Best Places to Live in Texas

It doesn’t take long to spot a Texan—their love for the Lone Star State has a way of shining through in conversation. If you move there, you might find that your neighbor is a software engineer by day and rodeo champion by night. But that’s just Texas: a place where Southern charm, career ambition and cowboy grit all live under the same wide-open sky.

Whether you’re relocating with your family, starting fresh in a young-professionals scene, or looking for your dream retirement destination, Texas has a little something for everyone. And while no “best places” list is one-size-fits-all, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular cities in the Lone Star State so you can compare their stats, housing market and unique features to find your perfect fit.

As the second-largest state in the U.S., Texas is big—like, really big. It can take over 12 hours to drive across it, and that’s not counting pit stops at Buc-ee’s (the world’s friendliest—and cleanest—beaver-themed gas station). The size of Texas means there’s a huge variety of landscapes and lifestyles: piney woods in the east, desert in the west, and beaches on the Gulf Coast.

Texas is also a mixed bag when it comes to affordability. While property taxes can be high (we’re not sugarcoating it), there’s no state income tax—which can make a noticeable difference in your budget. The cost of living varies widely depending on the city, but many folks find they can stretch their dollars further here than in other states.

So, saddle up—we’re about to explore Texas!

Austin

Smack-dab in the heart of Texas, Austin is known for being weird—and the locals who make up this cultural melting pot want to keep it that way. Dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is the place where country, rock and blues pour out of nearly every corner bar. And with massive events like the SXSW festival and Rodeo Austin, you’ll never have to look far for something fun to do.

Plus, Lady Bird Lake (part of the mighty Colorado River) divides the city, offering plenty of recreational opportunities. So there’s really no reason to stay inside when you live here!

On the career front, Austin’s booming. With tech giants like Tesla, Google and Apple setting up shop—plus a thriving entertainment and start-up scene—there are lots of opportunities whether you’re coding, creating or launching your next big idea.

^{*Median monthly rent numbers refer to two-bedroom apartments unless otherwise noted.}

Houston

Houston easily earns a spot among the best places to live in Texas. Known as a powerhouse in the oil and gas industry (remember the Houston Oilers?), this sprawling city sits just an hour inland from the Gulf, near the beachy charm of Galveston. But with so much going on in Houston, you might be too busy to hit the coast!

Space nerds can geek out at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, while sports fans have their pick of pro teams like the Astros, Texans and Rockets. If Western culture is more your thing, get dusty and rowdy at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—the largest of its kind in the world. And that’s not the only thing Houston offers—the Texas Medical Center (TMC) is basically a city in itself at 1,345 acres and is home to some of the brightest minds (and most promising careers) in medicine.

Dallas-Fort Worth

Next up is the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. While just over 30 minutes apart, these two cities feel like different worlds! Dallas is all Mercedes, Gucci and Western bling. Fort Worth? More F-150s, Wranglers and work boots. You get the idea.

Dallas is home to the NFL’s Cowboys—so grab a seat at AT&T Stadium with 80,000 other fans during the team’s next home game. The Big D also hosts the Texas State Fair, where Big Tex (a 55-foot cowboy) greets visitors alongside deep-fried everything, from lemon pie bites to gumbo balls. Just be ready: Housing here comes with a higher price tag to match the lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Fort Worth (aka Cowtown) leans into its Western roots. Explore the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, see longhorns and real-life cowboys on horseback, or two-step your way through Billy Bob’s Texas—the world’s largest honky-tonk. Housing is more affordable here, with family-friendly neighborhoods and room to roam.

If you’re here for work, good news: The metroplex is home to tons of Fortune 500 companies, including American Airlines, AT&T and Walmart.

San Antonio

San Antonio is known as the home of the Alamo, where 200 brave Texans took a historic stand against the Mexican Army. As a nod to its Latino heritage, the city hosts Fiesta San Antonio each spring—an 11-day celebration packed with parades, food and drink, and music.

After cheering on the five-time NBA champion Spurs, head to the iconic River Walk for boat rides, mariachi bands and some of the best Tex-Mex in the state.

With multiple military bases in the area, major employers like USAA and Joint Base San Antonio keep the local economy strong. And thanks to a lower cost of living, young families and retirees are finding plenty of reasons to call this city home.

El Paso

If 293 days of sunshine each year sounds appealing, El Paso—aka the Sun City—might be calling your name.²¹ Tucked into the far western corner of Texas, El Paso features a unique blend of American and Hispanic culture. Here it’s common to see 18th-century adobe homes standing beside sleek art deco buildings.

Outdoor lovers will feel right at home here. The Rio Grande is perfect for fishing, canoeing and whitewater rafting, while the nearby Franklin Mountains offer scenic trails and rugged hikes. And don’t miss the Abraham Chavez Theatre—a sombrero-shaped venue that’s as fun to see as the performances inside.

El Paso is known for its affordable cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and groceries. Just be sure to check out the local job market—opportunities are more limited here than in other parts of the state.

Midland

If wide-open plains and sprawling ranches are your thing, the West Texas city of Midland might be for you. While the city itself lacks rivers and mountains, weekend trips to the Guadalupe Mountains offer a chance to escape the flat terrain.

Political buffs might appreciate the city’s ties to the Bush family—both George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, along with former first ladies Barbara and Laura, once called the city home. You can even tour the Bush Family Home State Historic Site today.

Thanks to its location in one of the world’s richest oil and gas regions, Midland offers strong job opportunities in these industries—as well as in construction and engineering. It’s also a great place for students to attend community college while gaining real-world experience through local internships.

Corpus Christi

Most people don’t think beach when they think of Texas. But in Corpus Christi—located along the Gulf Coast—the vibe is more flip-flops and bike rides than cowboy boots and horses. And thanks to its steady coastal winds, this area is a hot spot for windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing.

You can stroll along a boardwalk, reel in a fish (maybe even a shark!) off one of the city’s popular piers, or hop on a dolphin tour. Living in Corpus Christi feels a little like a permanent vacation.

That said, the crime and poverty rates are pretty high, especially around the downtown area. Still, many visitors fall in love with the beaches and attractions and decide to stay.

One more thing to keep in mind: Government jobs make up the largest employment section here. So if your skills or interests fall outside that field, you may want to explore remote work or look outside the city for job options.

Galveston

With its sunny weather and relaxed lifestyle, we can’t help but include Galveston on our list. Located on an island along the Gulf Coast of Texas, it’s a place where water activities help make the summer heat . . . well, manageable at least.

Stretching 32 miles along the coast, Galveston’s beaches are definitely the major draw to this area. And restaurants like Fisherman’s Wharf and Shrimp ’N Stuff are local hits for fresh seafood.

Galveston’s large tourism industry fuels a wide range of jobs in retail, hospitality, water parks and other attractions that keep visitors coming back. The city also boasts one of Texas’ busiest ports, welcoming everything from cruise ships to cargo freighters.

Does Texas Fit in Your Budget?

If you’re anything like us at Ramsey, you know that before moving, it’s important to make sure you can actually afford it.

Start by researching the cost of living in Texas—the biggest factor being the cost of housing. To figure out your housing budget, use the 25% rule—never spend more than 25% of your monthly take-home pay on housing costs. (And yes, that includes principal, interest, property taxes, home insurance, private mortgage insurance and homeowners association fees.) Use our Mortgage Calculator to explore what fits your budget.

For the fastest payoff, we recommend a 15-year fixed-rate conventional loan from the pros at Churchill Mortgage. Any other type of mortgage will drown you in interest and extra fees and keep you in debt for decades.

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re ready to live in a place where people actually know what kolaches are (no, they’re not pigs in a blanket—respectfully), the next step is finding a great real estate agent. The RamseyTrusted^® agents we recommend have earned our stamp of approval by always serving with excellence.

Find a Texas real estate agent we trust!