For those who’re planning on shifting to Texas, add these cities to your listing.
Texas is huge. Massive landscapes and massive cities outline the southern state, together with a southern tradition that values progress and custom. This distinctive mixture has helped create sprawling cities stuffed with brilliant lights and innovation adjoining to huge prairies the place ranchers have farmed for generations.
These qualities have attracted individuals to the state for years: Texas was among the many quickest rising states within the U.S. from 2010-2020, and continues to be rising quickly as individuals search for sunshine and affordability. Most individuals are shifting to the state’s giant city facilities, like Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Due to its dimension, Texas’ panorama varies extensively from one finish to the opposite. There are woodlands to the east, marshes within the south, mountains and desert to the west, and 1000’s of miles of rolling prairies within the heart and north.
Texas’ local weather can be very numerous. Western Texas sees dry, sunny climate for many of the 12 months, with very popular summers. Central and Northern Texas expertise a windy, temperate local weather. As you progress east, the local weather turns into wetter and extra humid, particularly within the far east. Your complete Gulf Coast sees an enormous quantity of rain yearly, primarily from tropical storms.
Importantly, excessive climate is frequent in Texas. It sees the best variety of tornadoes within the U.S. (often within the central and northern plains), is extremely susceptible to flooding, wildfires, and drought, and generally sees tropical storms and extended warmth waves.
So, which cities within the Lone Star State are the most effective? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the most effective locations to stay in Texas, rating them on qualities corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
One of the best locations to stay in Texas
Fort Value, TX
San Antonio, TX
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
El Paso, TX
Denton, TX
Richardson, TX
School Station, TX
Plano, TX
1. Fort Value, TX
Inhabitants:978,468Median Sale Value:$357,000Median Hire Value:$1,280Average Commute Time:26.9 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.9%
Constructed across the fertile banks of the West Fork Trinity River, Fort Value tops our listing as the most effective place to stay in Texas. Comparatively reasonably priced housing prices, loads of job alternatives, and a gradual economic system helped earn town prime marks. Cattle ranching and oil drilling have formed town since its founding in 1853, however a various and engaged inhabitants have stored it thriving.
Fort Value is usually thought of a quieter, extra reasonably priced various to Dallas the place you keep the big-city facilities and achieve a small-town group really feel. Fort Value’s Downtown neighborhood is a good instance of this: it’s historic, slower paced, and stuffed with locally-owned companies, but in addition has giant sights just like the Water Gardens and Conference Middle.
Whereas also known as a part of the bigger Dallas-Fort Value metropolitan space, Fort Value is a world-class metropolis in its personal proper. Almost 1,000,000 individuals benefit from the metropolis’s big open areas, distinctive delicacies, and annual occasions. The Botanic and Japanese Gardens at Trinity Park are a must-see. For foodies, Panther Metropolis BBQ, Birria y Taqueria de Cortez, and Swiss Pastry Store are among the many finest native eats. And when you’re in search of a enjoyable weekend, the Fort Value Inventory Present and Rodeo each winter is iconic.
Nevertheless, minimal public transportation and a fast-growing inhabitants typically results in heavy site visitors congestion within the mornings and evenings.
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2. San Antonio, TX
Inhabitants:1,495,295Median Sale Value:$315,000Median Hire Value:$1,100Average Commute Time:24.6 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.9%
Situated in Southern Texas, 150 miles from the Gulf Coast, San Antonio is second on our listing. San Antonio is known as the Alamo Metropolis after its most well-known landmark, and manages to mix colonial historical past, agricultural traditions, and fashionable luxuries into one. Together with a really reasonably priced price of dwelling (housing prices are ~30% lower than the nationwide median) and loads of facilities, San Antonio has loads to supply.
A defining function of San Antonio is its meals scene. Actually, it’is a UNESCO Artistic Metropolis of Gastronomy, giving credence to town’s numerous inhabitants and excellent delicacies. Barbecue and Mexican meals is world-class, in fact, however there’s a lot extra. Nice choices can be found in any respect worth factors, too. San Taco, Shiro Japanese Bistro, and Dough Pizzeria Napoletana are among the many finest.
Lovely parks and trails are a little bit of a hidden gem in San Antonio. Greater than 240 fields, swimming pools, and amenities are scattered all through town, with Pearsall Park, Southside Lions Park, and Phil Hardberger Park among the many hottest. You may’t miss the long-lasting River Stroll, both. And simply exterior metropolis limits, you’ll be able to see Authorities Canyon and Pure Bridge Caverns, house to forested trails and underground live shows.
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3. Austin, TX
Inhabitants:979,882Median Sale Value:$443,000Median Hire Value:$1,420Average Commute Time:24 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.2%
An hour and a half northeast of San Antonio, Austin is a historic and stylish hub of know-how, tradition, and training.
Often called the Dwell Music Capital of the World, tens of millions of individuals flock to Austin yearly for its music, highlighted by the South by Southwest and Austin Metropolis Limits festivals. However that’s simply the tip of the musical iceberg; greater than 250 music venues (plus the airport) host exhibits year-round. Some bands will even skip the formalities and simply arrange on a nook downtown.
Importantly, Austin has been the poster baby of progress up to now few many years, and actually took off throughout the pandemic housing growth. The following housing frenzy led Austin to be a nationwide hotspot, including wealth, jobs, and new communities seemingly in a single day. What was already a hip vacation spot grew to become famend nationwide.
Partly as a result of progress, home costs in Austin rose from $309,000 in January 2020 to $555,000 in April 2022. Sadly, the rise priced some homebuyers out of town, and continues to impression locals. Austin has seen giant worth drops and inhabitants decline lately, with hire costs falling for nearly two years straight.
Even with all the current adjustments, the Texas capital manages to stay to its “Keep Austin Weird” slogan. Eat breakfast tacos, float down the river with mates, and see your favourite band at a bar. In Austin, the world is your oyster.
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4. Dallas, TX
Inhabitants:1,302,868Median Sale Value:$419,000Median Hire Value:$1,455Average Commute Time:26 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.4%
Dallas is available in at quantity 4 on our listing of the most effective locations to stay in Texas. Sitting adjoining to Fort Value, Dallas is understood for its soccer, cowboy tradition, glamorous downtown, and nice barbecue. Dallas is usually pricier than Fort Value, however each sit beneath the nationwide median home and rental costs. Loads of individuals have been making the most of the affordability lately, too; the world noticed the most important inhabitants progress of all U.S. metros in 2023.
Folks of all ages can have a lot to do in Dallas. The Nice Wolf Lodge, Six Flags in Arlington, and the Dallas Zoo are good for weekend enjoyable, whereas 180 miles of pedestrian trails make for simple recreation. Dozens of historic landmarks dot town’s gridded streets, too, like Founder’s Plaza, the Previous Purple Museum and Courthouse, Previous Metropolis Park, and Degolyer Home & Gardens.
And you may’t miss the meals, whether or not it’s Tex-Mex or good ol’ barbecue. Avila’s, Hutchins BBQ, and Maple and Motor supply among the finest delicacies town has to supply.
Be sure that to contemplate the local weather earlier than making the transfer. Much like many different Texas cities, Dallas summers will be unbearably scorching and really stormy. However a gentle, sunny local weather the remainder of the 12 months is a good tradeoff for locals, good for having fun with sporting occasions, consuming open air, or having fun with one in every of 410 metropolis parks.
Dallas properties on the market | Dallas homes for hire | Dallas residences for hire
5. Houston, TX
Inhabitants:2,314,157Median Sale Value:$338,000Median Hire Value:$1,250Average Commute Time:27.3 minutesUnemployment Fee:4.2%
Houston, the most important metropolis in Texas, is subsequent on our listing. Town extends over 600 sq. miles practically to Galveston, and hasn’t stopped rising for many years. It noticed the second-largest inhabitants progress within the nation in 2023, and the bigger metropolitan space has added a million new residents since 2010. Many individuals select to stay in Houston for its financial alternatives and reasonably priced price of dwelling, particularly within the metropolis’s suburbs.
In Houston, a glowing, historic downtown provides method to a seemingly infinite variety of buildings and sights. You’ll discover 10,000 eating places, miles of bayous and trails, 1000’s of acres of parks, a House Middle, conflict memorials, ritzy purchasing districts, and way more.
Oil, pure fuel, and manufacturing are the most important industries on the town, however startups and know-how are rising, too. You’ll seemingly want a automotive to get to work, although, as public transportation and pedestrian entry are typically missing. In consequence, site visitors will be very heavy throughout rush hours.
It’s additionally important to contemplate local weather dangers. Because of the metropolis’s large sprawl, very moist local weather, and poor city planning, flooding is frequent and will be excessive. Scorching, humid summers give method to robust tropical storms and hurricanes. Thunderstorms are frequent throughout the spring and summer season, too. Drought has additionally been an everyday prevalence up to now decade. Fall and winter are the most effective seasons in Houston, when gentle climate and loads of sunshine dominate the forecast.
Houston properties on the market | Houston homes for hire | Houston residences for hire
6. El Paso, TX
Inhabitants:678,958Median Sale Value:$264,000Median Hire Value:$955Average Commute Time:23.7 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.8%
El Paso, situated within the Chihuahuan Desert, has a markedly drier, sunnier, hotter local weather than most different cities in Texas. It’s named Solar Metropolis for a motive, in spite of everything. Nice affordability, loads of open area, and out of doors recreation earned it the quantity six spot on our listing.
The world has been each a railroad and cow city, each legacies of that are nonetheless apparent right this moment. You’ll discover loads of steakhouses, historic grazing lands, and modern-day ranchers with their Stetson hats and spurred boots, in addition to railroad reveals on the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.
El Paso is nice for many who benefit from the open air. The Rio Grande River offers loads of alternatives for whitewater rafting, fishing, sunbathing, and extra. Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks State Parks are in all probability the preferred spots, although, with amphitheaters, trails, vistas, and extra.
Importantly, El Paso is situated on the border of Mexico, adjoining to its southern twin, Ciudad Juárez (whose identify was El Paso Del Norte). The 2 cities have been initially based as one, however they have been cut up by the border in 1848. At this time, the cities have a cordial relationship with each other, with every day life typically cut up between the 2. For instance, it’s commonplace for binational kids to cross the border daily for college.
El Paso properties on the market | El Paso homes for hire | El Paso residences for hire
7. Denton, TX
Inhabitants:158,349Median Sale Value:$387,000Median Hire Value:$1,215Average Commute Time:24.6 minutesUnemployment Fee:3.3%
Denton is house to nice meals, quiet neighborhoods, and historic buildings all through its compact format, together with 41 parks and 1000’s of acres of open area. Housing is comparatively reasonably priced, too, though costlier than Dallas correct. Normally, a powerful economic system, nice faculties, and a steadily rising inhabitants assist make town a beautiful place to stay.
Denton has lengthy been a college city with a youthful vibe, house to the College of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Lady’s College (TWU). Greater than 50,000 college students are enrolled throughout the 2 schools, influencing town’s tradition and economic system. Training is town’s prime business.
The guts of Denton is the recognizable Denton Sq., house to the historic Denton County Courthouse and a brand new, giant shopping center. As you progress out, you’ll discover suburban neighborhoods, parks, and full of life group hubs.
Eating places of all kinds, from black-tie institutions to informal diners, are an area spotlight. Nevertheless, town’s music scene could also be its best-kept secret. The Denton Arts and Jazz Competition, Denton Blues Competition, and Make Music Day are annual highlights. UNT’s famend School of Music bolsters the music group, too.
Denton properties on the market | Denton homes for hire | Denton residences for hire
8. Richardson, TX
Inhabitants:117,435Median Sale Value:$431,000Median Hire Value:$2,020Average Commute Time:23.9 minutesUnemployment Fee:3%
A suburb simply 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, Richardson is the eighth-best place to stay in Texas. Financial stability, an abundance of housing, and scrumptious meals are town’s fundamental calling playing cards. Housing costs are comparatively costly, although, with sale and rental costs sitting above the nationwide common.
Richardson is finest identified for its telecommunications business. Actually, town is also known as the Telecom Hall as a result of focus of corporations like AT&T, Cisco, and Texas Devices. This abundance helped transfer town past a small suburb, and presently makes the world interesting to professionals.
Though Richardson is a comparatively quiet, business-focused suburb, you received’t simply run out of issues to do. You may play greater than 80 retro video games at Free Play Arcade (not really free), sip a beer from Guitars and Growlers, or see a present on the Eisemann Middle for Performing Arts. Dwell music is an enormous deal in Richardson, too.
Richardson properties on the market | Richardson homes for hire | Richardson residences for hire
9. School Station, TX
Inhabitants:125,192Median Sale Value:$320,000Median Hire Value:$1,685Average Commute Time:17.2 minutesUnemployment Fee:2.8%
School Station, often called The Coronary heart of Aggieland®, is situated in Central Texas between Dallas, Austin, and Houston. Texas A&M’s flagship campus is located within the coronary heart of town, round which residential neighborhoods, parks, and different facilities are situated. Town of Bryan is instantly adjoining, to the northwest. Sturdy training and an reasonably priced price of dwelling helped School Station earn a excessive rating.
School Station is nicely and actually a university city. Greater than 71,000 Texas A&M college students stay within the metropolis, accounting for nicely over half its inhabitants. Most of the metropolis’s sights are additionally connected to the college ultimately. For instance, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, Gary Halter Nature Middle, and The Gardens are all on the campus, however welcome everybody who desires to go to. Past campus limits, you’ll find locations just like the City Air Trampoline and Journey Park and BigShots Golf.
Additionally, you will discover loads of eating places on the town beloved by college students and longtime residents alike. The Northgate district is the place you’ll discover most scholar hotspots, together with Nam Cafe and the long-lasting Dixie Hen, A&M’s favourite watering gap.
School Station properties on the market | School Station homes for hire | School Station residences for hire
10. Plano, TX
Inhabitants:290,190Median Sale Value:$550,000Median Hire Value:$1,815Average Commute Time:25.6 minutesUnemployment Fee:2.8%
Plano is a dense suburb of Dallas however has lately grow to be a metropolis in its personal proper. A robust economic system, excessive incomes, and loads of common facilities assist make Plano a terrific place to stay. It can price fairly a bit extra to purchase a home than surrounding areas, although – practically $150,000 greater than Dallas correct.
Plano noticed a large surge in progress from 1970-2020, rising practically 15x. Because of this booming inhabitants, and a business-friendly setting, quite a few Fortune 1000 corporations now have headquarters within the metropolis, together with JPMorgan Chase, Financial institution of America, Toyota, Liberty Mutual, and extra. For those who’re trying to relocate for a profession, Plano stands out as the place for you.
Hottest facilities on the town are situated at one in every of many malls, corresponding to Preston Park Village, Park Pavilion Middle, and Lakeside Market. Different distinctive facilities, just like the Japanese meals and items retailer Mitsuwa Market, will be discovered alongside fundamental boulevards.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to stay. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 100,000 or better have been thought of for our Texas listing. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
