Most Expensive Places to Live in Texas in 2026

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Rankings: 10 Most Expensive Places in Texas

Westlake, TX

How do you rate Westlake?

Westlake sits along the Tarrant-Dallas county line, where gated estates and sprawling lots have turned this tiny community into one of the most exclusive addresses in Texas. Home to fewer than 1,500 residents and almost no commerc...

38/100

Safety Score

Why is Westlake safe?

Personal Safety : 0

Personal Safety: 0/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

50%

Rape

24.44%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

46.32%

Kidnapping / Abduction

38.89%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

145

5.84%

Larceny

288

27.27%

Motor Vehicle Theft

111

19.57%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

28.57%

Community Safety : 17

Community Safety: 17/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

471

16.19%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

119

15.6%

Weapon Law Violations

43.82%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

322

22.22%

Home Prices in Westlake

$4,462,500

Median Home Rent

$1,750

Homes for Sale in Westlake Link

(View 60 homes)

Hunters Creek, TX

How do you rate Hunters Creek?

Hunters Creek Village is the largest community in Houston's Memorial Villages area, known for its wooded streets, spacious homes, and quiet residential atmosphere. Large lots and long-standing neighborhood rules have helped preserve the area's upscale character for decades. The city also operates its own police department, adding to its small-town feel within the Houston metro area. Popular with oil and gas executives due to its proximity to the Energy Corridor, Hunters Creek continues to attract affluent buyers year after year.

Home Prices in Hunters Creek

$3,499,000

Median Home Rent

$2,150

Homes for Sale in Hunters Creek Link

(View 21 homes)

Piney Point Village, TX

How do you rate Piney Point Village?

Piney Point Village is one of six independent cities inside Houston's Memorial Villages enclave, ranking among the richest cities in Texas by household income and home value. Large homes, quiet streets, and spacious lots give the ...

30/100

Safety Score

Why is Piney Point Village safe?

Personal Safety : 0

Personal Safety: 0/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

28.45%

Rape

746

22.93%

Robbery

939

32.05%

Aggravated Assault

4,195

20.28%

Kidnapping / Abduction

3.26%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

4,176

15.72%

Larceny

17,268

21.28%

Motor Vehicle Theft

603

Arson

65.38%

Theft From Building

1,011

21.75%

Community Safety : 0

Community Safety: 0/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

10,909

10.5%

Stolen Property Offenses

360

1185.71%

Vandalism

10,705

29.89%

Weapon Law Violations

877

18.34%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

2,750

6.24%

Home Prices in Piney Point Village

$2,780,000

Median Home Rent

$1,840

Homes for Sale in Piney Point Village Link

(View 22 homes)

University Park, TX

How do you rate University Park?

University Park sits in the heart of Dallas, next to Highland Park and the campus of Southern Methodist University. Known as one of the wealthiest areas in Texas, the city is popular for its beautiful homes, top-rated schools, and...

85/100

Safety Score

Why is University Park safe?

Personal Safety : 93

Personal Safety: 93/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

66.67%

Aggravated Assault

50%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 63

Property Safety: 63/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

44.68%

Larceny

294

9.29%

Motor Vehicle Theft

15.22%

Arson

Theft From Building

50%

Community Safety : 87

Community Safety: 87/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

17.24%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

161.54%

Weapon Law Violations

71.43%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

62.5%

Home Prices in University Park

$2,450,000

Median Home Rent

$5,000

Homes for Sale in University Park Link

(View 76 homes)

West University Place, TX

How do you rate West University Place?

West University Place sits inside Houston's 610 Loop, two miles from Rice University and minutes from the Texas Medical Center. The city runs its own municipal services independently from Houston. Deed restrictions actively protec...

84/100

Safety Score

Why is West University Place safe?

Personal Safety : 92

Personal Safety: 92/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

83.33%

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 78

Property Safety: 78/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

112.5%

Larceny

134

4.69%

Motor Vehicle Theft

10%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 56

Community Safety: 56/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

33.33%

Stolen Property Offenses

83.33%

Vandalism

47.06%

Weapon Law Violations

38.24%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

18.52%

Home Prices in West University Place

$2,266,000

Median Home Rent

$3,500

Homes for Sale in West University Place Link

(View 45 homes)

Highland Park, TX

How do you rate Highland Park?

Highland Park sits entirely surrounded by Dallas with its own city government, police force, and school district. Highland Park ISD consistently ranks among Texas's top five districts statewide. One of the most established wealthy...

78/100

Safety Score

Why is Highland Park safe?

Personal Safety : 91

Personal Safety: 91/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

50%

Aggravated Assault

33.33%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 45

Property Safety: 45/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

26.92%

Larceny

172

1.18%

Motor Vehicle Theft

18.18%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 66

Community Safety: 66/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

59.26%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

Weapon Law Violations

35.71%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

64.71%

Home Prices in Highland Park

$2,208,500

Median Home Rent

$5,000

Homes for Sale in Highland Park Link

(View 55 homes)

Southlake, TX

How do you rate Southlake?

Southlake ranks among the most expensive suburbs in Texas, where luxury homes, high-performing schools, and limited inventory continue to drive prices upward. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, the city attracts affluent buyer...

86/100

Safety Score

Why is Southlake safe?

Personal Safety : 92

Personal Safety: 92/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

50%

Robbery

200%

Aggravated Assault

33.33%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 77

Property Safety: 77/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

38.1%

Larceny

183

31.72%

Motor Vehicle Theft

52.94%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

34.29%

Community Safety : 77

Community Safety: 77/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

21.95%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

17.07%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

103

10.43%

Home Prices in Southlake

$1,342,500

Median Home Rent

$6,200

Homes for Sale in Southlake Link

(View 239 homes)

Bellaire, TX

How do you rate Bellaire?

Bellaire is a small independent city located inside Houston's 610 Loop. It offers a quiet residential feel just minutes from some of the city's biggest job centers. The Texas Medical Center nearby keeps demand high among doctors, ...

64/100

Safety Score

Why is Bellaire safe?

Personal Safety : 62

Personal Safety: 62/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

100%

Robbery

28.57%

Aggravated Assault

50%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 48

Property Safety: 48/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

27.03%

Larceny

363

10%

Motor Vehicle Theft

8.33%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 59

Community Safety: 59/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

31.48%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

8.33%

Weapon Law Violations

46.73%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

21.74%

Home Prices in Bellaire

$1,332,500

Median Home Rent

$2,595

Homes for Sale in Bellaire Link

(View 82 homes)

Bartonville, TX

How do you rate Bartonville?

Bartonville ranks among the most expensive small towns in North Texas, where sprawling estate homes and multi-acre properties push real estate prices well above surrounding suburbs. Located in Denton County between Flower Mound an...

79/100

Safety Score

Why is Bartonville safe?

Personal Safety : 66

Personal Safety: 66/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 73

Property Safety: 73/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

66.67%

Larceny

16.67%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 70

Community Safety: 70/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

33.33%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Bartonville

$1,242,500

Median Home Rent

$4,500

Homes for Sale in Bartonville Link

(View 48 homes)

#10

Lucas, TX

How do you rate Lucas?

Large estate lots and a rural atmosphere have made Lucas one of the most expensive communities in Collin County. Located northeast of Dallas, the city is known for its luxury homes, equestrian properties, and lower-density develop...

36/100

Safety Score

Why is Lucas safe?

Personal Safety : 13

Personal Safety: 13/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

62.96%

Robbery

50%

Aggravated Assault

85.71%

Kidnapping / Abduction

300%

Property Safety : 29

Property Safety: 29/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

32.47%

Larceny

314

15.02%

Motor Vehicle Theft

24.07%

Arson

Theft From Building

33.33%

Community Safety : 17

Community Safety: 17/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

271

23.66%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

10.94%

Weapon Law Violations

29.41%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

136

26.49%

Home Prices in Lucas

$1,225,000

Median Home Rent

$2,995

Homes for Sale in Lucas Link

(View 116 homes)

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Texas

Top 3 Most Expensive Texas Cities Worth It for Retirees

Texas' priciest cities reward retirees with no state income tax, low property transfer costs, and some of the country's best private healthcare networks. The premium buys more than square footage. It buys access to communities built around quality of life. These three cities stand out for what they consistently deliver to retirees with the budget to match.

Westlake - Westlake sits between Dallas and Fort Worth and remains one of the richest residential communities in Texas. Low commercial density keeps the area quiet, with gated estates, larger lots, walking trails, and landscaped neighborhoods shaping the lifestyle. Retirees also benefit from convenient access to nearby healthcare providers like Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital and Baylor Scott & White Health. Buyers looking for privacy and estate-style living can browse homes for sale in Westlake.
Piney Point Village - Piney Point Village is one of Houston's most exclusive residential enclaves and consistently ranks among the richest cities in Texas by household income. Tree-lined streets, strict residential zoning, and low traffic create a quieter atmosphere, while nearby Houston Methodist Hospital and Memorial Hermann Health System provide convenient healthcare access. Low crime and strong neighborhood standards continue to support the area's long-term appeal. Buyers interested in the area can explore homes for sale in Piney Point Village to view current inventory and pricing trends.
Bartonville - Bartonville feels more like a private ranch community than a traditional suburb, with equestrian trails, large acreage properties, and strict deed restrictions shaping the area's rural character. Despite the quieter setting, Dallas–Fort Worth remains within easy reach for healthcare, shopping, and airport access without bringing the same level of density. Buyers looking for estate-style living can browse homes for sale in Bartonville and explore the Bartonville housing market for current inventory and pricing trends.

Top 3 Most Expensive Texas Cities Worth It for Families

Texas' premium suburbs bundle the state's best school districts, low violent crime, and large-lot family living into their higher price tags. No state income tax stretches the household budget further than comparable markets in California or New York. These three cities consistently rank at the top for families with the budget to choose.

Southlake - Southlake is built around the highly regarded Carroll ISD, one of the most consistently top-ranked school districts in Texas. Large homes, low crime, and a strong community atmosphere centered around Town Square continue to attract families looking for long-term stability and school quality. Demand for housing remains competitive as buyers prioritize access to the district. Families considering the area can browse homes for sale in Southlake and explore the Southlake housing market for current inventory and pricing trends.
Highland Park - Highland Park ranks among the richest cities in Texas by household income and maintains its own government, police department, and independent school district separate from Dallas. That level of local control helps preserve property standards, infrastructure, and school funding across the community. Walkable access to areas like Lovers Lane and Knox-Henderson also gives residents convenient dining, shopping, and daily amenities nearby. Buyers looking for established luxury neighborhoods can explore homes for sale in Highland Park and review the Highland Park housing market for current listings and pricing activity.
West University Place - West University Place sits inside Houston's 610 Loop and remains one of the city's most established residential communities for families. Access to top-rated HISD magnet school options, walkable streets, and larger lots by inner-loop standards continues to drive demand in the area. Deed restrictions also help maintain consistent property standards and neighborhood character throughout the community. Families looking for centrally located housing can check homes for sale in West University Place to explore current inventory and available family-sized options.

Top 3 Most Expensive Cities Worth It for Young Adults

Texas has no state income tax, which immediately puts more of every paycheck to work. The state's most expensive cities sit inside two of the country's fastest-growing metro economies, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. Higher rent here buys proximity to real industry, real networks, and a cost structure that still undercuts comparable cities in California or New York at most income levels.

University Park - University Park sits at the center of Dallas' most active professional corridor, making it especially attractive to young professionals in finance, consulting, and tech. Southern Methodist University's alumni network, proximity to the Dallas North Tollway business corridor, and walkable access to Highland Park Village create strong career and networking advantages. Rental options also give younger residents an entry point into one of Dallas' most competitive housing markets before transitioning to ownership. Professionals considering the area can browse homes for sale in University Park to explore current inventory and pricing trends.
Bellaire - Bellaire sits inside Houston's 610 Loop with direct access to the Texas Medical Center, giving residents quick connectivity to one of the city's largest employment hubs. Major energy corridor employers also remain nearby, making the area especially attractive to professionals working in healthcare, energy, and corporate sectors. Restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife along Bissonnet and nearby Rice Village add to the appeal without the longer commute times associated with outer suburbs. Young professionals and buyers considering the area can explore homes for sale in Bellaire and review the current inventory and pricing trends.
Southlake - Southlake sits between Dallas and Fort Worth with DFW Airport minutes away, making it a practical base for professionals who travel frequently. Finance, tech, and corporate headquarters line the Highway 114 corridor. Town Square adds a walkable retail and dining district that most suburbs at this price point cannot match. Professionals and relocating buyers can browse homes for sale in Southlake and explore the Southlake housing market to review current inventory, pricing trends, and available luxury properties.

Cost of Living in Texas's Most Expensive Cities

High home prices are only part of the equation in Texas's priciest markets. Groceries, utilities, and insurance all run above the national average. Here is what to expect across five of Texas's most expensive cities.

City	Median Home Price	Median Rent	Cost of Living	Rank
Westlake	$4,462,500	$1,750	155%	1/10
Piney Point Village	$2,780,000	$1,840	110%	2/10
University Park	$2,450,000	$5,000	95%	3/10
Hunters Creek	$2,485,000	$2,150	100%	4/10
West University Place	$2,266,000	$3,500	85%	5/10

Safest Places to Live in Texas

Safety is a major priority for many people moving to Texas. These cities rank among the safest in the state based on the latest FBI crime data. They report lower rates of violent and property crime than the Texas average. You can explore the full list in our safest places to live in Texas rankings.

Marion

98/100

Score

Safest Safest

Ponder

98/100

Score

Safest Safest

Fulshear

94/100

Score

Safest Safest

Highland Village

90/100

Score

Safest Safest

League City

69/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the most expensive 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 housing costs, cost of living, and overall expenses are strongest relative to the state and national baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive place to live in Texas?

Westlake is the most expensive place to live in Texas, with a median home price of $4,462,500. It sits in Tarrant county with a residential population under 1,500, no commercial development, and some of the state's most exclusive gated estates.

What are the most expensive ZIP codes in Texas?

The most expensive ZIP codes in Texas cluster around Houston's Memorial Villages and Dallas's Park Cities. Westlake's 76262, University Park's 75205, and Highland Park's 75205 consistently rank at the top by median home price. Houston's Memorial Villages, including Piney Point Village and Hunters Creek, hold some of the state's wealthiest residential ZIP codes, with median prices ranging from $2.4M to $2.7M.

What are the most Expensive neighborhoods in Houston?

Houston's luxury housing market is centered around a handful of highly affluent residential enclaves near the Memorial area. Piney Point Village stands at the top with median home values approaching $2.78M, while Hunters Creek Village and West University Place continue to attract buyers looking for estate-sized properties, privacy, and close access to central Houston. These communities are defined by quiet residential streets, independent municipal services, and convenient connectivity to the Texas Medical Center and major business districts.

Is Dallas more expensive than Houston?

Generally, yes. Dallas's Park Cities command some of the highest prices in Texas, with University Park at $2.45M and Highland Park at $2.2M. Houston's wealthy enclaves, like the Memorial Villages, range from $1.3M to $2.78M, with West University Place sitting at $2.26M. The key difference is what that price buys. Dallas's Park Cities trade on school district prestige and walkability, while Houston delivers larger lots and more square footage at comparable price points.

What is the most expensive Property in Westlake, Texas?

The most notable active listing in Westlake is 1730 J T Ottinger Rd, a 42.75-acre land parcel currently listed for nearly $30M. Among the biggest homes and estates in Texas by acreage and exclusivity, the gated property features rolling land, two ponds, and enough space for a private equestrian retreat or future luxury development. The estate also falls within the highly sought-after Westlake Academy boundaries and offers convenient access to Dallas, Fort Worth, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

How do I buy a house in an expensive area in Texas?

If you’re researching how to buy a house in Texas in high-end markets, cities like Westlake, University Park, and Highland Park are home to some of the state’s most expensive properties. Luxury pricing often depends on features such as waterfront access, gated communities, private docks, and proximity to upscale shopping and dining. Buyers can use filters for price, waterfront homes, and property size to narrow down options and better understand the luxury housing market of Texas.

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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.