10 Best Place to Live in Texas: Top City for Lifestyle & Growth

Did you know Texas welcomed nearly 563,000 new residents in 2024 alone—more than any other state in the country? Every 4 minutes, someone new calls Texas home. With more than 1200 cities, finding the best place to live in Texas is very important if you are moving there. But it depends on what you want.

This guide will show you the best places in Texas so you can find your perfect fit. Whether you're going to college, starting a new job, or looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood, we'll help you discover the best areas in Texas to live that match what you need and what you can afford.

10 Best Places To Live In Texas

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to live in Texas:

1. Austin

Total Population: 997,67 0
Average Commute: 20 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,466

Austin is one of the best areas in Texas to live if you love music, tech jobs, and the outdoors. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has a friendly vibe with a modern twist. Home to the University of Texas, this city is a magnet for students and young professionals alike.

Along with the tech boom, Austin has good natural surroundings. Lady Bird Lake is a popular place that offers great trails for walking and biking, whereas Barton Springs Pool is a natural swimming spot right in the city. Austin’s food scene is amazing, from BBQ joints to food trucks.

Big tech companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook have offices here, making it one of the good places to move in Texas for jobs. Housing costs more than in other cities, but Austin offers many best neighborhoods, where you can find a good option.

2. Houston

Total Population: 2,417,482
Average Commute: 25 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,106

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America and a good place to live in Texas if you want culture and jobs. As the fourth-largest U.S. city, Houston has many different neighborhoods, each with its own feel. The city has a strong economy, centered around healthcare, energy, and aerospace industries (including NASA’s Johnson Space Center). You can easily find good jobs in oil, healthcare, and space industries.

What surprises many newcomers is Houston’s green spaces. It includes the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park and Memorial Park. Neighborhoods like The Heights, Montrose, and Midtown offer urban living, while suburbs like Katy and Sugar Land provide family-friendly environments. Housing is more affordable than in other major U.S. cities, making Houston one of the best places for families to live in Texas. But the job options, diverse people, and no state income tax keep bringing new residents. If you are a student moving to Houston, remember to check the detailed student housing guide for Houston to find a better living place.

3. Bryan

Total Population: 88,430
Average Commute: 17 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 908

Bryan offers small-town charm with big-city perks, making it one of the best areas to live in Texas for a balanced life. It is located next to College Station and Texas A&M University. Bryan keeps its special feel while getting benefits from the nearby college. The historic downtown has beautiful old buildings with local shops and restaurants.

Living costs in Bryan are lower than the U.S. average. Student accommodation in Bryan and houses are affordable, and commutes are short. This makes it great for families and young workers. Community events like First Friday downtown parties bring people together. Being close to Texas A&M, Bryan offers a more laid-back life than big Texas cities, making it a good place to live in Texas.

4. Dallas

Total Population: 1,329,426
Average Commute: 23 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,257

Dallas is one of the best places to live in Texas if you want a big-city feel and lots of job options. Many big companies have offices here. There are a lot of student housing in Dallas. You can find artsy Deep Ellum, luxury Highland Park, and family-friendly Lake Highlands, which offer many things to do in Dallas.

The Dallas Arts District is the largest in the nation. It has the Dallas Museum of Art and the Winspear Opera House. The city’s central location makes it a transportation hub with excellent connectivity through DFW International Airport.

The job options, great restaurants, and cultural spots make Dallas one of the great places to live in Texas. But do not forget to check the detailed student guide in Dallas to understand the housing patterns.

5. Plano

Total Population: 297,496
Average Commute: 22 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,582

Plano ranks as one of the best places to live in the Texas area for families who want great schools and safe neighborhoods. Just north of Dallas, this nice suburb mixes home comfort with job options. The city hosts headquarters for major corporations like Toyota North America, FedEx Office, and JCPenney, creating a strong job market with short commutes.

Plano’s schools are among the best in Texas, which draws many families. The city has over 4,000 acres of parks, including Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park. The Historic Downtown Plano Arts District offers charming shops, restaurants, and cultural events in a walkable setting. This makes Plano the best area to live in Texas for those who can afford it.

6. Lubbock

Total Population: 267,450
Average Commute: 14 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 884

Lubbock offers great value and quality of life, making it one of the nicest places to live in Texas. Home to Texas Tech University, Lubbock has college-town benefits with a West Texas feel. Living costs are well below U.S. and Texas averages. Housing prices in Lubbock are low enough that more people can buy homes.

Lubbock honors its music history as Buddy Holly’s hometown through the Buddy Holly Center and live music spots. For affordable living with good schools and culture, Lubbock is the best place to move in Texas without giving up quality of life.

7. Denton

Total Population: 148,276
Average Commute: 19 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,299

If you love art and music, Denton is the perfect place for you. Home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, Denton has many young, educated people who fuel its creative charm. The historic downtown square has a beautiful courthouse surrounded by local shops, music venues, and unique restaurants.

You can find charming old neighborhoods and modern homes for student housing in Denton. For creative people, students, and those who want an artsy community, Denton stands out as one of the best areas in Texas to live.

8. San Antonio

Total Population: 1,467,811
Average Commute: 22 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,058

San Antonio mixes history, culture, and affordability. The cost of living in San Antonio is about 9% lower than the U.S. average. The famous River Walk flows through downtown. The Alamo and four other Spanish missions are UNESCO World Heritage sites, showing San Antonio’s deep history.

Being one of the best affordable places to live in the USA, the house prices are more affordable than many similar cities. The city celebrates its mixed culture through festivals like Fiesta San Antonio and has amazing Tex-Mex food. All this makes San Antonio a good place to live in Texas for those who value culture, history, and good prices.

9. College Station

Total Population: 124,530
Average Commute: 16 minutes
Median Monthly Rent: USD 934

College Station is another best places to live in Texas thanks to its great schools, community spirit, and steady economy. Home to Texas A&M University, the city benefits from the college’s positive impact on local culture, jobs, and quality of life.

The George Bush Presidential Library also offers cultural experiences, while Kyle Field has exciting SEC football games. Housing costs in College Station are reasonable compared to bigger Texas cities, though rentals can be competitive because of the university.

10. Fort Worth

Total Population: 982,203
Average Commute: 23 min
Median Monthly Rent: USD 1,199

Fort Worth balances Western heritage with modern features. Often in Dallas’s shadow, Fort Worth keeps its own identity as “Where the West Begins.” The historic Stockyards District keeps cowboy culture alive with daily cattle drives, rodeos, and Western-themed businesses. The Cultural District has world-class museums like the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Amon Carter Museum, all within walking distance.

Fort Worth’s cost of living is more affordable than many similar cities, with housing prices that let more people buy homes. The city keeps growing while staying relaxed and friendly. That’s why it is one of the best places to live in Texas for those wanting authenticity and good living.

Safe & Affordable Off-campus Student Housing in Texas

Texas is home to some of the country’s top universities and most student-friendly cities, from the music-filled streets of Austin to the cultural energy of Houston and the laid-back charm of Lubbock.

If you are looking for the best place to live in Texas, Student neighborhoods like West Campus in Austin, North Overton in Lubbock, and University Oaks in Houston are popular choices.

For students seeking safe, verified off-campus housing across Texas, Amber offers a curated range of options that fit different needs, budgets, and university locations. Here are some top picks for student housing in Texas: