Texas is a state that offers something for everyone. With its diverse landscape, rich culture, and strong economy, Texas is a great place to call home. Whether you’re looking for big-city living, small-town charm, or something in between, Texas has it all. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many benefits of living in Texas, from the vibrant culture and outdoor recreation opportunities to the strong job market and affordable cost of living. Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or considering a move to the Lone Star State, the best places to live in Texas have something for everyone.
The uninitiated may think that living in Texas means desert, cowboys and hot weather. When in reality the state holds a few large cities full of an array of diverse people. Texas is a state known for its diverse geography, vibrant culture, and strong economy, making it an attractive place to live for many people. The state offers a warm climate, with abundant sunshine throughout the year, which allows for outdoor activities almost all year round. The Texan lifestyle is known for its laid-back nature and friendly people, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. The state also offers affordable housing options and a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in the United States. Additionally, Texas is home to some of the country’s top universities and a thriving job market, particularly in industries such as energy, technology, and healthcare. Overall, Texas provides a unique blend of southern hospitality, economic opportunity, and a high quality of life, making it a great place to call home.
To add to the reasons to move to one of these large Texas-sized cities, scientists are giving the public a reason to move back to the concrete jungle. Researchers with the National Institute of Health say there’s a 19-percent higher risk of experiencing heart failure when you reside in a rural area compared to an urban setting. Though to be fair, city living isn’t without it’s faults – A new survey finds that people who live in big cities last just 18 days on average before they find themselves in need of a getaway to calmer confines.
Whether it’s city life calling your name or not, this bustling Southern state has options and StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best places to live in Texas. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Places to Live in Texas, According to Travel Experts
1. Austin
Known for its live music scene, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture, Austin is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country. The city is home to many tech companies and startups, and the University of Texas at Austin is a major research institution.
“A 2021 study found that Austin, Texas was the 4th most desirable city for millennials, with a net migration of 5,686 millennial residents in 2019,” says The Honest Local, “Austin offers many of the perks of big city living (great food scene, nightlife, cultural activities, outdoor recreation) and reasonable housing prices, to boot.”
Ward North American says, “The ability to find good-paying jobs is one of the biggest reasons people flock to Austin. The city is a thriving hub of tech startups and big-name tech companies, so much so that it has earned the nickname ‘Silicon Hills’.”
Forbes raves about the city here, “What is it about Austin, Texas? This southern city keeps making headlines. Austin was recently voted the No. 1 place to live in America for the third year in a row — based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life. It was named the fastest growing large city in the U.S. It ranked No. 4 of the best large cities to start a business. It was chosen among the top 15 cities in the United States to visit. And its home state of Texas took the top spot in a study of the best states for female entrepreneurs.”
Livability talks about how it’s a place for careers, “With big names like Toyota, Liberty Mutual, FedEx, 7-Eleven and more relocating their headquarters and building new campuses in the DFW area, not to mention Jerry Jones’ brand new Dallas Cowboys headquarters and practice facility, there is ample amount of opportunity for new employment as the population — and economy — continue to grow.”
2. Dallas
With a bustling economy, world-class museums, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Dallas is a great place to live for those who want a big-city experience. The city is home to many Fortune 500 companies, and there are plenty of job opportunities in a range of industries.
Smart City Living says, “As one of the fastest growing cities and one of the best places to live in America, Dallas is booming, and we are going to tell you why. But first, the truth is, Dallas’s appeal is nothing new. If you look back in history, you’ll see that Dallas has always been known for its ability to attract and create wealth, and it has long been a haven for goods, services and entertainment.”
“Offering both big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has an interesting mix of Texas pride and cosmopolitan offerings. The cowboy life still exists in Fort Worth, while Dallasites love the trendy local bars and numerous retail shops. And no matter which part of the metroplex they call home, sports fans rally together behind their professional sports teams,” says U.S. News.
CNN says, “It’s easy to see why grads are often reluctant to leave this friendly, affordable college town: The median home price is under $130,000, and there are plenty of jobs (the area’s unemployment rate is just 4%).”
3. Houston
As the largest city in Texas, Houston is a major center for business, healthcare, and education. It is also known for its diverse population, excellent food, and rich cultural offerings. The city is home to several major universities and medical centers.
Life Storage gives some pros and cons, “It’s not hard to see why Houston is an attractive city for many people. A booming job market combined with low cost-of-living and sunny weather year-round make Houston a great choice for building a life and raising a family. However, Houston’s propensity for extreme heat, vulnerability to hurricanes, and legendary long commutes can also be turnoffs for people who prefer mild weather.”
“Besides sporting events and world-class entertainment venues, Houston is also home to an array of museums, art galleries, and more. Houston’s Museum District alone has 19 museums, galleries, cultural centers and community organizations. You’ll find the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Grand Opera, not to mention a plethora of theater companies and local artists. Because Houston is one of the largest cities in the country, it’s a regular stop for traveling exhibitions, touring companies, musical acts, and others,” comments The Highlands.
UpHomes says, “Right next to the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay lies the beautiful Southeast city of Houston. A good place to live, Houston is the most populated city in Texas and is the fourth most populated city in the entire United States right behind Chicago. Prized for its diversity, Houston is considered one of the best places to live in Texas due to its quality of life and welcoming atmosphere. Best known for its space exploration, energy industry, and affordable cost of living, it is no wonder why Houston has become a top destination for relocation. Plus, receiving high safety ratings, Houston is attracting many families, young couples, and retirees to the area.”
4. San Antonio
With a rich history and vibrant culture, San Antonio is a great place to live for those who appreciate architecture, art, and history. The city is home to several major military bases, and it has a strong tourism industry.
“One of my favorite things about San Antonio is easily the food,” says Home & Money, “Anyway, you’d be a silly individual not to try San Antonio’s breakfast burritos. These things will have you developing a deeper appreciation for the most important meal of the day. And don’t get me started on the Barbecue. Man on man. This barbecue is the stuff of legends.”
History is a big factor in this city, “San Antonio is one of the most historic places in Texas. What propelled the city to nationwide admiration was what happened at The Alamo, home of Spanish missionaries, in 1836. It was at this time that Texas was trying to gain independence from Mexico and our neighbors to the south were not fans. Quotes like, ‘Victory or death,’ and, ‘Remember The Alamo,’ are known by everyone who grew up in Texas because of what ensued at the mission,” says Travel Safe.
“San Antonio’s River Walk is an urban sanctuary that stands out as one of the most unique and coolest elements of the city. Winding through the center of the city, the River Walk is great for catching up with friends for some drinks, bringing a date, or even just a solo visit to enjoy a few moments of solitude and soak in what the city has to offer. Stop at one of the best places to eat and drink in the city, take a boat ride down the river, or check out any of the close-by cultural and historical hubs, it’s a great place to visit and have fun in San Antonio day or night,” says Movoto.
5. Plano
Located just north of Dallas, Plano is a fast-growing city with excellent schools, low crime rates, and a high quality of life. It has a strong economy, and many residents work in the technology industry. “Plano has everything, from delicious Texan barbecue joints and smoky Texas smokehouses to amazing heritage museums that tell the story of the railroad and the agricultural history of this region of the south. You can see why Plano is the sister city to Dallas. There are beautiful parks, great art houses, great walking trails, and top-quality shops,” says The Nomad Lawyer.
UpHomes adds, “Best known for its fantastic quality of life, thriving job market, and nice weather, it is no wonder why so many young professionals, families, and retirees are deciding to call Plano home. Recognized as one of the ‘happiest cities’ in the nation, Plano is full of top restaurants, coffee shops, nature trails, and outdoor spaces.”
Someone from Crowd Sourced Explorer mentions, “What people should consider when they move to Plano, Texas, is that it is a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, along with a bustling downtown filled with small businesses such as boutique restaurants serving multicultural food. In addition, Plano ISD is well known for its competitive education system, making it a good choice for parents to send their children to school. Lastly, Plano, Texas, is a family-friendly suburb that is perfect for families to choose from.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Places to Live in the USA
- Best Places to Live in Tennessee
- Best Places to Live in Arizona
- Best Places to Live in Georgia
Sources:
- The Honest Local
- Ward North American
- Forbes
- Smart City Living
- US News
- Livability
- Life Storage
- The Highlands
- UpHomes
- Home & Money
- Travel Safe
- Movoto
- The Nomad Lawyer
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
Nobody ever gives El Paso the shine it deserves. It’s a great place to live. A lot of business opportunities. Especially with the growth of Horizon City.
40! years ago the big cities in Texas were nice. Today there are too many foreigners and you can not shoot them like in the past. Go live where the Sheriff is the first guy that meets you at the entrance.
Oh sure! Texarkana is turning 150 years of being a city this year, and you’re not going to recognize it?! You suck! It’s one of the nicest cities where people can gather downtown for events and things that our Museum Systems and Arts department does every weekend!