Best Places to Live in Texas

With a population of approximately 293,000 people, Plano is known for its traditional Texas flair blended with new economic development opportunities. It is one of the leading centers for employment, with corporate headquarters for companies such as Toyota, Frito-Lay, and JCPenney, as well as thriving technological and financial industries. This community has been labeled the “Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas” and features the largest hot air balloon festival in the state each September.

McAllen is a thriving regional center for healthcare, education, and international trade, with a qualified, diverse population. The city has a fantastic mix of American and Mexican cultures, which is reflected in cuisine, celebrations, and a natural bilingual population. Due to sustained economic, healthcare, and proximity to a large natural wonder, such as the World Birding Center, McAllen is one of the best places to move in Texas for migrants wanting access to an affordable, diverse community.

Dallas is one of the founding structures of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, being one of the most exciting cities in the state of Texas, with plenty of opportunities for employment within tech, finance, healthcare, logistics, and show business industries. Key employers like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Texas Instruments, as well as many Fortune 500 companies, provide employment opportunities. Its affordability with available real estate from Uptown high-rise buildings to surrounding neighborhoods, as well as its strong cultural districts and major metro amenities, place Dallas as one of the best places in Texas to live.

Fort Worth is one of America’s fastest-growing big cities, now topping 1,000,000 residents and offering a diverse community with jobs in healthcare, aviation, logistics, and technology. With its cowboy heritage, famous Stockyards, and proud Western spirit, the city combines modern urban living with authentic Texas character. Traditional economic bases and newer ones combine to give flexibility; people working in traditional sectors can find their niche, as can those in emerging ones or new economy jobs.

Houston, also termed the Space City, is generally acknowledged as the "Energy Capital of the World." It has more than 20 Fortune 500 companies based in its area, in addition to its diversified economy that thrives on the energy, aerospace, and medical devices sectors. It also provides excellent career opportunities and world-class educational institutions, such as the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical center in the world. The overall quality of life in Houston makes it one of the best areas to live in Texas.

San Antonio is the second-most populous city in Texas, with over 1.5 million residents, and has a diversified economy that includes healthcare, cybersecurity, defense, tourism, and manufacturing. It is known as "Military City U.S.A." because of its large military presence, including Joint Base San Antonio. Major companies headquartered in San Antonio include USAA, Valero Energy, and iHeartMedia. The city boasts of the famous Alamo and Missions National Historical Park and is always bustling with activities along the River Walk to Pearl District, making it yet again one of the top cities to live in Texas.

El Paso has 300+ days of annual sunlight, thus nicknamed “The Sun City”. Its young, culturally diverse populace (average age ~34 years old, 80% Hispanic/Latino) imbues the city with plenty of panache. Its robust economy, pegged to trade, defense, and government employment, as well as its home to one of the largest U.S. Army bases, Fort Bliss, ensures unfettered opportunities for its residents. The community-oriented ambiance combined with its border town experience makes it one of the most liveable cities within the state of Texas itself.

Brownsville, the southernmost city on the Texas-Mexico border, is considered the "Taco Capital of Texas," featuring a prospering food scene and annual festivals such as Charro Days. This town with 190,000 residents has diversified its economy by strengthening SpaceX operations, cross-border trade, and growing logistics and healthcare sectors. It has a subtropical climate with mild winters, warm summers, and approximately 27 inches of rain each year. With historic sites such as the Old City Cemetery and Palo Alto Battlefield, it is an inexpensive, culturally diverse place to reside.

Beaumont has a multicultural community, thanks to the diversity of people it contains, estimated at about 114,000 residents in total. Being an energy and port city with a rich historical background, Beaumont ensures continuous employment opportunities in the area of refining, petrochemicals, and manufacture. Beaumont also ensures that those relocating get a fair shot at a multi-cultural community and living throughout the entire SE Texas culture.

Lubbock is nicknamed “The Hub City” for its function as the economic center for the South Plains. Lubbock has low humidity relative to the eastern part of Texas, with breathtaking sunsets that are common on the High Plains because the atmosphere is not obstructed by mountains. Its ideal mix of strong culture with steady economic performance makes it one of the best places to live in Texas.