Everything is bigger in Texas… except maybe the price tags. Texas boasts a strong economy, diverse cultures, and affordable homes, not to mention amazing foodie opportunities. Jason Zasky for Livability rounds up five of the most affordable cities in the Lone Star State, including Lewisville, Pearland, and Frisco.
Affordable housing is plentiful in Texas, which explains, in part, why Texas cities are commonly identified as some of the most affordable cities in the country. But Texas isn’t merely inexpensive, it’s also known for the economic and leisure opportunities available to residents, a big reason why its municipalities are often considered among the best affordable places to live in the U.S., as is the case with Round Rock, fourth on our 2016 list of best affordable places to live. Following are five other very affordable Texas cities, which also benefit from a strong job market and the type of amenities that make them a great place to live and work.
Lewisville
Like Odessa, Lewisville offers affordable housing options. The median home price is $153,000 — decidedly modest for a municipality just minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth. Lewisville also delivers an eclectic mix of things to do, from the Old Town Lewisville shopping district to a variety of outdoor recreation activities, many of which center around Lewisville Lake. Most notably, perhaps, Lewisville is located in Denton County, which ranks fourth, fifth, and sixth among 254 Texas counties for health outcomes, health factors, and healthy behaviors, respectively.
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Pearland
Pearland is yet another fast-growing Texas suburb, just 20 minutes from downtown Houston and 15 minutes from NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Median household income is high in Pearland ($92,346), as upwards of 25 Fortune 500 companies are major employers in Houston and the surrounding area. Pearland in particular is a great place to be if you enjoy shopping and dining; consider The Pearland Town Center, an open-air lifestyle mall, as well as the city’s 140 restaurants. Golf is a popular pastime in Pearland, played on the 18-hole courses at Golfcrest Country Club, Pearland Golf Club and Southwyck Golf Club.
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Frisco
There is never a shortage of things to do in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, which boasts the highest median household income on this list at $108,284. The city has been described as a “shopper’s paradise,” because of its 9 million square feet of retail and dining. It could also be described as a sports lovers’ paradise, as it’s home to FC Dallas of Major League Soccer, the AA affiliate of MLB’s Texas Rangers, an NBA D-League team, and the practice facility of the NHL’s Dallas Stars. The Frisco Superdrome, a 250-meter banked-oval track hosts a variety of cycling races. With all its places to work and play, no wonder unemployment in Frisco is low and health-care access and outcomes are exceptional, with Collin County ranking first among Texas counties in both health factors and healthy behaviors.
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See the full list: The 5 Most Affordable Cities in TX
