The Best Places To Live in Texas in 2024 - PODS Blog (2024)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Texas is huge! If we talked about all the great Texan towns you might enjoy living in, we’d be here for days. So before we go stepping on anyone’s toes, know that we recognize there are heaps of great cities and towns in the Lone Star State. We’ve just narrowed it down to a handful of our favorites (and some of the most popular) to give you a good running start in your search.

As far as pricing goes, it’s worth keeping in mind how housing costs stack up against the national averages. For rentals, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. is around $1,700. And the average U.S. home value is around $363,400 — almost 4 percentage points higher than a year earlier.

In Texas, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,450, according to RentCafe. But, of course, figures vary, depending on the part of the state you’re looking at. One-bedroom apartments in cities like Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth are on the pricier side, at $1,700 and $1,550, respectively, while average Houston rentals only run around $1,350 per month for a one bedroom. And if you’re in the market to buy, the average home value statewide comes in at around $308,100, a 0.6 percent jump from June 2023 to June 2024.

All right! Now let's jump into our list of the best places to live in Texas, starting with a longtime favorite: Austin.

Austin is an amazing city — if what it offers is what you’re looking for. From being able to experience all four seasons, excellent public transportation, great schools, and a strong job market, to a thriving live music scene, incredible restaurants, and gorgeous green spaces — Austin really is the good kind of weird. People here are young, social, and hip, and there are a lot of them — which means crowds and traffic (perhaps one of the few downsides to living in Austin). Still, it’s one of the best places to live in Texas for young adults and families.

Food has a lot to do with that reputation. Austin is renowned for its creative dining scene from food trucks to BBQ joints and farm-to-table places. Popular local faves include Franklin Barbecue, for the obvious, and Odd Duck, which began in a trailer in 2009.

The city’s popularity has also made Austin an expensive place to live. Austin’s cost of living is about 37 percent higher than the rest of Texas overall and 29 percent higher than the national average. The main reason for this is housing, which is 89 percent more expensive compared to the national average.

The average home value in Austin is around $544,600, and the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment across the city is around $1,700. However, average rent in the coveted downtown Austin neighborhood jumps to more than $3,100 a month (eek!).

As the ninth-largest city in the country, Dallas makes good on the Texan promise of going big. This metropolis offers a little bit of everything — making it a perfect pick for folks who love to sample the buffet of life.

Speaking of buffets, the culinary landscape in Dallas offers amazing innovation and diversity, with a focus in recent years on farm-to-table practices and creative cuisine. Check out Mirador, which reopened a year ago after a pandemic hiatus, atop a downtown high-rise — fittingly, Mirador means “lookout.”

With B-rated public schools and nearly 40 colleges and universities, Dallas couldn’t hide its studious side if it tried. It’s definitely one of the best cities to live in Texas for families with young kids and college students.

The job market is pretty solid, as well, with top industries including business and financial services, health services, and information technologies — plenty of options when it comes to employment.

And as expected, a city as diverse as Dallas serves up a heaping variety of housing options. There is something for everyone here, from historic homes to high-rise apartments — and they are generally fairly affordable.

The average home value in Dallas is right around $318,700, about $45,000 less than the national average. And monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,550 — but certain Dallas neighborhoods edge into the $3,000s and above.

The city’s decent public transit system can get you around in a pinch, but it’s still best (and most convenient) to have a car. On the plus side, those cars deliver Dallas residents to everything the city has to offer, from theater and live music at the AT&T Performing Arts Center to family outings at the Dallas Zoo.

If you take I-45 south from Dallas and drive (and drive and drive), you’ll find yourself in lovely Houston, Texas. This culture-rich metropolis, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., offers world-class dining, pro sports teams, rave-worthy Texas BBQ, and enough entertainment options to make your head spin. If you decide to call Houston home, nobody would be surprised. The city is also full of perks for residents 65+, thanks to myriad volunteer programs, medical centers, and senior discounts. No wonder it’s considered one of the best places to live for retirees.

Housing costs in “Space City” are generally decent, with the average home value sitting below the national average at $272,100. And according to RentCafe, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston is about $1,350. Of course, there are pricey parts of town where you’ll see that average rent increase by more than $800 a month.

While housing costs in Houston are lower than in Texas overall, the cost of living in this Southern city is 3 percent higher than the rest of the state — especially when it comes to groceries and transportation — and 3 percent lower than the U.S average. Generally, though, Houston offers a solid bang for your buck, so if you can take the heat and humidity (and traffic), you may have found your own best part of Texas to live in.

Dining in Houston means experiencing a thriving culinary scene with everything from authentic Japanese and Italian restaurants to modern steakhouses. We love Nancy’s Hustle, a cozy east-side bistro with a phenomenal drink selection. Order the Nancy cakes — savory pancakes with smoked trout roe.

Plano is a well-manicured suburb in the Dallas Metro Area, about 20 miles north of the city. It has a dense suburban vibe and population close to 290,000, based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates. And according to Niche, Plano is one of the top 10 cities to buy a house in the country — unsurprising once you learn this suburb scores big on everything from schools and family-friendliness to nightlife and diversity. Plus, in Plano, you’re close to all the big-city amenities in nearby Dallas.

However, expect to pay more than what you would in Dallas. According to Zillow, the average home value in this popular suburb is $533,000 — well above both the national and statewide averages.

And as for getting around? You’ll definitely need a car in this suburban spot. In fact, folks commuting into downtown Dallas can expect a 30-minute drive at the very least, traffic notwithstanding.

Life in Plano may be quiet, but it’s certainly not boring. Locals enjoy hiking on the many nearby trails, shopping in antique shops, visiting museums, and eating their way through the town’s dining scene. Chains are plentiful, but Plano’s neighborhood gems include CraftWay Kitchen, a New American-style eatery focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Bonus: Plano is a quick half-hour from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Straddling the borders of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico in what’s known as the Southwest borderlands, El Paso is one of the most affordable cities on our Lone Star list. According to Zillow, the average home value is just about $224,600 — considerably lower than the national average. Renters also benefit from lower rates, with the average rent at around $1,050 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. For many residents, the low housing costs make it one of the best places in Texas to live.

It’s worth noting, however, that the city’s affordability can be offset by its lower earning potential. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in El Paso is only about $55,700, compared to the national median of around $75,000. The top industries center around food, government, trade, and transportation. Young professionals may consider looking elsewhere, but the lower cost of living makes it one of the best places to live in Texas for families and retirees.

And speaking of transportation, here’s something to consider: A pro for some and a con for others, this westernmost Texas town is far, and we mean far, from any other cities. San Antonio, the closest big metro area, is an eight-hour drive from El Paso. Still, the city’s above-average schools, good nightlife, sense of community, and blend of Mexican and American culture are big draws for everyone from families to professionals.

Make no mistake, El Paso locals make the most of their city, hitting up the downtown area and popping through the different districts’ many cultural spots, like the El Paso Museum of Art, the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, and the 19th-century adobe-style Magoffin Home State Historic Site.

Outdoorsy types and foodies in El Paso have plenty of options, as well, in this region known to many as the best area to live in Texas. Locals enjoy everything from hiking and rock climbing in the stunning surrounding landscape of mountains and desert to getting their fill of the city’s famous tastes at El Paso’s best eateries. Foodies swear by L&J Cafe, a mainstay since the 1920s (and a hotspot for bootlegging and slot machines during Prohibition!) for authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Also must-haves: Kiki’s and, for Tex-Mex, Carlos and Mickey’s Restaurant and Cantina.

Anyone looking for a hint of island life in Texas should put Corpus Christi on their list. Nestled in the southeastern part of the state along the Gulf of Mexico, this coastal city has been a longtime favorite for spring breakers — but there’s so much more to offer in the eighth-largest city that’s become one of the best places to live in Texas.

Weather here is sunny and humid, though the breeze off the water does help to keep temps a bit cooler than you’ll find inland. Summer highs can boil at more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but the flipside has winter temps around 65.

Corpus Christi vibes are chill and relaxed, and there’s never a lack of things to do. In fact, Niche rates Corpus Christi with a respectable B+ overall, giving it above-average grades for schools, nightlife, diversity, and as a place for families. It’s also one of the best places in Texas for retirees, as roughly one-in-five residents are above 60 years old.

Top Corpus Christi industries include petrochemicals, military, and tourism — and who doesn’t want to live where other people vacation? Luckily, it’s pretty affordable, too. The average home value is about $225,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,150 per month — both lower than the national averages. This seaside city is among the best places in Texas to live — particularly for anyone seeking a waterfront lifestyle without the usual huge hike in housing prices.

Why do we especially love Corpus Christi? Because you can get delicious fresh seafood here — try Doc’s, a 20-year-old gulfside mainstay. Residents also make the most of the outdoors here, thanks to gulf and bay access, the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, and the Padre Island National Seashore (home to endangered sea turtles). Corpus Christi is also home to an abundance of parks — in fact, 75 percent of residents here live within a 10-minute walk to a park. It’s truly one of the best places to live in Texas. But as a reminder: Cars are still needed for other necessities, though; the public transportation system is good but not great.

Riverfront attractions are found across the United States, but perhaps none is more iconic than San Antonio’s. The 15-mile stretch along the San Antonio River attracts both locals and tourists to the tune of 9 million visitors per year, drawn to the amazing views, eclectic dining options, live entertainment, and vibrant nightlife.

Beyond a picturesque place to spend your evenings, San Antonio has tons to offer residents. For the working crowd, the city is a scientist’s dream, as major industries include healthcare and bioscience, aerospace, IT and cybersecurity, and the “New Energy” economy. And, as is the case in any city worth its salt, the retail, professional services, and leisure and hospitality industries are thriving, as well.

The cost of living in San Antonio is slightly lower than the Texas average and significantly lower than the national rate — by nearly 9 percent. The average San Antonio home value is about $262,100, and one-bedroom rentals here go for about $1,275 a month, on average, according to data from RentCafe — giving perfect Texas-sized city life without the premiums of Dallas, Austin, and Houston.

And speaking of other major Texas cities, San Antonio is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Austin, and a leap away from Houston. Dallas is a bit farther, but doable in a day if you start early — maybe to catch the Cowboys. If fall Saturdays are more your speed, both UT and A&M are about an hour-and-a-half away. Of course, you can always stay local for the San Antonio Spurs, if basketball’s your game. Fun fact: The Spurs’ mascot, the Coyote, has been honored as Best Mascot in San Antonio every year since 2018.

The city’s proximity to the coast has also made San Antonio one of the best cities to live in Texas for young adults on a budget. It’s also a top destination for seniors, earning the No. 2 spot to retire in the U.S. in 2024.

San Antonio has plenty of fun besides the River Walk, too. Major attractions include Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo — and who can forget the Alamo?

Looking for a city that can cater to the cowboy and the city person in you? Loop your lasso around Fort Worth. This North Central Texas city is often spoken in the same breath as Dallas (which is just 32 miles to the east), but the truth is that these two spots are worlds apart.

Despite being the 13th-largest city in the U.S., Fort Worth maintains a smaller-town vibe, an affordable cost of living, and a seamless stitching of cowboy charm and urban sophistication. We love that this is a place where you can soak in culture at top-notch museums, sip craft co*cktails, or nosh upscale eats — and also kick up some dirt at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, catch a legit rodeo or wild west show, and go to Billy Bob’s Texas — allegedly the world’s largest honkytonk at more than 100,000 acres, complete with a rodeo arena inside. It’s clear why Fort Worth is considered one of the best places to live in Texas for young adults.

And as you wander around town, know that Austin ain’t the only place where Texas gets weird. Fort Worth’s quirky residents, healthy job market, and cowboy-meets-cultured vibe attract young professionals, singles, and families alike.

For Lone Star folks who can’t decide between moving to Dallas and moving to Fort Worth, Arlington may be the sweet spot you’re looking for. Located about 24 minutes from downtown Dallas and 20 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, this metroplex staple makes visiting either DFW hub easy peasy.

Arlington is an impressive locale all on its own — one of the best cities to live in Texas — and you definitely don’t have to go elsewhere to have a good time. This city of nearly 400,000 is home to AT&T Stadium (the Dallas Cowboys’ HQ) and Six Flags Over Texas (the original).

With 4,600 acres of parkland, 50 tennis courts, 26 basketball courts, and 85 miles of park trails (and more), Arlington is a treat for fans of the outdoors. Among the many options: bird-watching hikes along the Trinity River, walks in the woods at River Legacy Nature Center, and a game of disc golf at Veterans Park.

Arlington covers nearly 99 square miles and is serviced by the Arlington ISD (Independent School District), home to the No. 1 most-diverse public high school in Texas (Trinity) and the No. 2 most-diverse public elementary school (Wilshire). The city earned an overall A- grade by Niche, with a B for its public schools and an A+ for diversity. Many college-age students are attracted to the city in pursuit of higher education at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) — a Texas Tier One university known for its excellence in academics and research.

The average home value in Arlington is around $324,200. And though most Arlington residents own their homes, about 45 percent are renters, with the average 828-square foot rental going for about $1,375 a month.

In northwest Texas, two hours south of Amarillo, you’ll find the city of Lubbock. Originally a quiet college town, this South Plains hub is now home to around 267,000 people across multiple generations. At an elevation of just over 3,200 feet and far from the coast, residents in Lubbock experience a dry climate of mild winters and hot summers with very little rainfall. And fair warning: This rugged, dry, and dusty region is prone to tornadoes and dust storms at certain times of the year — but provides unexpected beauty year-round at spots like the Monahans Sandhills State Park.

Lubbock boasts a lively music and arts scene, delicious dining options, and an array of family-friendly activities, and it’s home to Texas Tech University’s more than 40,000 students. One of the largest in the U.S., the Tech campus occupies 1,900 acres and is the only university in Texas that includes a law school, medical school, undergraduate and graduate university in the same campus. The school offers about 100 master’s degree and 60 doctoral degree programs.

Cultural interests collide in Lubbock, which is known for a few interesting things: being the hometown of Buddy Holly, the top producer of wine grapes in the state, and a true “honest-to-goodness” cowboy town.

Another Lubbock attraction? Its low cost of living, including housing prices that are quite a bit lower than you might expect. The average home value in Lubbock is around $210,400, significantly less than the national average. And, surprisingly, only 51 percent of residents own their homes here. The other 49 percent rent, with an average cost of around $1,150 per month (and an average rental size of about 925 square feet).

Niche gives Lubbock an overall A grade and applies the same rating to its public schools and diversity.

This unassuming North Texas town on the Oklahoma border may surprise you. For starters, the namesake waterfall doesn’t exist; it was washed away in a violent flood in the 1800s. But in true Texas fashion, locals built The Falls, a 54-foot cascading replica that’s now the centerpiece of Lucy Park.

Just two hours north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Wichita Falls boasts a strong manufacturing history and continues to attract businesses in the aerospace and aviation sector. The median income in the area is around $55,600. And housing is relatively affordable, making this small city one of the best places in Texas for retirees.

The Wichita Falls Business Park, spanning 525 acres, offers cost-competitive square footage tailored to meet the unique needs of distributors, high-tech enterprises, and manufacturers. And with 24 schools serving more than 13,000 students, the Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD) earned a B+ rating from Niche.

But it's not all-work-and-no-play in Wichita Falls. The city is home to a thriving downtown area, with plenty of shopping and Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture events, including a residency of the Texas Shakespeare Festival Roadshow. As for dining, Fox Hill Restaurant and Gardens is a standout, taking an innovative farm-to-table approach, with fresh produce from its own eight-acre site.