Where to Live in Texas: Economic, Environmental, and Social Factors
Thinking about a move to Texas? With our warm weather, cowboy culture, diverse neighbors, and barbecue that can’t be beat, we don’t blame you! Whether you’re a young professional on the hunt for a great job, looking to retire, or scoping out family-friendly neighborhoods, there’s something for you in the Lone Star state.
But given that it’s such an enormous place, narrowing down your choice of city can be daunting. We’re here to help you find the ‘berg that’s right for you.
Overview of Texas' Major Cities
Austin
Topping the list of best cities to move to in Texas is Austin, which is situated in the heart of the state. It’s known for preserving and celebrating its weird culture, and a bohemian vibe is on display every day. With a remarkable live music scene spanning rock, country, blues, and more, the city is known for festivals (such as the world-famous SXSW, or South by Southwest) as well as 250 parks for outdoor play. And thanks to a booming job market including leading employers like Tesla, Google, and Apple as well as a robust startup scene, it’s a wonderful place to land if you’re looking to advance your career.
Population in metro area: 2.1 million
Median home price: $377,693
Average salary: $55,190
Median rent per month: $1,275
Dallas-Fort Worth
Coming in second place is what’s fondly known as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. While commonly considered one city, they are actually incredibly different. Dallas is more about high end fashion brands and luxury cars, while Fort Worth (a.k.a. “Cowtown”) loves blue jeans, boots, and pickup trucks. Taken together, you’ll find a thriving economy with many job opportunities, including at Fortune 500 companies, as well as a relatively lower cost of living – plus a family-friendly atmosphere with activities including pro sports teams, art museums, and the much-celebrated Big Tex State Fair of Texas.
Population in metro area: 7.3 million
Median home price: $341,464
Average salary: $53,800
Median rent per month: $1,139
Houston
Another major city that’s a fantastic place to live, Houston is only about an hour’s drive from the Gulf of Mexico. The energy industry powers many of the jobs in town, but there are many other careers available: according to the Texas Workforce Commission, in 2023 Houston gained more than 100,000 new jobs across all sectors, outpacing job growth in the rest of the state. Healthcare is top notch here at the 1,000+ acre Texas Medical Center. And family-friendly activities include NASA’s Johnson Space Center, pro sports games with the Astros, Texas, and Rockets, as well as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world’s largest livestock exhibition and rodeo.
Population in metro area: 6.9 million
Median home price: $319,339
Average salary: $54,490
Median rent per month: $1,101
San Antonio
Remember the Alamo? It’s right here in San Antonio, a place rich in history and Hispanic culture. With an average of 300 days of sunny skies every year, the city is chock full of festivals and fairs – including the annual San Antonio Fiesta, a signature event that started with one parade and has grown into a celebration attracting around 3 million people every year. In town you’ll also find the famous River Walk, an arts scene that highlights the city’s rich and diverse cultures, and Tex-Mex cuisine like you’ve never tasted before.
Population in metro area: 2.5 million
Median home price: $282,218
Average salary: $47,220
Median rent per month: $1,024
El Paso
Sun lovers are drawn to El Paso, which is situated in the far Western corner of the state, bordering Mexico. With a stunning backdrop of desert landscapes and mountains, the city is tailor made for outdoor adventures. The Rio Grande is nearby, bringing opportunities for amazing fishing and whitewater rafting. It also is known for its arts and music festivals, as well as many marathons and bike races. The city also has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, and is recognized as one of the safest cities in the country.
Population in metro area: 840,477
Median home price: $203,064
Average salary: $40,460
Median rent per month: $837
Smaller Cities and Towns
While some are drawn to the many amenities, cultural diversity, and energy of bigger cities, Texas also has many smaller cities and towns known for friendly neighbors, scrumptious food, lower cost of living, and close-knit communities. From the serenity of towns along the Gulf Coast to the outdoor loving lifestyle of picturesque Hill Country, the options are endless. Here are a few standouts:
Fredericksburg: a German historic town
Georgetown: Victorian era storefronts, antique street lights, and brick walkways lining shaded streets
Marfa: an artistic oasis in a desert town
Port Aransas: a family beach town with more than 6 miles of flat white sand
Grapevine: a nostalgic village with wineries, a vintage railroad, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Curious to know more about the advantages of living in quieter, more rural areas? Read our article on Best Small Towns in Texas.
Best Texas Cities for Your Lifestyle & Preferences
Education and Family
The state as a whole is known for being family friendly, loaded with outdoor activities, entertainment, and educational opportunities. But topping the list is Cinco Ranch, a dense suburban neighborhood of Houston known for excellent schools, access to higher education, and all of the advantages that Houston brings to the table.
Safety
In addition to El Paso, which boasts a low crime rate, smaller cities and towns also have a reputation for safety. According to Neighborhood Scout’s evaluation of crime rates, the safest place to live in Texas is Mullin, a small community in central Texas that lives up to its tagline: Small Town, Big Hearts, Great People.”
Employment
Austin leads the state for employment opportunities, according to a Wall Street Journal study that ranked it 7th overall in the nation. With only a 3% unemployment rate, the city is home for employers in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality and education. Other key industries include manufacturing, creative and digital media, data management, financial services, life sciences, and space technology.
Environment and Recreation
While wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities are on offer across the state, ranging from surfing to hunting, fishing to boating, San Antonio takes top honors for its incredible amount of green space (in fact, it ranks as the 15th greenest city in the U.S.). But be aware: Houston, El Paso, and Austin also ranked int the top 22.
Healthcare
Houston is a powerful hub for healthcare, thanks in part to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which is recognized as a worldwide leader in physician care, research, and innovation. The Texas Medical Center is only 10 minutes from downtown and includes 63 member institutions that are often recognized by U.S. News and World Report.
Transportation
Austin and Houston have good and reliable public transportation systems, but Dallas leads the pack. With 95 miles of metro rail line known as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), as well as streetcars and suburban lines, commuters can skip the traffic and get just about anywhere they want to go.
Energy Choices That Are Right For You
Since Texas is a deregulated state when it comes to energy, when you move here you’ll need to choose an electricity provider. You’ll find many different ones that are competing for your business with a variety of plans designed to fit your lifestyle and your budget. At Rhythm Energy, we offer you 100% renewable energy plans that are reliable and affordable, with customer service that is second to none. Visit gotrhythm.com and enter a zip code to discover what options are available in the service area.
FAQs
Is Texas a good state to live in?
In Texas, you’ll enjoy warm weather most of the year, great job opportunities, world class healthcare and education, and activities to keep you busy and delighted all year around.
What are the best cities to live in Texas for families?
Houston is one of the best places to live for families, because of the relative low cost of living and the many amenities of being in a thriving metropolitan area. You can also opt to live in the suburbs, making it perfect for families who are looking for peace and quiet.
How does the cost of living vary across Texas?
The most costly city is Plano, where the cost of living is 26% more than state average and 17% higher than the national average. The least expensive city is Harlingen, about 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, with a cost of living 15% lower than the state average and 21% less than the national average.
Which Texas cities have the best job markets?
Texas has many cities with strong job markets and job growth, and that make them great for college graduates. From 2021-2022, Austin, Tyler, Round Rock, Midland, and Dallas all saw job growth of more than 5% per year.
How can I evaluate neighborhoods and communities in Texas?
In addition to making a trip to see for yourself, you can get great information online through newspapers, social media, and other user-generated content. A good place to start is on Zillow, Trulia, or Neighborhood Scout – in fact, using a combination of these platforms will give you a well-rounded understanding of your potential new hometown.
