to raise a family in Texas.

You can spend your weekends hiking the stunning Franklin Mountains State Park or catch a Broadway show at the Plaza Theatre. And don’t miss the Viva! El Paso Festival every summer! It’s a vibrant celebration of local culture.

» El Paso Homes for Sale: Find top properties in one of the great cities to live in Texas.

3. Plano

• Median House Price: $535k
• Cost of Living: 7.10% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 23% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 4.40%
• Walkability Score: 41; it is a car-dependent city.

Plano is where your career and your family can grow side by side. The professional services sector employs the most people at 14.5%. Plus, schools rank better than 74.8% of US school districts, which makes it perfect for families.

You can hike the trails at Oak Point Park on the weekend, followed by fine dining at Legacy West with your family. You can also indulge in high-end shopping at The Shops at Willow Bend. It offers luxury clothing brands and trendy boutiques.

» Plano Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the nicest cities in Texas to live.

2 Best Places to Live in Texas for Retirees 🏖️

1. Beaumont

• Median House Price: $238k
• Cost of Living: 11.30% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 5.30%
• Walkability Score: 31; it is a car-dependent city.

Beaumont isn’t just a place to move—it’s a place to belong. The community well-being score of 51 reflects a welcoming environment. Besides, Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital provides excellent elderly care, making it one of the best places to retire in Texas.

For recreation, you can explore the winding trails of Big Thicket National Preserve. On weekends, you can unwind with a picnic at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. Finally, end your day exploring local art exhibits at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

» Beaumont Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best cities to live in Texas.

2. Brownsville

• Median House Price: $249k
• Cost of Living: 19.20% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 14% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 6.30%
• Walkability Score: 35; it is a car-dependent city.

Experience the warmth of both the weather and the people at Brownsville. With a community wellbeing score of 43, it offers an inviting space. Plus, with healthcare costs 12% below the US median and no state income tax, it is one of the best cities to retire in Texas.

You can spend your afternoons exploring the trails at Resaca de la Palma Nature Park. Then, you can visit historic Downtown Brownsville for authentic Mexican cuisine. To end your day, visit the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art for live events.

» Brownsville Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best place in Texas to live.

2 Best Places to Live in Texas for Black Families

1. Lubbock

• Median House Price: $228k
• Cost of Living: 8.80% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 4% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 4.60%
• Walkability Score: 39; it is a car-dependent city.

Lubbock offers growing opportunities and a diverse community. In fact, it has an 8% Black population, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Besides, healthcare is a booming sector that employs 16.3% of residents.

But the perks don’t stop there! Its schools outperform 83.3% of all US school districts. This makes it one of the best places to live in Texas with family. On the weekend, you can enjoy a picnic with your loved ones by the lake at Mackenzie Park.

» Lubbock Homes for Sale: Explore houses in one of the best areas in Texas to live in.

2. Houston

• Median House Price: $354k
• Cost of Living: 5.40% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 2% of U.S. cities.
• Unemployment: 6.60%
• Walkability Score: 47; it is a car-dependent city.

Houston, we’ve got a problem—no one has ever complained about diversity and opportunities in this city! With 22.4% Black households, it offers an inclusive community. Schools here also outperform 13.5% of all US school districts, which makes it ideal for families.

For recreation, explore interactive exhibits at the Museum of Natural Science or visit the fascinating butterfly center. You can also savor diverse cuisines, like authentic Tex-Mex, or mouth-watering BBQ in the Midtown area.

» Houston Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the nice places to live in Texas.

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Buy a Home 🏡

Mortgage pre-approval simplifies the home-buying process by giving you a clear picture of your budget and borrowing capacity. Plus, sellers are more likely to accept your offer if you’re pre-approved since it shows you’re a serious buyer.

With the current low mortgage rate of 6.9%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in Texas. So, don’t wait. Get a mortgage pre-approval today and avoid bidding wars!

Is Texas the Right Place for Your Next Move?

Texas is one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to its booming job market, top-notch education system, and great climate. Moreover, the price of living in Texas is 2% lower than the national average.

Browse Homes for Sale in Texas by Price and Type

Price	Homes for Sale in Texas Under $200K	Homes for Sale in Texas Under $300K	Homes for Sale in Texas Under $400K
Type	Cabins for Sale in Texas	Tiny Homes for Sale in Texas	Farms for Sale in Texas

Research Methodology for the Best Places to Live in Texas

This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the Lone Star State:

• Redfin^[1]: Median House Price
• Zipatlas^[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
• Salary.com^[3]: Cost of Living
• Sharecare^[4]: Community Well-Being
• Neighborhoodscout^[5]: Crime Index Score

The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).

Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Texas for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.

Frequently Asked Questions