12 Best Places To Live In Texas In 2024
Texas is one of the most sought-after states in America for its desirable climate, low tax rate, and conservative community. Considering different environmental settings, affordability, crime rates, and more, the best places to live in Texas in 2024 are a balance of various atmospheres and appeals. From the bustling metropolises of Plano and Austin to laid-back communities that embrace a deserted natural setting as their main appeal, like Marfa, read along to find your new hometown and learn more about what sets it apart from other destinations in the Lone Star State.
Corpus Christi
The Beach town of Corpus Christi is a perfect place to live in Texas for its balance of vacation atmospheres and big-city amenities. Known for its many museums, art displays, and rich cultural heritage, Corpus Christi is a popular relocation destination among watersport enthusiasts and home to a world of aqua-centric atmospheres like the Texas State Aquarium, and state-renowned events like the annual Bay Relay Marathon, one of the largest relay marathons in the United States. Adding to the town’s appeal is the Central Flyway, a primary migratory route that contributes to the city’s nickname, “America’s Birdiest City.” The art center of Corpus Christi, the K Space Contemporary, and Mi Vida Loca Gallery are a few of the city’s tourist attractions that contribute to the town’s creativity-fostering efforts. Better yet, home prices in Corpus Christi are considered affordable, being valued at an average of $299,000, according to the 2023 Realtor report.
Brownsville
With one of the best climates for those seeking subtropical weather all year round, Brownsville is home to one of Texas’s main ports and is state-renowned for being a historic community. With settlement history in the area dating back to 1848, Brownsville also enjoys an element of Mexican influence. According to the USA World and News Report, the lower cost of living in Brownsville is one of its main appeals, with the median Home Price being $276,671. The city is also a gateway to some of the best vacation spots in Texas, like South Padre Island, and harbors a family-friendly ambiance with destinations like Glady’s Porter Zoo, Boca Chica State Park, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville.
Plano
Plano makes almost every list of the best places to live in Texas for its low crime rate, world-class parks, and exceptional school systems. Despite the vast population size of 289,547, the city’s abundance of nature-rich destinations complements its urban setting, making it one of the best destinations for those seeking a balance of both worlds. Some of the most notable parks include Arbor Hills Park, Oak Point, and Sunset Park, while the Boardwalk at Granite Park is one of the best destinations to embrace the city’s diverse culinary scene, with some of the best restaurants being Blue Mesa Grill and Suburban Yacht Club. With the average home price of $549,000, property prices in Plano are slightly more expensive than the national average of $417,000.
Austin
Like any other state, there is no better place to live than the Capital city; despite not being one of the safest places in Texas, Austin boasts top-notch amenities, some of the best shopping experiences, and quality entertainment spots. Though bustling metropolises aren’t the ideal hometown for everyone, Austin balances a thriving job market, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an unparalleled dining scene. West Woods Shopping Center and Barton Creek Square Mall are some of the best shopping destinations in Austin, while the best dining experiences can be found at Salty Sow, Bar Chi Sushi, and Juniper in East Austin. Additionally, accompanying Austin’s many appeals is a relatively expensive cost of living, with average home prices being $381,400 and a median household income of $78,965.
El Paso
El Paso blends big city atmospheres with remote deserted settings near the Mexican border, inheriting elements of the neighboring county’s culture. With extremely scorching summers, El Paso is one of the best places to relocate to zone out of the buzzing crowd without missing out on essential amenities like major healthcare centers, schools, and shopping options. With average home prices valued at $257,048, affordability also plays a prominent element in the town’s appeal, along with crime rates that are 27% lower than the national average. Additionally, the city is renowned for its barbecue culinary scene with some of the best locally renowned dining experiences like Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que and Skinny BBQ. Finally, El Paso is also enhanced with an abundance of entertainment options in museums, theaters, casinos, and art galleries. Some of the most notable destinations to enjoy a day out in El Paso include Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, Sun City Card Club, and the Plaza Theatre on West Mills St, which hosts live performances of plays and more.
Round Rock
Round Rock is a fast-growing city and one of the best places to live for those looking for professional growth opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labour and Statistics, the job market in Round Rock grew 49.9% in the past ten years. Round Rock also ranks as one of the most desirable destinations to live near the capital city of Austin, located just 18.5 mi from the city center. Places like the Old Settlers Park, which is a 645-acre recreational green space, allow for outdoor fun of fishing, hiking, and more, while sports also play a significant part in local culture, with the Dell Diamond ballpark and Round Rock Express baseball park being a few the main destinations to catch a live game.
Frisco
Frisco is one of the best places to live and raise a family in the Lone Star State for its exceptional public safety services, endless family fun activity destinations, and some of the best educational standards in the State. Tally Elementary, Liscano, and Purefoy public schools are a few of the top-ranked educational institutions, while the town’s booming economy makes it one of the best relocation options for professionals seeking new career growth opportunities. According to DataUSA, Frisco’s economy in 2023 grew at an annual rate of 3.61% from 94.8k employees to 98.2k, paired with a significantly more expensive average property price of $448,000. With an abundance of nightlife options and family-friendly entertainment spots, some of the most notable places for a fun time out include Cinemark Frisco Square and XD, Dave’s and Busters Arcade, The Frisco Discovery Center, and Frisco Waterpark.
Marfa
Marfa is the best place to live in Texas for newcomers seeking a secluded atmosphere away from everything. Despite being a remote small town, Marfa also enjoys an element of high-class living and is an artistic haven for creatives. Famed for the natural phenomena of the Marfa lights, there is more to the town than just art and outdoor recreational potential. Marfa is an incubator of creative talents and makes an excellent place to live for residents with an entrepreneurial, creative vision, with some of the largest local economies being construction, agriculture, and hospitality. Surrounded by open lands of the Chihuahua desert, the average home price in town is $525,000, and some of its best shopping options are small independent boutiques like Wrong Store, Marfa Brands, and the organic grocery store of The Get Go. Additionally, residents of the city are offered the luxury of endless camping and glamping experiences under the town’s luminous skies, with some of the most memorable experiences found at El Cosmico and Cholla Ranch Camp.
Port Aransas
Blending oceanfront views, lush greenery, and vacation atmospheres, Port Aransas is one of the best destinations to live every day, like a holiday, and makes a great retirement town. With a welcoming community, Port Aransas also enjoys highly engaging events like the popular SandFest and the October Music Festival. Featuring beautiful homes boasting stunning aquatic vistas, the city enjoys a small local population of 3,105, along with a relatively healthy community with average home prices of $659,000. Located on the remote Mustang Island, Alister St is the town’s main street and is dotted with locally owned small businesses, restaurants, and more, with the most popular dining options specializing in fresh seafood like Castaway’s Seafood and Grill, the Crazy Cajun Seafood, and Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is the best place to live for relocators chasing an eco-rich lifestyle, prioritizing refreshing hikes, air quality, and the heartwarming small-town community element. Located 23.5 mi from Austin, Dripping Springs also hosts some of the best educational institutions near Austin. Notable nature-rich destinations in town include Pedernales Falls State Park, Westcave Preserve, and endless hidden waterfalls to discover, like the Hamilton Pool Preserve and Cypress Falls Swimming Hole. Despite the town’s many advantages, Dripping Springs is also one of the most expensive best towns to live in Texas in 2024, with average home prices of $870,000 and a median household income of $111,429.
Galveston
Galveston is one of the best affordable beach towns to relocate to in Texas and is known for blending historic elements with a modern lifestyle. With its untouched beaches, Galveston is located on the Texas Gulf coast and sits 50.9 mi away from Houston, a major metropolis. With property and living costs being relatively low, an average home is valued at $347,400, and it costs $42,000 in annual expenses to live in Galveston and enjoy a calm atmosphere enriched with fresh sea-to-table culinary scene. Miller’s Seawall Grill, Riondo’s Ristorante, Katie’s Seafood Market, and Giado’s Seafood Restaurant are a few of the best dining options in town, while Pleasure Pier, Nasa Space Center, and Naval Museum are a few of the best places to explore on your free time.
Houston
Finally, Houston is one of the best places to live, being the most populated city in Texas, with a population of 2.288 million. Houston ranks as a city of opportunity for career growth, with some of the city’s primary industries being Health Care & Social assistance, Oil and Gas, and management companies. Properties are also considered relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan cities like Austin, with the average home price in Houston being valued at $200,700 and expenses that are 8.3% less than the national average. Other factors that contribute to the city’s appeal are its high diversity rate, a thriving, well-rounded sports team scene including the Houston Astros, the Houston Rockets Basketball team, and top-of-the-line healthcare options like the Houston Methodist Hospital. Additionally, there is no shortage of things to do in your free time in the city, with some of the most distinctive attractions being Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Hermann Park, a walkable 445-acre park situated in the center on the city complimenting the urban landscape.
Round-up
Ultimately, moving to Texas has been a topic of discussion not only on a national level but also on a global scale, attracting new residents from countries such as China, India, Canada, and more. Forbes Magazine’s recent report also crowned Texas as the most sought-after destination in 2023. Whether it’s for the enticing climate, favorable tax rates, or the welcoming community vibe, the curated list of the 12 best places to live in Texas in 2024 caters to diverse preferences, financial circumstances, and lifestyles, offering a comprehensive selection of
