Best Places to Live in Texas: 10 Top Cities & Neighbourhoods for 2025

When it comes to finding the best places to live in Texas, the Lone Star State offers an impressive mix of thriving cities, charming suburbs, and affordable communities. Whether you’re drawn to the tech-driven energy of Austin, the cultural diversity of Houston, the family-friendly neighbourhoods of Plano, or the historic charm of San Antonio, Texas has a place to match every lifestyle.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 best places to live in Texas in 2025, from major metros like Dallas and Fort Worth to hidden gems such as McAllen, College Station, and El Paso. We’ll break down housing prices, job markets, neighbourhood highlights, and local amenities so you can decide which Texas city feels like home.

1. Austin 

Known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin boasts big city energy whilst keeping that well-loved relaxed Texas charm. The state capital is home to the University of Texas flagship campus, attracting students, young professionals, and those seeking career changes. 

The job market in Austin is booming, characterised by low unemployment rates and steady job growth. The tech, government, education, healthcare, and creative arts sectors are the most popular, with the city being nicknamed Silicon Hills for its impressive boom in the tech industry. Tesla’s Gigafactory, Dell, Oracle, Apple, and numerous startups all have a strong presence in Austin.

The cost of living is high, but that’s the price that comes with living in one of the most thriving cities in Texas. Property prices average at $523,769, which is down 6.5% in the last year. The market is quite competitive, with homes only taking 38 days to go pending. The average rent in Austin is $1,668 per month, with Downtown costing $3,193 and Tarrytown West Austin averaging around $2,308.

Top Areas to Live in Austin: 

• East Austin: Trendy, artsy, food-centric.
• South Congress (SoCo): Iconic shops, music, and dining.
• Northwest Hills: Quiet, suburban feel with great schools.
• Circle C Ranch / Westlake: Family-friendly, high-end homes, excellent schools.
  

2. Dallas

Dallas is number 2 on our list of the best places to live in Texas, offering an excellent blend of big-city energy and Southern hospitality. In the city centre, you’ll find tall modern skyscrapers hosting major companies like  AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. There are also many beautiful historic neighbourhoods and suburban communities in Dallas, like Bishop Arts and District Oak Cliff, offering small-town, family-friendly charm.

Downtown and Uptown offer a diverse lifestyle, with excellent dining options and nightlife all within walking distance. Housing costs in general are more affordable than in Austin or Houston, but are rising. Houses sell on average for $315,056, down by 4.6% from last year. The cost of living is slightly lower than Texas’s average, but 8.6% higher than in Austin, with rent prices 5.8% cheaper. 

The economy is strong and diverse, with the technology, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and defence sectors leading the way. Home to the professional sports teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks, there are year-round sports games in the city. 

Top Areas to Live in Dallas:

• Downtown Dallas: Walkable, high-rises, nightlife, museums.
• Deep Ellum:Artsy, music scene, murals, breweries.
• Bishop Arts District: Boutique shops, dining, historic charm.
• Lakewood: Near White Rock Lake, leafy streets, outdoor vibe.

3. Fort Worth

Offering the perfect blend of Western heritage and modern growth, Fort Worth has a slower pace of life than cities like Dallas. Taking pride in its cowboy culture, Fort Worth also boasts a booming arts, culinary, and business scene. The cost of housing is generally more affordable than in many of Texas’s other large cities, with housing costs 25% cheaper than in Austin. 

The average house price in Fort Worth in 2025 is $305,173, down 3% over the last year. The market is quite competitive, with homes being on the market for an average of 25 days before they sell. You can buy condos for around $253,554, with monthly rent costing $1,451 on average.

The Stockyards National Historic District is an iconic area of the city where you’ll find daily cattle drives, Rodeos, and Western shops. Big employers include Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter in the aviation/aerospace sector.

Top Areas to Live in Fort Worth:

• Downtown/Sundance Square: Walkable, restaurants, theatres, and nightlife.
• Near Southside: Hip, artsy, full of breweries and renovated historic homes.
• Arlington Heights: Tree-lined streets, close to cultural district, charming older homes.
• Tanglewood: Family-friendly, great schools, suburban feel.

4. Houston

Houston is the largest city in Texas, offering a culturally vibrant lifestyle and is known for being more affordable than other Texas cities. The cost of housing in Houston is 21% lower than the national average and 6% more affordable than Texas’s average. The average house price is $269,422, with condos selling for as cheaply as $142,463.

With over 145 languages spoken, Houston’s diversity is shown in its cuisine. From world-class barbecue, Viet-Cajun crawfish, and Tex-Mex, to Indian, Ethiopian, and many more. Although the city is sprawling as the 4th biggest in the U.S., you’re still less than an hour from the coast, and there are plenty of parks and nature trails like Hermann Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

The oil and gas industries are booming in Houston, and the healthcare, aerospace, shipping, and tech sectors are popular too. Home to the largest medical centre in the world, Texas Medical Center, Houston also boasts NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Top Areas to Live in Houston:

• Downtown: Urban living with access to theatres, restaurants, and office hubs.
• The Heights: A trendy area known for its historic homes, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife.
• Montrose: An eclectic neighbourhood offering diverse dining options, art galleries, and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.
• River Oaks: Affluent area featuring upscale shopping, dining, and luxury real estate.

5. San Antonio 

San Antonio is the second largest city and one of the fastest growing in Texas. The city is praised for its strong sense of community, celebrated rich history, and unique Texas charm. Housing is accessible in San Antonio but remains competitive, with average house prices around $256,363 and monthly rent costing $1,432. 

Tourism, higher education, and the armed forces make up a large part of San Antonio’s economy, with its many military installations earning it the title “Military City, USA.” In recent years, the city has also expanded into bioscience, cybersecurity, and manufacturing, creating a broad range of job options.

There are endless natural beauty spots in the city, including the San Antonio Botanical Garden, trails of Phil Hardberger Park, Hill Country’s rolling landscapes, and the River Walk. The newly renovated Pearl District is the go-to spot for dining, boutique shopping, and weekend markets.

Top Areas to Live in San Antonio:

• Alamo Heights: Upscale, historic, top schools, and close to cultural attractions.
• Stone Oak: Safe, suburban, gated areas with great schools and golf courses.
• Pearl District: Trendy, walkable, full of dining, markets, and events.
• King William: Riverside, historic homes, artsy vibe, and galleries.
  

6. Plano

Plano is one of the best places to live in Texas for families, thanks to its excellent schools, abundance of parks and nature, and low crime rate. Boasting the 800-acre Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, and many other green spaces, Plano offers a high quality of life.

The cost of living is high in Plano, around 10.9% higher than in Houston, 9.7% more expensive than in Austin, and 4.8% more than in Fort Worth. Property in Plano sells for approximately $518,304, with single-family homes costing slightly less, however, condos are selling for an average of $249,898. 

An attractive city for professionals, Plano’s average salary is higher than average. With a low unemployment rate and a growing tech sector, it’s no surprise that the likes of Toyota, Frito-Lay, and J.C. Penney are big employers in Plano.

Top Areas to Live in Plano:

• Willow Bend: Upscale area with luxury homes, golf courses, and top schools.
• Legacy West: Trendy, walkable district with shops, dining, and modern apartments.
• Deerfield: Family-friendly, safe, and known for community events.
• Lakeside on Preston: Scenic neighbourhood with lakes, trails, and large custom homes.
  

7. El Paso

Another city on our list of best places to live in Texas is El Paso, known for being more affordable than many major cities. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, El Paso is surrounded by desert and mountain scenery, offering easy access to Franklin Mountains State Park.

Located at Texas’ far western tip, right along the U.S.–Mexico border, El Paso’s rich culture is reflected in its Mexican and Southwestern food, festivals, and music. Surrounded by desert mountains, El Paso offers landmarks like Fort Bliss and the historic Mission Trail to soak in the natural beauty.  

Average house prices in El Paso are $231,159, up slightly by 0.8% in the last year. Monthly rental prices cost $1,097 in the city, with Borderland having the most expensive rent at $1,502 and Indian Ridge the lowest at $1,198.

Top Areas to Live in El Paso:

• West Side: Scenic mountain views, great schools, and plenty of shopping and dining.
• Franklin Hills: Modern homes, quiet streets, and quick access to hiking trails.
• Mission Hills: Historic charm, large lots, and close to downtown.
• Kern Place: Eclectic, artsy vibe with local restaurants and nightlife near The University of Texas at El Paso.

8. McAllen 

Another city making 1st Move International’s best places to live in Texas list is McAllen in the deep South. Located along the Mexican border, McAllen is a bilingual and bicultural city. Crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, and the economy is growing. McAllen Medical Center and South Texas College are big employers in McAllen.

The cost of living in McAllen is 13% lower than the U.S average, topping the list of Realtor’s U.S cities with the lowest cost of living. Housing in particular is around 40% cheaper than the national average. A large supply of homes and land to build on keeps property prices affordable in McAllen. The average house price in McAllen in 2025 is $226,268, down 1.2% on last year. Rent is also much lower than in most Texas cities at $984 per month.

McAllen is also praised for its affordability for retirees, as one of the best cities where Social Security dollars go the furthest. They cover around 34.6% of retiree expenses. With quality healthcare, a vibrant dining and arts scene, and plenty of nature to enjoy, McAllen is ideal for all walks of life.

Top Areas to Live in El Paso:

• Royal Oak Estates: Safe, tree-lined streets, large family homes, near good schools.
• Sharyland Plantation: Master-planned community with parks, shops, and top schools.
• La Lomita: Established, family-friendly, affordable, with a strong community feel.
• Downtown McAllen: Urban living with restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events.
  

9. College Station

Home of Texas A&M University, College Station offers a perfect blend of college town energy with the calm of a family-friendly community. Affordable housing, a safe community feel, and a good choice of education make College Station one of the best places to live for students and families. 

The average house price in College Station is $347,927, and homes take around 39 days to sell, so it’s not as competitive as other cities in Texas. Monthly rent costs average at $1,740, which is higher than in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Education, healthcare, research, and technology are the most popular job sectors.

As a college city, there is a lively sports culture in the city. Catch the Texas A&M University team, Aggies football, play at Kyle Field, or visit Lake Bryan for outdoor activities. The community spirit is high, with year-round festivals and events for all ages.

Top Areas to Live in College Station:

• Pebble Creek: Upscale golf course community with great schools and amenities.
• Castlegate: Family-friendly neighbourhood with parks, lakes, and walking trails.
• Southwood Valley: Established, tree-lined area with affordable homes and a strong community.
• Indian Lakes: Gated, nature-focused neighbourhood with a private lake and outdoor amenities.

10. Arlington

Home to the iconic Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium and the Texas Rangers Globe Life Field, Arlington is a sports lover’s dream. It’s also an entertainment hub with the likes of Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor water park, and Texas Live. House prices are affordable compared to major cities at $317,674, and rent costs around $1,354 per month.

The job market is diverse but led by the sports, entertainment, education, and manufacturing industries. University of Texas at Arlington, AT&T Stadium, and General Motors Assembly Plant are among the top employers in Arlington.

Arlington Independent School District serves around 56,167 students, with notable schools being Arlington Collegiate High School, Martin High School, and Seguin High School. Elementary schools, Corey, Jones, Moore, and Ditto, rank favourably too.

Top Areas to Live in Arlington:

• Dalworthington Gardens: Semi-rural charm with upscale homes.
• Pantego: Small-town feel within city limits.
• Interlochen: Known for its canals and Christmas lights display.
• North Arlington: Close to stadiums and downtown.

Moving to Texas

If you’re planning a move to Texas, whether it’s removals to Austin, removals to Dallas, or removals to Houston, 1st Move International are here for you. Tell us a few details of your move and we’ll provide you with a tailored, free quote.

We’ve been helping UK movers to the States for over 25 years, so we know a thing or two about moving to Texas. Our team are expert packers and shippers, using protective shrink-wrap packing to ensure the safety of even your move fragile items.