Best Places to Live in Texas: How to Choose

Texas has long been one of the most popular destinations for people relocating within the United States. Drawn by a strong economy, diverse communities, a wide range of lifestyle options and relatively affordable housing compared to many coastal states, thousands of new residents move to Texas each year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas added more residents than any other state in recent years, continuing a decades-long trend of population growth.¹

The ideal place to live in Texas depends on your priorities. A growing household may focus on school districts and parks, while a young professional may prioritize career opportunities and entertainment. Retirees often look for access to healthcare, affordability and community amenities.

This guide explores some of the best cities to live in Texas based on different lifestyles, budgets and priorities to help narrow down where to live in Texas.

Is Texas a Good Place to Live? 

For many people, the answer is yes. Texas offers a combination of economic opportunity, cultural diversity, outdoor recreation and housing options that appeal to a wide range of homebuyers.

Texas Offers More Housing Choices And Buying Power

• Attainable homeownership: Housing costs in Texas hover at 18% below the national average. While home prices vary by region, many Texas buyers can purchase larger homes and more land for their budget than in states such as California, New York or Massachusetts.²   
• Diverse housing inventory: Buyers can choose from urban townhomes, master-planned communities, suburban neighborhoods, active adult communities and rural areas throughout the state.
• Growing supply of new construction homes: Rapid population growth has fueled significant new home construction across major metropolitan areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
• No state income tax: Texas residents do not pay state income tax, which may improve overall affordability depending on household circumstances.

Texas Supports Long-Term Career Growth Across a Diverse Economy

• Major industries: Texas is America’s #1 job creator, driven largely by major industries including technology, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace and financial services.
• ³Corporate headquarters: Texas is home to major employers, including Tesla, AT&T, American Airlines, Dell Technologies and ExxonMobil.
• Technology growth: Austin has emerged as one of the nation's leading technology hubs, attracting major investment from companies such as Apple, Oracle, Google and Amazon.
• Healthcare employment: The Texas Medical Center and numerous hospital systems throughout the state support one of the country's largest healthcare workforces.
• World-class universities: Texas is home to leading institutions, including The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and Rice University, which help drive research, innovation, workforce development and long-term economic growth throughout the state.

Texas Combines Major-City Amenities with Diverse Lifestyles

• Major metropolitan areas: Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio offer professional sports, performing arts venues, museums, restaurants and entertainment districts.
• Outdoor recreation: Residents enjoy destinations such as Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas Hill Country and hundreds of lakes, trails and state parks.
• Cultural diversity: Texas communities reflect a blend of Latino, Southern, Western, African American and international influences that shape local food, arts, festivals and traditions.
• Year-round activities: Mild winters in much of the state allow residents to enjoy outdoor recreation throughout much of the year.

Texas Suburbs Attract Households Seeking Strong Schools and Community Amenities

• School districts: Communities such as Frisco, Southlake, Coppell, Allen and Round Rock are served by some of the best school districts in Texas.
• Master-planned communities: Many suburban areas feature neighborhood parks, trails, community pools, sports facilities and organized events.
• Child-friendly infrastructure: Growing suburbs continue investing in libraries, recreation centers, youth sports programs and community services.
• Access to employment centers: Many suburban communities provide convenient access to major job markets while offering a more residential lifestyle.

Texas Provides Strong Transportation and Regional Connectivity

• Major airports: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and San Antonio International Airport connect residents to destinations across the country and internationally.
• Interstate infrastructure: Major corridors, including I-35, I-10, I-45, and I-20, support commuting, freight movement and regional travel.
• Business-friendly location: Texas's central location and transportation network continue attracting businesses, investment and population growth.
• Flexibility for remote workers: Many professionals relocating from higher-cost markets find that Texas offers more housing choices while maintaining access to major employment hubs and transportation networks.

Texas Offers a Distinct Culture and a Strong Sense of Place

• Signature Texas traditions: Events such as the State Fair of Texas, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and rodeos throughout the state remain major parts of community life and attract millions of visitors each year.
• Renowned food culture: Texas is famous for regional barbecue styles, Tex-Mex cuisine, local food festivals and independently owned restaurants that contribute to a strong sense of local identity.
• Nationally recognized music scene: Cities such as Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," host major events including South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, while live music venues can be found throughout the state.
• Strong state pride: Texas has a unique cultural identity that blends Western heritage, Hispanic influences, Southern traditions and entrepreneurial spirit. Many residents cite this strong sense of community and place as one of their favorite aspects of life in Texas.

How to Choose Where to Live in Texas According to Your Lifestyle

The “best” place to live in Texas depends on your lifestyle, budget and priorities. Whether you’re a young professional focused on career growth or an active adult looking for a connected community, these Texas cities offer options for a range of lifestyles.

Best Cities to Live in Texas for Households with Children

Top Picks: Celina, Aubrey, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville

Many people moving to Texas choose growing suburban communities near Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. Cities such as Celina, Aubrey, Georgetown, Round Rock and Pflugerville are known for strong school districts, extensive park systems, youth sports programs and amenities. Many also provide accessible commutes to major employment centers while continuing to add new homes, retail options, trails, playgrounds and recreational amenities.

Best Cities to Live in Texas for Young People

Top Picks: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio

Young professionals are often drawn to Texas' largest metro areas for their diverse job markets, cultural attractions and entertainment options. Austin's technology sector, Dallas' corporate presence, Houston's healthcare and energy industries and San Antonio's growing economy provide career opportunities alongside restaurants, nightlife, live music, sports, and walkable districts. Compared with many coastal markets, these metros can also offer a more attainable path to homeownership.

Best Cities to Live in Texas for Active Adults and Retirees

Top Picks: Georgetown, New Braunfels, The Woodlands, San Antonio, Seguin

Many retirees and active adults choose Texas because of its warm climate, lack of state income tax, and access to major healthcare systems. Communities such as Georgetown, New Braunfels, Seguin, The Woodlands, and San Antonio offer a mix of recreational amenities, golf courses, walking trails, cultural attractions and active adult living options. Many also provide convenient access to healthcare providers and regional medical centers.

Most Affordable Cities to Live in Texas

Top Picks: San Antonio, Seguin, Killeen, Lubbock, El Paso

Homebuyers seeking affordability often look beyond the state's fastest-growing housing markets. Cities such as San Antonio, Seguin, El Paso, Killeen and Lubbock generally offer lower home prices than many major U.S. metros while still providing access to employment opportunities, healthcare and community amenities. In many cases, buyers can find larger homes, more outdoor space, and newer housing options for the same budget they might spend elsewhere.

Lifestyle Priority	Top Recommended Texas Cities
Households with Children	Celina, Aubrey, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville
Young Professionals	Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio
Retirees/Active Adults	Georgetown, New Braunfels, Seguin, The Woodlands, San Antonio
Affordability	San Antonio, Seguin, Lubbock, Killeen, El Paso

Why You Should Consider a New Construction Home When Moving to Texas

Moving to Texas can be an exciting opportunity, but relocating to a new state often comes with important decisions. Choosing a new construction home can help simplify the transition with a move-in ready home in an established or growing community. For many homebuyers, new construction offers convenience, predictability and features designed for modern living.

The benefits of buying a new construction home when moving to Texas include:

• Built-in community: Many new home communities are designed to help residents connect with neighbors and feel at home more quickly. Features such as community pools, parks, walking trails, clubhouses, playgrounds and neighborhood events create opportunities to meet people and establish a sense of belonging. This can be especially valuable for households with children and individuals relocating from out of state.
• Lower effort: Unlike older homes, new construction homes typically do not require immediate renovations, repairs, or major updates. Buyers can spend less time coordinating contractors and addressing maintenance issues and more time getting settled into their new city, school district or workplace.
• Predictable costs: New homes often come with modern systems, new appliances, and builder warranties that can help reduce unexpected repair expenses during the first several years of ownership. Buyers may also benefit from greater certainty around maintenance and operating costs compared to purchasing an older home.
• New homes retain value: While no home investment is guaranteed, new construction homes in growing markets can benefit from continued community development and local population growth. Many buyers are attracted to modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, updated technology, and community amenities, all of which can support long-term desirability in the housing market.

New Construction Homes for Sale in Texas

From Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin to Houston and San Antonio, Lennar offers a variety of home types designed to meet the needs of Texas homebuyers. Whether you're looking for more space, a multigenerational layout or a low-maintenance lifestyle, you'll find options in many of the state's fastest-growing communities.

• Single-Family: Lennar's single-family homes offer spacious floor plans, private yards, and flexible living areas that fit the way many Texans live. Available throughout fast-growing communities near Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio, these homes provide room to grow while maintaining convenient access to schools, parks and employment centers. Ideal for growing households, remote workers, and buyers seeking additional space.
• Active Adult: Texas is a popular destination for active adults thanks to its warm climate and variety of lifestyle options. Lennar's active adult communities offer low-maintenance living, modern homes, and amenities designed to help residents stay active and connected. Ideal for homebuyers seeking convenience, community, and an active lifestyle.
• Next Gen®: Texas is one of the nation's leading states for multigenerational living, making Lennar's Next Gen® homes especially popular. These innovative floorplans include a private suite designed to help households balance independence and togetherness, making them a practical option for aging parents, adult children or long-term guests. Ideal for multigenerational households and buyers seeking flexibility.
• Townhomes: Lennar townhomes offer a streamlined path to homeownership in some of Texas' fastest-growing metro areas. They can be a great fit for buyers who want modern features, convenient locations and less exterior maintenance while remaining close to major employers, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Ideal for first-time buyers, young professionals and low-maintenance living.

Everything’s Included® in a Lennar Home 

Unlike some builders that charge additional fees for popular upgrades, Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program incorporates many desirable features into the home’s base price.

Depending on the community and home type, these features may include:

• Smart home technology
• Modern kitchens and appliances
• Energy-efficient materials
• Updated finishes and fixtures
• Open-concept layouts

Features vary by community and home type, so buyers should consult local Lennar community pages or speak with a Lennar consultant for details.

Buying a Lennar Home is Straightforward

Lennar simplifies the buying process through integrated services designed to streamline financing and insurance coordination. Lennar Mortgage,LLC can help buyers explore financing options. Lennar Insurance can help coordinate insurance needs during closing.

Buyers can explore Lennar’s Homebuyer Quiz to narrow down communities and home styles that fit their goals.

Contact a Lennar Expert and Find a Texas Home that Fits Your Needs 

With new homes in 30 states across the country, Lennar remains one of the nation’s leading homebuilders. No matter what your lifestyle or stage of life, we offer a wide variety of home styles designed to meet your needs, including single-family homes, townhomes, Active Adult communities, and Next Gen® floorplans.

Whether you are planning a move soon or still researching your options, Lennar can help you explore communities, compare floorplans and find new construction homes for sale in Texas that align with your priorities.

Ready to get started?

• Explore Texas communities
• Find move-in ready homes for sale
• Talk with a Lennar consultant
• Take the Homebuyer Quiz

More Frequently Asked Questions for People Considering Moving to Texas

1. What are the safest cities in Texas?

Safety can vary significantly by city, suburb and neighborhood. Communities such as Frisco, Flower Mound, Southlake, Georgetown and parts of the Houston suburbs are often recognized for relatively low crime rates and strong community infrastructure. Before choosing a location, prospective homebuyers should review local crime statistics through resources such as the FBI Crime Data Explorer and local police department reporting tools.

2. What do people do for fun in Texas?

Texas offers an enormous range of recreational opportunities, from beaches along the Gulf Coast and hiking in Big Bend National Park to professional sports, live music, museums, festivals and renowned food scenes. Residents enjoy destinations such as the San Antonio River Walk, Texas Hill Country, Austin's live music venues, Houston's Museum District and Dallas-Fort Worth's sports and entertainment attractions.

3. How much does it cost to live in Texas?

The average cost of living in Texas is approximately 6% below the national average. But the cost of living in Texas varies considerably depending on location. Housing costs in cities such as Austin and parts of Dallas-Fort Worth are generally higher than in communities like San Antonio, El Paso or Lubbock. Prospective residents should compare housing costs, property taxes, transportation expenses, utilities and healthcare costs when evaluating different Texas markets.

4. How diverse are Texas cities and communities?

Texas is one of the most diverse states in the country. Major metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio are home to residents from a wide range of cultural, ethnic and international backgrounds. This diversity contributes to vibrant food scenes, cultural festivals, multilingual communities and varied business opportunities throughout the state.

5. How do I actually choose between Texas cities if multiple ones seem like a good fit?

Many homebuyers narrow their search by prioritizing factors such as job opportunities, commute times, school districts, home budget, lifestyle preferences, healthcare access and proximity to household. Visiting several communities in person and comparing long-term housing and living costs can often make the decision clearer.

6. Is Texas a good place to retire?

For many retirees, Texas offers appealing advantages such as a warm climate, no state income tax, access to major healthcare systems and a wide variety of active adult communities. Buyers should also evaluate factors such as property taxes, healthcare availability and local cost of living when deciding whether a specific Texas community aligns with their retirement goals.

7. Can I grow my career after moving to Texas?

Texas supports one of the largest and most diverse economies in the United States. Major industries include technology, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace and financial services. Metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio continue to attract employers, investment and talent from across the country, creating opportunities for professional growth in a wide range of fields.

8. Does Lennar build new construction homes in Texas?

Yes. Lennar builds new construction homes throughout many of Texas' fastest-growing communities, including neighborhoods near Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Lubbock. Homebuyers can explore a variety of home styles, floorplans, and community amenities designed to fit different lifestyles and budgets.

9. Can a new-construction home maintain long-term value in Texas?

No home's future value can be guaranteed, but many buyers look for communities with strong population growth, expanding infrastructure, quality schools, access to employment centers and continued housing demand. Many of Texas' fastest-growing suburban communities continue to attract new residents and investment, which can help support long-term desirability and resale potential.

 

¹ Financing, title and insurance services are available through seller’s affiliate Lennar Mortgage, LLC, Lennar Title and Lennar Insurance Agency, but use of Lennar Mortgage, LLC, Lennar Title and Lennar Insurance Agency is not required to purchase a home (See Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure - https://mcv0gwmvppxkjtntxgnb0-0xn53y.pub.sfmc-content.com/k0mmgz21jwa). Lennar Mortgage, LLC – NMLS # 1058. Insurance provided and serviced by third-party insurers. Lennar Insurance Agency receives compensation based on the premiums for the insurance policies it sells. All decisions regarding any insurance products, including approval for coverage, premium, commissions and fees, will be made solely by the insurer underwriting the insurance under the insurer’s then-current criteria. Use of Lennar Insurance Agency is not required to purchase a Lennar home. Lennar Insurance Agency is a licensed insurance company. Lennar Insurance Agency LLC’s License #: TX #2397570. Lennar Insurance Agency’s services are only available in states where it is licensed, and insurance coverage through Lennar Insurance Agency may not be available in all states. Insurance services are available through seller’s affiliate insurance agency Lennar Insurance Agency, but use of Lennar Insurance Agency is not required to purchase a home.

Active adult communities: Age restrictions apply to the occupants/owners in this community as permitted under the Fair Housing Act. This means for some communities that a designated percentage of the homes in the community must be occupied by at least one person 55 years or older (80% or 100%, depending on the community). There may also be minimum age requirements for other residents in the home, and/or a certain number of younger residents permitted in the community. These communities publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as age 55 or older housing, and comply with HUD's rules for age verification of residents. In other communities, all residents must be age 62 years or older (with limited exceptions). You are encouraged to review community documents and disclosures for applicable restrictions before purchasing. Please consult with a Lennar New Home Consultant regarding any questions regarding this community’s age policies. Lennar makes no guarantee of present or future market conditions. Forecasts, projections and other predictive statements should never be relied upon. Before making a decision to purchase based in whole or in part on tax treatment or tax benefits, you should consult your own qualified tax advisor, accounting and legal to evaluate the risks, consequences and suitability of any real estate transaction. Features, amenities, floor plans, elevations, and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Third party companies are not affiliated with this promotion, nor do the third party companies sponsor, endorse or support this promotion.Please contact the school district for the most current information about specific schools. Seller does not represent and cannot guarantee that the community will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Schools that your children are eligible to attend may change over time. Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Prices do not include closing costs and other fees to be paid by buyer (including a builder fee, if applicable, as described in the purchase agreement) and are subject to change without notice. Please see a New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Energy efficiency will vary due to many variables, including but not limited to, actual utility rates and fees, actual construction, floor plan, occupancy, appliance usage, thermostat settings, weather conditions, number of individuals occupying the home and orientation of the home. Lennar provides no guarantee of savings or efficiency that will be achieved by each homeowner. TEXAS RESIDENTS: CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSED IN TEXAS SHOULD SEND A COMPLETED COMPLAINT FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING (SML): 2601 N. LAMAR BLVD., SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705; TEL: 1-877-276-5550. INFORMATION AND FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON SML'S WEBSITE: SML.TEXAS.GOV.This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2026 Lennar Corporation and Lennar Mortgage, LLC. All rights reserved. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Lennar Mortgage, the Lennar Mortgage logo, Lennar Title, the Lennar Title logo, Lennar Insurance Agency, the Lennar Insurance Agency logo, Everything's Included, Next Gen - The Home Within A Home and the Next Gen - The Home Within A Home logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Date 09/26

 

1 Bureau, U. C. (2024). Net International Migration Drives Highest U.S. Population Growth in Decades. In Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/population-estimates-international-migration.html 

2 Cost of Living in Tennessee 2024 | RentCafe. (2024). In Rentcafe.com. https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/tn/ 

3 Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. (2023). Texas Economic Overview. In gov.texas.gov. https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas-economic-snapshot 

4 Cost of Living in Texas 2024 | RentCafe. (2024). In Rentcafe.com. https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/tx/ 

5 United States Census Bureau. (2024). QuickFacts: Texas. In Census Bureau QuickFacts. United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/TX/PST045224