Best Places to Live in Texas
Texas combines wide-open spaces, strong job growth, and a cost of living that supports long-term financial stability. From major metros like Houston and Dallas to college towns and border communities, the state offers a diverse mix of culture, opportunity, and affordability. With no state income tax, a thriving economy, and its iconic "Don't Mess with Texas" spirit, Texas continues to attract new residents. Here are the 10 best places to live in Texas.
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FAQsRankings: 10 Best Places in Texas
Known as the "Hub City," Lubbock is the economic center of the South Plains, with a strong job market in healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. Homebuyers benefit from affordable living, spacious neighborhoods, and...
Personal Safety : 26
Property Safety : 21
Community Safety : 12
$235,000
Median Home Rent
$1,300
With more than 144,000 residents, McAllen is a growing city driven by healthcare, education, retail, and international trade. Its location along the U.S.-Mexico border creates a unique blend of American and Mexican cultures, refle...
Personal Safety : 76
Property Safety : 77
Community Safety : 36
$285,000
Median Home Rent
$1,350
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....
Personal Safety : 27
Property Safety : 10
Community Safety : 11
$297,499
Median Home Rent
$1,650
Home to about 114,000 residents, Beaumont offers homebuyers a diverse community, a stable economy, and a lower cost of living than many larger Texas cities. As a major energy and port hub with a rich historical background, the cit...
Personal Safety : N/A
Property Safety : 21
Community Safety : 5
$199,900
Median Home Rent
$1,195
Located along the U.S.–Mexico border, El Paso is home to a young, culturally diverse population that creates a vibrant blend of American and Mexican traditions, cuisine, and culture. With more than 300 days of annual sunlight, it ...
Personal Safety : 53
Property Safety : 53
Community Safety : 42
$250,975
Median Home Rent
$1,525
Fort Worth is one of America's fastest-growing large cities, with more than 1 million residents and a strong economy driven by healthcare, aviation, logistics, manufacturing, and technology. Residents also enjoy a lower cost of li...
Personal Safety : 29
Property Safety : 23
Community Safety : 45
$337,250
Median Home Rent
$2,090
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...
Personal Safety : 41
Property Safety : 55
Community Safety : 48
$259,000
Median Home Rent
$1,600
With a population of approximately 293,000 people, Plano blends traditional Texas charm with modern economic opportunity. It is one of the state's leading employment hubs, home to corporate headquarters for major companies such as...
Personal Safety : 72
Property Safety : 68
Community Safety : 72
$490,000
Median Home Rent
$2,543
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Commute
100%
Good Schools
100%
Affordability
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Public Transit
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Future Growth
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Dallas is a core part of the Metroplex and one of Texas’s most employable cities, offering great jobs in tech, finance, healthcare, logistics, and entertainment. Major employers like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments...
Personal Safety : 26
Property Safety : 12
Community Safety : 27
$514,999
Median Home Rent
$1,995
Houston, also termed the Space City, is generally acknowledged as the "Energy Capital of the World." It has more than 20 Fortune 500 companies, in addition to its diversified economy that thrives on the energy, aerospace, and medi...
Personal Safety : 14
Property Safety : 12
Community Safety : 29
$164,500
Median Home Rent
$1,900
Explore the Best Neighborhoods of Cities in Texas
Top 3 Best Places to Retire in Texas
Top 3 Best Places to Live in Texas for Families
Top 3 Best Places to Live in Texas for Young Adults
Best Affordable Places to Live in Texas
Texas has many cities where residents can stretch their budgets without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With low housing costs, steady job markets, and easy access to essential amenities, these communities support a financially stable, stress-free lifestyle. Here are the most affordable places to live in Texas for those who want to balance cost and comfort.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs. State Avg. | Affordability Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls | $194,950 | $1,100 |  5% lower | 7.3/10 |
| Amarillo | $252,500 | $984 | 12% lower | 7/10 |
| Killeen | $225,000 | $1,225 | 2% lower | 6.9/10 |
| Corpus Christi | $267,000 | $1,157 | 6% lower | 6.3/10 |
| Abilene | $235,000 | $1,750 | 4% lower | 5.6/10 |
Safest Places to Live in Texas
For those seeking a safe and welcoming place to call home, several Texas cities stand out for their low crime rates and active neighborhood networks. Clean streets, family-friendly parks, and supportive local services help create secure, comfortable communities. Here are the safest places to live in Texas according to the latest crime data.
Safest
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Ranking Methodology
To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.
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How we ranked these cities
Each city is scored against the state average on five weighted factors, normalized to control for regional cost differences and market size. Home prices, rents, and inventory come straight from Houzeo's live MLS feed; everything else is sourced from verified government datasets.
Scoring weights
- Affordability30%
Median home price, price per sq ft & rent relative to local incomes vs. the state average.
- Safety & crime25%
Violent and property crime rates per capita from FBI reporting vs. the state average.
- Jobs & income20%
Median household income, employment levels & job stability vs. the state average.
- Housing & inventory15%
Active listings, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.
- Lifestyle & amenities10%
Schools, walkability, commute times & access to everyday amenities — the tiebreaker.
Our data sources
Important Legal Disclosures
MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.