12 Best Places To Live In Texas In 2025

Texas: the iconic state that in many ways personifies America. It's cowboy culture and Tex Mex. It’s wide-open land and relatively mild winters, especially in the south. It’s (also relatively) low cost of living and opportunities. It’s no wonder so many Americans move to and stay in Texas or never leave. Many reasons motivate a permanent or temporary move: affordability, access to nature, healthcare, education, and safety are all generally considered main priorities. Texas is a huge state with varying types of cities and smaller towns to suit those individual or family needs and wants. This article will cover the 12 best places to live in Texas in 2025.

Austin

Topping this list and many other “best” lists, is the centrally located, growing capital of Texas. Austin is deemed the “Live Music Capital of the World”. The city never lacks entertainment or things to do. Austin has an energy about it that is difficult to match and alluring to many.

Compared to other cities in Texas, Austin is expensive. Median home prices are around $550,000 and monthly rent averages at $1400 for a one bedroom. Housing is the largest cost factor in Austin. Groceries, dining out, utilities, and entertainment are relatively average in comparison to the U.S. overall. Texas does not have state income tax, which is beneficial to residents, but it is made up for in property tax for homeowners (typically around 2% of the home’s value).

Austin’s job market and economy are very strong; it is one of the top cities in the U.S. for career growth due to tech companies like Tesla or Apple settling their headquarters near or around the city. While tech leads the way in availability of jobs, there is a large demand for other industries like healthcare, finance, education, and skilled trades.

Austin is home to The University of Texas at Austin (Go Longhorns) and the highly rated, Eanes Independent School District which contains several K-12 schools throughout the Austin area. Eanes Independent School District (ISD) and Leander Independent School District are the top two districts for families in Austin with a high percentage of proficiencies in reading and math.

The top-rated hospitals in Austin include St. David’s Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center, both with multiple facilities and urgent care centers throughout the city and surrounding areas. Texas MedClinic or CareNow Urgent Care are also great walk-in clinics for non-emergencies. Austin’s violent crime and property rates are higher than the national average in recent years, but scores average in the polls from locals about safety and presence of law enforcement with 60% of people noting they feel generally safe in Austin. Some of the safest neighborhoods in terms of crime are Allandale, Garrison Park, and Hyde Park.

When it comes to entertainment, Austin has the ‘WOW’ factor. Live music at venues like the Broken Spoke, The Saxon Pub, The White Horse or Antone’s keep patrons entertained nightly. There are comedy clubs, nightlife districts, shopping, and perhaps the most favored thing next to music: the FOOD. From Tex Mex to cultured cuisine, Austin is a hub for all things food. Locals love Cooper’s BBQ in downtown for the best brisket and Matt’s El Rancho for the greatest Tex-Mex menu in town. Austin has several trails to recreate like McKinney Falls State Park or the Barton Creek Greenbelt and cooling off spots for the hot summer months at Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool. The city has many community events and festivals like SXSW or the Pecan Street Festival, neighborhood parks, and places to gather that feel inherent to the heartbeat of the city and why it thrives.

Austin has optimum weather throughout most of the year, making it a great place for outdoor recreation, although it can be quite hot in the summers. Hiking, walking, or running at The River Place Nature Trail or the Barton Greenbelt are popular with locals. As mentioned, Austin can become unbearably hot and humid in summertime; to aid this, there are several water activities in and around the city. Austinites go paddleboarding at Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park, go swimming at Barton Springs, or visit nearby Lake Travis to cool off.

The best way to get around Austin is with a car; commute times can vary depending on where you’re located in the city; standard rush hour times are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and can delay traffic up to half an hour longer than anticipated. Other modes of transportation include: the Capital Metro Bus System, the Metrorail, taxis or rideshares, and bike or scooter rentals.

Austin is a mesh of all things artsy, unique, and “weird” wrapped up in a city that is progressive in the tech industry. It has a distinct identity that doesn’t sway with growth; it keeps the quirkiness and welcomes newcomers of all kinds.

Tyler

Mid-sized Tyler, Texas, with a population just under 110,000, is home to some of the country’s top hospitals. This Rose Capital of America was recently ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas for families.

Housing costs in Tyler are about 8% lower than the national average and overall cost of living is 4-10% lower than the national average. Healthcare is the biggest employer in Tyler with an estimated 25,000 full-time jobs available. With the addition of newer medical facilities, Tyler attracts medical professionals, graduates, young families, and retirees alike.

Tyler’s Independent School District rates above average with 17 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This school district is highly ranked for its teachers, college prep, administration, and diversity. For post-graduation, UT Tyler serves as a public, 4-year university. Healthcare fields have an advantage in Tyler with a School of Medicine at UT Tyler and two nursing schools.

Tyler has excellent access to healthcare at top rated UT Health East Texas, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, the Veterans Clinic, and several urgent care facilities in the city. Notably, in 2022, the Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute was formed with specialized areas for oncology and research. The safest neighborhoods in Tyler include Cherokee Trail area, Hollytree, Copeland, and Swan. Tyler is overall a fairly safe community with a smaller population but does have a higher than national average crime rate, with chances of becoming a victim of any crime at 1 in 45.

Like most of Texas, Tyler is big on food. There are over 100 food trucks dedicated to everything from tacos at Gino’s Tacos to burgers at Rollin Stone Craft Burgers. Tyler also has a thriving music scene with multiple venues like Liberty Hall or Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbeque. Locals look forward to the annual Texas Rose festival with activities, parades, and celebrations around the most loved bloom of the city.

Locals love the Rose Rudman Recreational Trail that has a paved path for running, walking, or biking. It features playgrounds along the path and outdoor fitness stations. Tyler State Park contains 13 miles of trails and a 64-acre lake for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Personal vehicles are the main mode of transportation in Tyler; however, the Tyler Transit is a bus system available as an affordable option and offers half fare for riders on Medicare, over the age of 65, and riders with disabilities. Ride share apps and taxis are also popular in Tyler.

Tyler is a great place for young families, retirees, and healthcare workers due to its low cost of living and access to healthcare for work or in retirement age. It has a welcoming community that has all the amenities of a city but the feel of a small town.

Houston

Houston, or “Space City” is the fourth largest city in the U.S, with a thriving atmosphere of endless entertainment. From professional sports to the thriving culinary scene, Houston is for the curious and the foodies.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston is about $1400 while common home values run around $265,000. The city has much more affordable housing than cities of similar size in Texas, but the cost of living is generally a little higher than the rest of Texas, with things like groceries and transportation. Houston has a very diverse job market which contributes to the economic success and outlook. Professionals in energy, healthcare, aerospace, technology, and education can expect a healthy number of jobs available. Major employers include the Texas Medical Center, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell.

Houston has a plethora of education options from pre-school to college. There are over 60 school districts, hundreds of private schools, and over 40 colleges that offer two-year programs. Universities in the greater Houston area include top-ranked, Rice University and the University of Houston. The city also has 50 trade and business schools that specialize in law, welding, tech, and healthcare.

There are top-ranked hospitals throughout Houston like Houston Methodist Hospital or Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. For retirees coming to Houston, there are several resources like the Harris County Area Agency on Aging or The Living Legacy Center that offer housing assistance, social activity engagement, transportation, along with meal and nutrition assistance.

Houston is a very active city with a vibrant art and theatre scene. There are several venues to see a myriad of performances like the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, or Ensemble Theatre. In the Museum District, there are countless museums dedicated to science, art, history, or photography, along with the Houston Zoo that attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Houston is also home to major league sports teams: MLB-Houston Astros, NFL-Texans, NBA-Rockets. Houston is big on the outdoors; it has several public parks like Alexander Deussen Park or Brazos Bend State Park. Many parks in the area include trail systems for running or biking, opportunities for wildlife watching, and dog-friendly areas to include your furry friend.

Crime in Houston is prevalent. It has a crime rate of 56 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the highest crime rates in America. Young professionals will enjoy the convenience of downtown with access to the Skyline or Medical district. Creatives thrive in downtown as well with the Warehouse or Theatre District with its many venues, art studios, and performing arts. For families, the western and southwestern suburbs tend to be the desired with highly rated schools and family-friendly amenities.

There are multiple public transit systems in Houston: MetroRail, Metro Bus system, MetroRapid, taxis, and ride sharing services. Houston is rated one of the top 10 most congested cities with significant delays at times, so commuters often choose to carpool and use public transit.

Houston is a vibrant city full of amenities for residents from all walks of life. Houston has incredible options for anything from food to healthcare. There’s always something new to discover and experience within the city limits of H-Town.

Plano

In the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Plano is a highly rated, safe community that consistently tops “best places to live” lists. It is dedicated to its safety, affordability, and overall livability.

Plano’s rent and median home price is 27% higher than the national average, with average rent cost being around $2000 a month and home prices averaging around $635,000. Utilities are also a little steeper at 14% higher than the national average. Large employers in Plano include JPMorgan Chase, Capital One Finance, and PepsiCo. The largest industries are financial services and healthcare, which provide ample opportunities.

Plano is consistently ranked high for their education opportunities and school quality. Plano Independent School district ranks high in proficiency for math and reading and has an excellent student-teacher ratio of 15-1. College opportunities around Plano include Collin College, The University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of Dallas.

Plano is known for its pediatric healthcare providers at Children’s Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, and the Texas Back Institute for specialized care. Along with the specialized care, Plano has a vast amount of primary care facilities and senior care at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center

Shopping in Plano is quite expansive at the Shops at Legacy or in the Downtown Plano Arts District. The Courtyard Theatre is a local favorite for plays and concerts. The lifestyle in Plano is an active suburban feel, perfect for families who love good weather and spending time together. There are several parks to recreate in Plano, like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve or Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Both preserves have paved trails for biking, running, or walking. Locals and visitors can also cross the state line in the massive Texas Pool shaped like the Lone Star State during a hot summer day.

Plano communities are mostly suburban with highly rated neighborhoods like Puckett, Sleepy Hollow, South Park, and The Colonies. Neighborhoods in Plano are kid friendly, mostly made up of single-family homes. Plano is incredibly safe in comparison to similar sized cities or the rest of Texas, chances of becoming a violent crime victim are just 1 in 617.

Most Plano residents commute by personal vehicle, but the city is public transport friendly with DART, Trinity Railway Express, or ride share. Carpooling is also very popular amongst workers commuting into Dallas.

Plano is a mid-size, family friendly city with ample amenities and safe neighborhoods for its residents. It’s growing slowly, but not at the rapid pace it was in the late 90s/early 2000s. It is evolving with big corporations moving in and continued opportunities for the health and financial industries.

Corpus Christi

Texas’ favorite coastal city, Corpus Christi, has incredible beaches and a welcoming community. Moving here ensures a warm climate year-round and the slower pace of life that beach towns conjure.

Average monthly rent settles around $1200 with median housing prices near $350,000. Corpus Christi housing cost is 4% lower than state average and 21% lower than the national average. The job market is healthy with energy, education, and tourism being the biggest industries for employment.

Corpus Christi Independent School District is the biggest district in the city with above average rankings and a 92% graduation rate. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a beautiful campus for students, and it’s known for its smaller class sizes and accessible professors.

Safety in Corpus Christi is a higher concern than other cities of similar size, with the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime being 1 in 117. Safe neighborhoods to live in include Texas A&M University area, Padre Island south, and Chapman Ranch.

Families in Corpus Christi love to frequent North Beach for the amenities and restaurants while the adventurous flock to North Packery beach for surfing, wakeboarding, or kiteboarding. Corpus Christi is known for its seafood at places like Water Street Oyster Bar or Snoopy’s Pier.

Most residents of Corpus Christi rely on personal vehicles for transportation. Ride share, such as Uber or Lyft, is readily available along with motorized scooters throughout downtown and the Corpus Christi RTA. Corpus Christi is home to four major hospitals, Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area being the premier option for residents.

Corpus Christi stands out for beach lovers that also crave that Texas charm. It’s a wonderful, active city suitable for anyone from young professionals to families and retirees.

El Paso

Located near the border of Mexico at the foot of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a diverse city with affordable living. The cost of housing in El Paso is lower than the national average and when compared to areas like Houston or Austin. Housing median in El Paso was around $170,000 in 2024, and average monthly rent remains under $1000. El Paso’s job market remains functional and healthy. Major industries include government, retail trade, social assistance, and health care.

Ysleta Independent School District is ranked the best school district in the greater El Paso area, followed by Harmony Public Schools of West Texas. Ysleta scores an overall A- according to Niche and has a 15:1 student to teacher ratio. Colleges in El Paso include University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Community College, and Western Tech.

El Paso has a lower-than-average crime rate compared to cities of similar size and the national average. Popular areas for living include El Segundo Barrio, Mission Hills, and Sunset Heights.

Residents of El Paso commonly use their vehicles for transportation. Alternatively, the Sun Metro bus system is available throughout El Paso and ride share services are used often for commuting. Kindred Hospital El Paso and El Paso Children's Hospital are thorough, well-trusted medical facilities in the city.

El Paso is close to the mountains and has several hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities. Aguirre Springs, Anthony’s Nose Trail, and Comanche Peak are all popular hiking trails. Sessions Climbing & Guiding can assist even the most novice of climbers new to El Paso. Check out the Lowbrow Palace for musical performances. The downtown area is great for restaurants like Weso Steakhouse or Conico Cocina Mexicana.

El Paso stands out as a safe city for families to move to. It has an outstanding cost of living, and the culture is vibrant. The city celebrates with many festivals, cuisines, and traditions.

Fort Worth

Full of cowboy culture meshed with modern city flair, Fort Worth is a city for everyone. The city has a population of nearly one million and maintains a healthy job market for the influx of young professionals and families moving in.

Cost of living in Fort Worth is higher than average for the state of Texas and on a national level. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment will cost around $1,500 per month and home prices average out at $300,000. Big industries for employment include aerospace, manufacturing, education, and gas/oil. Families with children in Fort Worth can live comfortably with a double or single income of $100,000+ annually.

With Fort Worth being a large city, it offers a balance of private and public schools for parents and young adults to choose from. Fort Worth Independent School District doesn’t score high in proficiency of students, with fewer enrollments and suffering test scores. However, the school district has seen some improvement and has mixed reviews from students and parents attending. Parents looking for alternatives will find nearby independent school districts like Euless-Carroll, Arlington, or private school options. There are several colleges in the Fort Worth area, including the private Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan.

Visit the famous Fort Worth Stockyards for live music at the iconic venue, Billy Bob’s, or catch a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum. In the summers, festivals like Main Street Arts Festival and Mayfest bring in local artists and musicians for locals and visitors to enjoy. The food in Fort Worth is an incredible mesh of Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex at places like Woodshed Smokehouse or Los Mocajetes. There is 100+ miles of trails along the Trinity River to bike, walk, or run along with 20 miles of hiking trails at the Fort Worth Nature Center for the outdoor recreationalist. And, of course, there is the Japanese Garden, which explodes with seasonal colors.

Crime rates in Fort Worth are higher than the national average at 31 per one thousand residents. 93% of other communities in Texas have a lower crime rate. However, Fort Worth’s crime is lower than similar cities like Austin or Houston. The safest neighborhoods in the city are Lake of River Trails or Haslet South.

Getting around in Fort Worth and the surrounding cities is convenient with Trinity Metro offering the railway express jointly operated with Dallas’ DART. There are also ridesharing services and bus service for commuting. Being a big healthcare focused industry city, Fort Worth has excellent hospitals at Medical City Fort Worth and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Fort Worth is an entertaining city with countless activities to do and see. Young professionals thrive here with access to multiple colleges, post-graduate positions, and a thriving city life.

Denton

Just 40 miles away from Dallas, Denton competes with the big cities on everything from live music venues to higher education. Denton’s population as of 2023 was around 160,000; it’s a mid-size city with a lot to offer a young graduate, growing family, and musicians craving a smaller city.

Denton’s housing market is higher than the national and state average at $500,000. Average rent is around $1,500 monthly. Major employers include Peterbilt Motors, Sally Beauty, and Acme Brick. Other large industries in Denton are higher education at Texas Women’s University and healthcare. The median household income of Denton averages around $73,000 per year.

Denton Independent School District scores high in teachers, diversity, and college preparation. Graduation rates are at 97% with higher-than-average proficiency rates. The city also offers 91 private schools, according to Niche.com, for parents looking for an alternative option to public education. Denton is home to two state universities: University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University.

Denton is a musical town; multiple genres can be heard live throughout the city. Check out Steve’s Wine Bar for jazz performances. Dan’s Silverleaf venue hosts many Texas based performers and offers a songwriter’s open mic every Monday. There are 37 trails for running or biking along with 41 parks for families. Golfers have access to 32 courses within a 20-mile radius of Denton, 4 being within the city. Denton has a great food scene with BBQ and Tex-Mex being the main cuisines. Popular restaurants include Juicy Pig Barbecue and Mi Ranchito.

In Denton, the chances of becoming a victim of violent or property crime are 1 in 39. Unfortunately, this is much higher than the average of Texas or similarly sized cities. The neighborhoods of Ponder, Copper Creek, or Lake Forest Park are considered some of the safest in the area.

Residents of Denton use the DART system or bus and rail service that the Denton County Transportation Authority provides. The use of private vehicles within the city is most common for commuting. Highly rated Texas Health Denton and Medical City Denton Hospital serve a range of maladies within the city.

Denton stands out as a desirable, mid-size city for families and young professionals looking for a good mix of amenities. It is accessible to larger cities while maintaining a small city feel that can be attractive for a slower pace.

San Antonio

Known for The Alamo and its historic architecture, San Antonio is a thriving mesh of culture and modern amenities. Things like affordability, job opportunities, and education attract transplants from other states.

Major industries in San Antonio include military, hospitality, education, and healthcare. The economy is in an upswing, with the city anticipating growth in tech and new energy. San Antonio is significantly more affordable than Austin or Dallas with median home prices below $300,000 and rents averaging around $1200 a month.

There are 17 school districts within San Antonio, there is a good presence of both private and public schools. BASIS Texas Charter is rated the best school district in the San Antonio area with Alamo Heights Independent School District coming in at a close second. Higher education is prevalent in the city with several colleges and universities to choose from; Trinity is one of the top-rated universities in the area.

San Antonio is an entertainment hub with large concert and sport venues like the AT&T Center or Alamodome. Six Flags, SeaWorld, and the San Antonio Zoo are also within the city for families to enjoy. The subject of many tourism photos, the 15-mile-long Riverwalk is a popular recreation place for locals.

San Antonio has seen a decrease in crime in 2024, however, it is still considered very high in comparison to other cities in Texas and nationally. Chances of becoming a victim of property crime in San Antonio are 1 in 19. Neighborhoods considered to be the safest include Timberwood Park, Sendero Verde, and Champions Ridge.

Public transit in San Antonio is primarily through VIA Metropolitan Transit or ride sharing services. Many residents rely on their vehicles for transportation and commuting. Methodist Hospital is consistently rated as one of the best hospitals in the San Antonio area.

San Antonio is a history buff’s city with many cultural influences and interesting buildings. It’s a fun city that offers major affordability in comparison to other Texas cities.

Georgetown

Georgetown is a suburb of Austin, only 30 minutes north. It maintains its own identity aside from its proximity to the “live music capital of the world”. With a population just over 100,000 and low crime rates, Georgetown is an appealing city for growing families.

Median home prices in Georgetown are around $465,000 and monthly rent ranges from $1400-$1900. Compared to national levels of affordability, Georgetown is 17% higher. Large employer industries in Georgetown tend to center around Health Care, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Average household income in the city is around $87000 annually.

Georgetown Independent School District serves the bulk of students in town with a graduation rate of 93.9%, higher than the state of Texas overall. The private, Southwestern University calls Georgetown home, with primary majors being business, psychology, and biology.

Georgetown is known for its “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas”. The downtown square is a popular spot for locals to shop. Lark & Owl Booksellers or The Daytripper World Headquarters being unique to the town. Fried Chicken at Goodfolks is a favorite amongst anyone who’s ever visited the square. Lake Georgetown is a great place for swimming or fishing in the warmer months and for runners, there’s a great 28-mile trail that surrounds the lake. Inner Space Cavern is a cool alternative to run of the mill experiences. It’s a cave system in Georgetown that you can tour within four hours.

Georgetown’s crime rate is 39% lower than the national average, it is an extremely safe area to live. It has a good mix of walkable communities and family friendly neighborhoods like Berry Creek or Teravista. St. David's Georgetown Hospital and Georgetown Clinics are local's go to for medical procedures and standard checkups.

Public transit in Georgetown is limited as it’s not a large city, however, they do offer CARTS, which is a fixed route bus service. Most residents of Georgetown rely on personal vehicles or rideshare for getting around town.

Georgetown is an excellent option for families wanting a very safe community to raise their kids. Anyone looking to be close to Austin without the traffic or bustle will also enjoy Georgetown.

Dallas

Dallas is a well-established, growing city in northern Texas. It is the third most populous in Texas and home to three major sports teams: the Cowboys, Mavericks, and the Stars. It’s a versatile city with affordable housing options and many 2%attributes to fit any lifestyle.

Compared to the national average, housing costs are 2% lower, according to Redfin. Prices average around $472,000 while monthly rent can cost around between an average of $1,500 to $2,000, depending on location. The biggest industries for employment are IT, finance, health care, and manufacturing. AT&T, Verizon, and Toyota Motor of North America all have headquarters in Dallas, providing thousands of jobs to residents.

Dallas Independent School District makes up the bulk of education options in the city with 240 schools. Other options include public charter schools and private schools. School for the Talented and Gifted ranks in the top ten for best high schools in America. For college, there are several options in the Dallas area, including Dallas Baptist University, and the University of Texas at Dallas.

For entertainment, Dallas has just about anything to appease a family, young professionals, or couples alike. With access to professional football, basketball, and hockey, there’s always a season to catch a game. Like most of Texas, Dallas is big on music. You can catch live music just about anywhere, but venue favorites include Moody Performance Hall, The Bomb Factory, or Granada Theatre. BBQ is the main fare; locals love OAK’D BBQ or Hurtado for their brisket taco.

Dallas has a crime rate of 48 per one thousand residents. Violent crime and vehicle theft are significant; compared to America overall, Dallas has one of the highest crime rates. Some of the safest neighborhoods for families include Lake Highlands West, Preston Hollow, and Russwood Acres.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a highlight of Dallas. They hold seasonal events in line with the blooming season, a summer concert series, autumn, and holiday parties. Runners and walkers enjoy the paved trail around White Rock Lake. Families will love the Dallas Zoo or the Dallas World Aquarium.

Dallas has an extensive highway network but gets congested during rush hours. There are many options for public transportation on DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), which includes a light rail and buses. Residents also use ridesharing services or bicycles. Like its neighbor, Fort Worth, Dallas' greatest hospital in the area is UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Despite Dallas’ high crime rate, it’s an excellent city to stay connected. It is suitable for young graduates looking for long-term careers, just as much as it is for growing families. There is never a shortage of things to do and see in Dallas.

McKinney

About 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney is a great option for a smaller town with close access to the big city. It’s a slower pace suitable for families and retirees wanting a small-town feel.

The cost of living in McKinney is average. Home prices settle around $490,000 and monthly rents average at $1600. Raytheon Intelligence & Space is a major employer of McKinney along with Independent Financial and Encore Wire. Average annual salaries range around $30,000-$65,000. Schools in McKinney are mostly made up of McKinney Independent School District. It has a 97.2% graduation rate and teacher experience averages over 12 years.

McKinney has an extensive trail system for dog walking, running, and walking. Towne Lake Recreation area is a peaceful escape where you can drop a kayak in and enjoy the water. You can catch a comedy show at The Comedy Arena or wander the historic downtown and grab a bite to eat at the popular, Rick’s Chophouse.

McKinney has a crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents. It is average in comparison to the national levels of similar towns or cities and about 50% lower than other Texas communities. The safest neighborhoods include Chambliss, Avondale, and Weston.

Most locals use their vehicles to get around McKinney. There are also ridesharing services and public transportation like the Collin County Transit. Unique to McKinney, downtown also offers the Trolley; it is free and a convenient way to get around to the scenic sights. McKinney's best hospital is Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.

Living in McKinney is a convenient option close to city amenities with a low crime rate and excellent schools. Families and retirees will find solace here with welcoming communities and quiet neighborhoods.

Taking a trip to any one of the 12 best places to live in Texas in 2025 to get a feel for the environment before moving will be the best judge when it comes to making a final decision. Whether you are a young professional hoping to land a sweet tech job in Austin and enjoy the endless live music or a young family looking for a supportive neighborhood and excellent schools, Texas has it.