The Lone Star State has long attracted people in search of better lives through its wide open spaces, friendly communities, and limitless opportunities that it presents. It is clearly apparent that Texas will only become more appealing to those looking for a place to settle down. With a growing economy, affordable living costs, and countless urban centers and townships throughout Texas, there is something for everyone.
But how do you pick the right place when there are so many good ones? The answer lies in this guide. We have compiled a list of the 8 best places to live in Texas in 2024 that are different from each other in terms of character, amenities, and job markets.
Finding the right location is just half the problem. You still have to find an ideal home within these communities, which can be challenging given that Texas is such a large state with so many diverse neighborhoods. That’s why Realoq is an invaluable resource for homebuyers who need some insight about market prices in their area or local neighborhoods where they might want to live or invest. Whether you want a cozy bungalow nestled deep into downtown or sprawling estates in the suburbs; you can find your dream Texas home on Realoq.
Austin
Austin, the capital of Texas, is a lively city that has something for every taste. Among its various attractions is its famous music scene, which includes the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival that draws scores of revelers annually to enjoy music, film, and technology.
This city also enjoys a robust job market, mainly in the tech sector, with big players such as Apple, Google, and Facebook having their offices here. Besides, no state income tax means that residents take home more of their earnings.
Austin is not just all work and no play. With access to natural treasures like those found in the Texas Hill Country or parks, trails, and swimming holes all over town, there are plenty of ways to get outside under the sun. After dusk, live music comes alive in downtown bars, while craft breweries are on every corner, serving delicious food from classic Tex-Mex to innovative fusion cuisine.
With a median house price of approximately $566,144, living in Austin does not come cheap. But for people who highly value good life quality, a friendly, diverse society, and new possibilities for development or exploration, then there’s nothing more wonderful than Austin.
San Antonio
San Antonio is the second most populous city in Texas, with an interesting mix of historical tradition and modern living. The historic mission Alamo remains one of San Antonio’s most known features since it played a critical role during the Texas Revolution, only to be turned into museum celebrating the rich history of this state. But, there’s much more to see apart from this heritage in San Antonio.
Take a stroll down the River Walk, which has hotels, restaurants, and shops on either side of the San Antonio River. Visit some of the many museums found within this area, including San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum, as well as the Witte Museum, which exhibits natural science and history of Texas You cannot leave without trying out their unique Tex-Mex cuisine, which brings together Mexican flavors with local ingredients.
San Antonio has a relatively lower cost of living compared to other major Texas cities, making it an attractive option for families and those who seek cheap housing. The city also offers several affordable neighborhoods as well as a strong sense of community, which makes it ideal for starting a family.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth is a big mixed region catering for everyone. Whether you love sports, art, culture, or are just a nature enthusiast, this vibrant part of the state has so much to offer. It is home to some of the world’s greatest sporting clubs, such as the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks, and also boasts outstanding museums like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Kimbell Art Museum located in Fort Worth.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region is more than just a place with great city amenities; it is also a beautiful area that offers outdoor recreational opportunities. Therefore, you could hike or ride a bike along the Trinity River as it passes through the heart of the metroplex or explore several parks and nature reserves that dot this landscape. The median house price in Dallas-Fort Worth is about $330,000, so there are different types of housing to cater to various levels of affordability, such as fashionable downtown condos and large suburban houses.
Its strong and diverse economy is one of the key attractions of DFW. This region’s economy depends on industries like banking, technology, healthcare, and other important sectors. One can find many Fortune 500 headquarters, including ExxonMobil, AT&T, and American Airlines, whereas start-ups thrive too. Indeed, plenty of work opportunities and relatively low living expenses compared to other major metropolitan areas make DFW an interesting choice for both professionals and families.
Killeen
Located at the heart of central Texas is Killeen, which possesses a combination of village life and urban facilities. It has Fort Hood, which happens to be one of the biggest military bases globally, making itself felt strongly in the local economy as well as culture.
Killeen’s location near Austin and Waco makes it only an hour’s drive away from these cities, where you can get whatever you need while still enjoying the small town atmosphere. This city has an expanding labor market, especially due to health care sector, among others, with great employers like Metroplex Hospital or KISD being part of them.
If you are looking for affordable homes, then consider Killeen because most places in Texas cost more when compared to here. There are apartments suitable for singles or couples who prefer smaller spaces up to single family units with huge rooms, as well as parks and trails for community engagements.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a city that has everything. The Texas Gulf Coast’s most exciting gem is none other than this city. Corpus Christi offers miles of sandy beaches, world-class fishing and water sports, and a vibrant arts and culture scene that are sure to delight beach lovers everywhere who enjoy sun-soaked fun year-round.
One of the most visited tourist destinations in the city is the Texas State Aquarium, which displays various marine life coming from both the Gulf of Mexico region and beyond its boundaries. The visitors get to see sharks, dolphins, among others, or opt for a backdoor tour where they learn about some conservation activities happening in the facility. There are other facilities, such as museums, including the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, which was a warship during World War II before being converted into a museum, and the Art Museum of South Texas.
Plano
North of Dallas lies the thriving suburb of Plano, which is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in Texas. This is because the city offers a high standard of living with its great schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of job opportunities. Plano also houses many headquarters, including Toyota, Frito-Lay, and J.C. Penney.
Plano has some of the best schools in Texas, especially its several high schools, which are always ranked among the best nationwide for families. It also has numerous parks as well as outdoor recreational sites, making it an attractive place for individuals who like nature. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is one such park, containing 200 acres of walking trails and bike paths along with kids playgrounds and picnic areas.
Although the cost of living in Plano is higher compared to other regions within Texas, individuals will still be attracted by the quality of life and strong economy within the city. It boasts different types of housing, from trendy downtown apartments to large suburban homes costing about $400k on average.
The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a planned community located just above Houston that seamlessly blends together urban comforts and natural splendor. It was designed with sustainability and livability in mind, with over 7 thousand acres consisting solely of green space, incorporating parks, trails, and golf courses, alongside a flourishing town center featuring shopping amenities, dining facilities, and entertainment options.
One thing that makes The Woodlands appealing is its excellent school system, where several high schools always rank among the best in Texas. Another attraction point would be their corporate entities, such as ExxonMobil Corporation, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP or Huntsman Corporation, amidst a vibrant healthcare industry mainly centered around Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.
Its high quality lifestyle and sense of belonging among residents give people enough reasons to consider settling here if they look for suburbs that can offer them an oasis-like experience next door to major city centers. Many different housing units are available for sale in this neighborhood, such as small townhouses and grand mansions with a median price of $400,000.
McAllen
McAllen is found in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas. It is a highly vibrant and culturally rich city that combines American and Mexican cultures. La Plaza Mall is one of the best-known places for shopping, which is why people come across the border from Mexico as well as south of it.
McAllen isn’t just all about shopping. There are other cultural spots in McAllen, such as the International Museum of Art & Science, the McAllen Performing Arts Center, or even the McAllen Convention Center, which has several concerts throughout the year and numerous events. Parks like Butterfly Garden and a birding blind are found within a 20 acre wildlife conservation area known as McCallen Nature Center.
Featuring an affordable lifestyle, McAllen is a desirable place for families and retired people who desire to reside in a friendly, multicultural city. There are various cheap residential choices, such as nice apartments or large family houses, which sell for an average price of $250,000.
Find Your Best Place to Live in Texas
Texas truly has everything—from vibrant cities and lovely little towns to world-class cultural sites and incredible natural landscapes. For young professionals looking for a start-up pad; families seeking great schools as well as recreational facilities for their children; or retirees who wish to enjoy their retirement years surrounded by luxury and comfort: all are welcome here.
With all those wonderful destinations available, it can be hard work trying to find not only the perfect community but also a home as well. Powerful websites like Realoq provide deep insights into the local housing markets and neighborhoods and allow you to quickly and effortlessly find the home of your dreams within Texas.
What are you waiting for? Start searching today, and see everything that Texas has to offer. From its booming economy and affordable living costs to endless chances for development or adventure, there is no better time to move down to the Lone Star State than now. By choosing Realoq as your partner in this journey through Texas, you can be confident of finding the ideal house in a suitable neighborhood, no matter what path leads you here.
