The Best Places to Live in Texas: Your 2025 Guide

Is Texas a good place to live? Absolutely! And if you’re interested in moving there, there are lots of contenders for the best places to live in Texas. Sure, Austin and Houston get a lot of love, but there’s plenty of Lone Star State to go around. Our guide to the best places to live in Texas covers all the bases — from family-friendly enclaves to the best places to live in Texas if you’re a retiree or young professional. We’ll also go over a few of the need-to-know basics, like overall city vibe, housing costs and options, things to do, and more. 

Is Texas a good place to live? You bet! Explore the best places to live in Texas — from the big cities of Dallas and Houston to the charming riverfront destination of San Antonio.

12 of the Best Places To Live in Texas

If we talked about all the best cities to live in Texas, we’d be here for days. We’ve narrowed the list down to a handful of our favorites (and some of the most popular) to give you a good running start in your search.

What is the best city to live in Texas? Many people think the answer is Austin! Just look at that view of Lady Bird Lake.

1. Austin, Texas

• Cost of living: 129.1
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,670
• Average home value: $512,900
• Great for: Young adults, families, schools, nightlife, culture, diversity

Austin is an amazing city — many give it the top spot of the best places to live in Texas. From being able to experience all four seasons, excellent public transportation, great schools, and a strong job market, to a thriving live music scene, incredible restaurants, and gorgeous green spaces — Austin really is the good kind of weird. People here are young, social, and hip, and there are a lot of them, which means large crowds and messy traffic (perhaps one of the few downsides to living in Austin). Still, it’s one of the best places to live in Texas for families, too.

Food has a lot to do with that reputation. Austin is renowned for its creative dining scene, from food trucks to BBQ joints and farm-to-table places. Popular local faves include Franklin Barbecue, for the obvious, and Odd Duck, which began in a trailer in 2009.

The city’s popularity has also made Austin an expensive place to live. Austin’s cost of living is about 37 percent higher than the rest of Texas overall and 29 percent higher than the national average. The main reason for this is housing, which is 71 percent more expensive compared to the national average.  

Why Austin Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Hip music scene
• Unique, artsy culture
• Excellent public transportation
• Creative culinary experiences

Dallas is considered one of the best cities to live in Texas for those who want the best of education, dining, outdoor activities, things to do, and more.

2. Dallas, Texas

• Cost of living: 100.2
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $311,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, students, diversity, nightlife

As the ninth-largest city in the country, Dallas makes good on the Texan promise of going big. This metropolis offers a little bit of everything, making it one of the good places to live in Texas for folks who love to sample the buffet of life. 

Speaking of buffets, the culinary landscape in Dallas offers amazing innovation and diversity, with a focus in recent years on farm-to-table practices and creative cuisine. Check out Mirador, which is located atop a downtown high-rise — fittingly, Mirador means “lookout.”

With A-rated public schools and nearly 40 colleges and universities, Dallas couldn’t hide its studious side if it tried. It’s definitely one of the best cities to live in Texas for families with kids and college students. 

The city’s decent public transit system can get you around in a pinch, but it’s still best (and most convenient) to have a car. On the plus side, those cars deliver Dallas residents to everything the city has to offer, from theater and live music at the AT&T Performing Arts Center to family outings at the Dallas Zoo.

Why Dallas Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Thriving city scene
• Tons of dining options
• Strong public schools and higher educational opportunities
• Variety of affordable housing options

Busy freeways are a hallmark of Houston — but green spaces are abundant in the city, as well — making it one of the best cities to live in Texas for people who want urban features with a side of nature.

3. Houston, Texas

• Cost of living: 96.9
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $267,300
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, space fans, diversity

If you take I-45 south from Dallas and drive (and drive and drive), you’ll find yourself in Houston, Texas. This culture-rich locale, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., offers world-class dining, pro sports teams, rave-worthy Texas BBQ, and enough entertainment options to make your head spin. If you decide to call Houston home, nobody would be surprised. The city is also full of perks for residents 65+, thanks to volunteer programs, medical centers, and senior discounts. No wonder it’s considered one of the best places to live in Texas for retirees. 

While housing costs in Houston are lower than in Texas overall, the cost of living in this Southern city is higher than the rest of the state — especially when it comes to groceries and transportation — and 3 percent lower than the U.S. average overall. Generally, though, Houston offers a solid bang for your buck. 

Dining in Houston means experiencing a thriving culinary scene with everything from authentic Japanese and Italian restaurants to modern steakhouses. We love Nancy’s Hustle, a cozy east-side bistro with a phenomenal drink selection. Order the Nancy cakes — savory pancakes with smoked trout roe. 

Why Houston Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Large, diverse population
• Tons of entertainment options
• Lower-than-the-national-average housing costs
• Ideal locale for retirees

Named one of the top cities to live in the country, it’s no wonder Plano is considered one of the best places to live in Texas.

4. Plano, Texas

• Cost of living: 111.7
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $511,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, schools, job market, diversity

Moving to Plano means setting up home in a well-manicured suburb in the Dallas Metro Area, about 20 miles north of the city. It has a dense suburban vibe and a population of close to 293,000. And, according to Niche, Plano is one of the top 15 cities to buy a house in the country — unsurprising once you learn this suburb scores big on everything from schools and family-friendliness to nightlife and diversity. Bonus: Plano is a quick half-hour from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Life in Plano may be quiet, but it’s certainly not boring. Locals enjoy hiking on the many nearby trails, perusing antique shops, visiting museums, and eating their way through the town’s dining scene. Chains are plentiful, but one of Plano’s neighborhood gems includes CraftWay Kitchen, a New American-style eatery focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Why Plano Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Quaint suburban atmosphere
• Family-friendly entertainment
• Great schools
• Less than an hour's drive to Dallas

Bordering both New Mexico and Mexico, El Paso is among the best places to live in Texas for those on a budget.

5. El Paso, Texas

• Cost of living: 81.9
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $230,700
• Great for: Retirees, families, affordability, weather

Straddling the borders of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico in what’s known as the Southwest borderlands, El Paso is one of the most affordable cities on our Lone Star list. For many residents, the low housing costs make it one of the best places to live in Texas. Young professionals may consider looking elsewhere, but the lower cost of living makes it one of the best places to live in Texas for families and retirees.

A pro for some and a con for others, this westernmost Texas town is far from any other city. San Antonio, the closest big metro area, is an eight-hour drive from El Paso. Still, the city’s above-average schools, good nightlife, sense of community, and blend of Mexican and American culture are big draws for everyone from families to professionals.

Make no mistake, El Paso locals make the most of their city, hitting up the downtown area and popping through the different districts’ many cultural spots, like the El Paso Museum of Art, the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, and the 19th-century adobe-style Magoffin Home State Historic Site. 

Why El Paso Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Affordable cost of living
• Loved by families and retirees
• Above-average schools
• Culturally rich blend of Mexican and American lifestyles

The Gulf Coast city of Corpus Christi offers waterfront living without a Texas-sized hike in housing prices.

6. Corpus Christi, Texas

• Cost of living: 83.5
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $222,600
• Great for: Retirees, young professionals, commute times, weather, diversity

Anyone looking for a hint of island life in Texas should put Corpus Christi on their list of the best places to live in Texas. Nestled in the southeastern part of the state along the Gulf of Mexico, this coastal city has been a longtime favorite for spring breakers — but there’s so much more to offer in the eighth-largest city that’s become one of the best places to live in Texas.

Corpus Christi vibes are chill and relaxed, and there’s never a lack of things to do. In fact, Niche rates Corpus Christi with a respectable B+ overall, giving it above-average grades for schools, nightlife, diversity, and as a place for families. It’s also one of the best places in Texas for retirees, as roughly one in five residents is above 60 years old. 

Why do we especially love Corpus Christi? Because you can get delicious fresh seafood here — try Doc’s, a 20-year-old Gulfside mainstay. Residents also make the most of the outdoors here, thanks to Gulf and bay access, the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, and the Padre Island National Seashore (home to endangered sea turtles). Corpus Christi is also home to an abundance of parks — in fact, 75 percent of residents here live within a 10-minute walk to a park. It’s truly one of the best places to live in Texas. 

Why Corpus Christi Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Easy access to beautiful beaches
• Chill and relaxed vibes
• Affordable waterfront housing and lifestyle
• Fresh seafood and local eats

The San Antonio River Walk is the centerpiece of San Antonio, a city that has consistently been named one of the best places to live in Texas — and the U.S. 

7. San Antonio, Texas

• Cost of living: 91.3
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $254,100
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, nightlife, diversity, weather, schools

Riverfront attractions are found across the United States, but perhaps none is more iconic than San Antonio’s. The 15-mile stretch along the San Antonio River attracts both locals and tourists to the tune of 9 million visitors per year, drawn to the amazing views, eclectic dining options, live entertainment, and vibrant nightlife.

San Antonio has tons to offer residents. For the working crowd, the city is one of the best places to live in Texas for scientists, as major industries include healthcare and bioscience, aerospace, IT and cybersecurity, and the “New Energy” economy.

San Antonio is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Austin, and a leap away from Houston. Dallas is a bit farther, but doable in a day if you start early — maybe to catch the Cowboys. If fall Saturdays are more your speed, both UT and A&M are about an hour-and-a-half away. Of course, you can always stay local for the San Antonio Spurs, if basketball’s your game. 

San Antonio has plenty of fun besides the River Walk, too. Major attractions include Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo — and who can forget the Alamo?

Why San Antonio Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Breathtaking riverfront views
• Eclectic dining options
• Budget-friendly, especially for young adults
• Fun, family-friendly attractions

Just 30 miles from Dallas, Fort Worth blends big-city vibes with cowboy-casual living.

8. Fort Worth, Texas

• Cost of living: 101.5
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $301,500
• Great for: Young adults, diversity, nightlife

Looking for a city that can cater to the cowboy and the city person in you? Loop your lasso around Fort Worth — one of the best places to live in Texas for people who want city to meet country! This North Central Texas city is often spoken in the same breath as Dallas (which is just 32 miles to the east), but the truth is that these two spots are worlds apart.

Despite being the 12th-largest city in the U.S., Fort Worth maintains a smaller-town vibe, an affordable cost of living, and a seamless stitching of cowboy charm and urban sophistication. We love that this is a place where you can soak in culture at top-notch museums, sip craft cocktails, or nosh upscale eats. Also kick up some dirt at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, catch a legit rodeo or wild west show, and go to Billy Bob’s Texas — it’s been dubbed “the world’s largest honky tonk” at more than 100,000 acres, complete with a rodeo arena inside. It’s clear why Fort Worth is considered one of the best places to live in Texas for young professionals.

And as you wander around town, know that Austin ain’t the only place where Texas gets weird. Fort Worth’s quirky residents, healthy job market, and cowboy-meets-cultured vibe attract young professionals, singles, and families alike. 

Why Fort Worth Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• A special blend of country life and city chic
• Top-notch museums and eateries
• Bountiful job opportunities
• Various housing options

Sugar Land has been named one of the best places to live in Texas — and the nation — because of its excellent schools, amenities, and housing options.

9. Sugar Land, TX

• Cost of living: 108.1
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $451,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, diversity, jobs, commute times

Why Sugar Land Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Perfect for families and young professionals
• Great for Houston commuters who want a suburban feel
• Strong local job market

Arlington is home to Six Flags Over Texas — the original site, circa 1961, of the now-iconic amusement park. 
(Source: Six Flags Over Texas via Facebook)

10. Arlington, Texas

• Cost of living: 101.5
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $313,900
• Great for: Families, young professionals, diversity, weather

For Lone Star folks who can’t decide between moving to Dallas and moving to Fort Worth, Arlington may be the sweet spot you’re looking for. Located about 24 minutes from Downtown Dallas and 20 minutes from Downtown Fort Worth, this metroplex staple makes visiting either DFW hub easy peasy. 

Arlington is an impressive locale all on its own — one of the best cities to live in Texas — and you definitely don’t have to go elsewhere to have a good time. This city of over 400,000 is home to AT&T Stadium (the Dallas Cowboys’ HQ) and Six Flags Over Texas (the original). 

With 4,600 acres of parkland, 50 tennis courts, 26 basketball courts, and 85 miles of park trails (and more), Arlington is a treat for fans of the outdoors. Among the many options: Bird-watching hikes along the Trinity River, and walks in the woods at River Legacy Nature Center. 

The Arlington Independent School District is home to the most diverse public high school in Texas (Trinity) and the second most diverse public elementary school (Wilshire).

Why Arlington Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Easy access to Dallas and Fort Worth
• Tons of outdoor activities
• Diverse public schools
• Options for renters

11. Lubbock, Texas

• Cost of living: 81.1
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Average home value: $207,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, weather, public schools, affordability

In northwest Texas, two hours south of Amarillo, you’ll find the city of Lubbock. Originally a quiet college town, this South Plains hub is now home to around 267,000 people. At an elevation of just over 3,200 feet and far from the coast, residents in Lubbock experience a dry climate with mild winters and hot summers that get very little rainfall. And fair warning: This rugged, dry, and dusty region is prone to tornadoes and dust storms at certain times of the year — but provides unexpected beauty year-round at spots like the Monahans Sandhills State Park.

Lubbock boasts a lively music and arts scene, delicious dining options, and an array of family-friendly activities, and it’s home to Texas Tech University’s more than 40,000 students. One of the largest in the U.S., the Tech campus occupies 1,900 acres and is the only university in Texas that includes a law school, medical school, undergraduate, and graduate programs on the same campus.

Cultural interests collide in Lubbock, which is known for a few interesting things: Being the hometown of Buddy Holly, the top producer of wine grapes in the state, and a true “honest-to-goodness” cowboy town.

Why Lubbock Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Lively music and arts scene
• Great for students
• Low cost of living
• Rich agricultural roots

Wichita Falls is home to a thriving downtown district with innovative dining, shopping, and cultural events.

12. Wichita Falls, Texas

• Cost of living: 76.3
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $725
• Average home value: $174,100
• Great for: Families, affordability, retirees

This unassuming North Texas town on the Oklahoma border may surprise you. For starters, the namesake waterfall doesn’t exist; it was washed away in a violent flood in the 1800s. But in true Texas fashion, locals built The Falls, a 54-foot cascading replica that’s now the centerpiece of Lucy Park.

Just two hours north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Wichita Falls boasts a strong manufacturing history and continues to attract businesses in the aerospace and aviation sector. Housing is relatively affordable, making this small city one of the best places in Texas for retirees.

The city is home to a thriving downtown area, with plenty of shopping and Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture events. As for dining, Fox Hill Restaurant and Gardens is a standout, taking an innovative farm-to-table approach, with fresh produce from its own eight-acre site.

Why Wichita Falls Is One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

• Diverse business opportunities
• Tight-knit community
• Arts and cultural events
• Convenient location

Best Places To Live in Texas — FAQs

Q: What is the best area in Texas to live in?
A: If you’re into a thriving music scene and people who are weird in a cool way, you may consider Austin to be the best area of Texas to live in (also among the best places to live in Texas for singles). Interested in aerospace and aviation? Houston might be your best bet. Want to be immersed in a rich cultural history? El Paso could be the best place to live in Texas. Bottom line: Texas is a big state, with a lot of big cities and small towns with all kinds of different characteristics. Do your research, and you’re sure to find an area that’s perfect for you.

Q: What is the happiest city to live in Texas?
A: According to this list from CreditDonkey, Sugar Land and Wichita Falls are two of the top happiest cities in Texas. This list was compiled using U.S. Census and FBI data, rating cities based on their dining options, crime rates, commute times, income, housing prices, and more.

Q: Is it still worth moving to Texas?
A: Deciding where to live in Texas – or if it’s worth living in Texas – is a personal decision, but Texas is often considered a great place to live because of its affordable cost of living, diverse cities, strong job market, and lack of state income tax.

Q: Where is the best place to live in Texas for the cost of living?
A: From this list of the best places to live in Texas, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, El Paso, and Corpus Christi have the lowest cost of living. If you’re interested in the most affordable places to live in Texas, Niche lists Diboll, Karnes City, and Colorado City as the top three contenders (however, for safety’s sake, we’ve only included cities and towns that have above a C rating). Each has fewer than 5,000 residents and also ranks within the top 30 most affordable places to live in the United States.

Moving with PODS means enjoying the flexibility of deciding your own schedule.

Planning Your Move to One of the Best Places To Live in Texas

Whether you’re relocating locally or heading across the country, using PODS portable moving containers is a great option. When you move with PODS, you can avoid the headaches that come with renting a moving truck and instead enjoy the freedom to pack and load at your own pace. PODS offers flexible scheduling, which can come in handy if you’re faced with last-minute or unforeseen challenges during your move. Plus, one month’s storage is included in the cost of every move.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Alex Keight is a longtime contributor to the PODS Blog who has moved 25+ times because she loves to experience new places.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.