By Chief Editor Laura McIntyre
Date: November 8, 2025
Texas isn’t just a state anymore — it’s a movement.
While some parts of the country struggle with affordability crises and housing shortages, the Lone Star State keeps attracting newcomers in record numbers. From high-paying tech hubs to family-friendly suburbs, Texas offers something rare in 2025: room to grow.
According to a new Travel + Leisure analysis of expert real estate insights, the state’s most promising cities combine economic growth, strong communities, and affordable housing — a trifecta that’s becoming increasingly hard to find elsewhere in the U.S.
Here’s a closer look at the 10 best places to live in Texas, and why they’re drawing in new residents from every direction.
1. Fort Worth — The New Big City with Small-Town Soul
Once known as Dallas’s quiet neighbor, Fort Worth has outgrown that image — and even surpassed Austin to become the fourth-largest city in Texas.
Realtor Selene Crow describes it best:
“Fort Worth has this rare mix of big-city opportunity and small-town charm… It’s a place where culture, career opportunities, and quality of life all meet.”
The city’s thriving downtown, affordable housing, and proximity to Dallas make it a powerhouse for both families and professionals. It’s also a magnet for entrepreneurs, with a rapidly expanding job market and walkable districts that still maintain a sense of Texan authenticity.
2. Pflugerville — The Underrated Gem Near Austin
About 20 miles northeast of Austin, the city of Pflugerville (yes, the “P” is silent) blends suburban peace with big-city access.
With a low crime rate, highly rated schools, and over 56 miles of scenic trails, Pflugerville earns its title as the “Trail Capital of Texas.” Commuters enjoy the short drive to Austin’s tech sector, while families appreciate local attractions like Typhoon Texas and Stone Hill Town Center.
It’s one of those cities that quietly checks every box — safety, schools, recreation, and community spirit — without the inflated prices of its larger neighbors.
3. Frisco — Texas’s City of the Future
Frisco isn’t just booming — it’s exploding. Once a sleepy suburb, it’s now a hub for technology, finance, and healthcare, with new opportunities emerging seemingly every month.
From The Star (the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters) to PGA Frisco, Toyota Stadium, and the upcoming Universal Kids Resort, the city has positioned itself as both a family haven and an entertainment destination.
Carrie Himel of the Carrie Himel Group explains the draw:
“Singles and young couples enjoy the dining, shopping, and social scene. Families love the top-rated schools, youth sports culture, and endless parks and trails.”
Frisco’s diversity of housing — from luxury golf course estates to 55-and-over communities — ensures it stays accessible and vibrant for decades to come.
4. Sugar Land — Where Suburbia Meets Sophistication
Just southwest of Houston, Sugar Land is a city that blends leisure with ambition. With its pristine parks, modern developments, and the local Sugar Land Space Cowboys baseball team, this suburb doesn’t just promise comfort — it delivers a lifestyle.
Its proximity to Houston’s Energy Corridor — home to BP, Shell, and ConocoPhillips — gives residents access to world-class job opportunities without the grind of big-city congestion.
Between gated communities, upscale shopping, and family-friendly events, Sugar Land remains one of Houston’s most desirable addresses.
5. Round Rock — Affordable and Energetic
Known as the “Sports Capital of Texas,” Round Rock has quietly become a magnet for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Located 20 miles north of Austin, the city thrives thanks to major employers like Dell Technologies and a bustling economy that continues to expand.
Carol Chafin of Summit Realtors highlights the city’s appeal:
“The thriving local economy, highly acclaimed Round Rock school district… and extensive hike and bike trails throughout the city are an invitation to families.”
Affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and excellent healthcare make Round Rock one of the state’s most balanced and livable cities.
6. Plano — The Economic Powerhouse
Plano has long been known for stability, prosperity, and convenience. Located 20 miles north of Dallas, this “Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas” isn’t just a charming suburb — it’s a self-contained economic engine.
Most residents don’t even commute to Dallas anymore; Plano’s booming job market, strong schools, and first-class hospitals keep people close to home. With access to DART public transit and an emphasis on clean, green neighborhoods, Plano remains one of the most polished cities in the state.
7. The Woodlands — Nature’s Master Plan
Just north of Houston, The Woodlands lives up to its name. This master-planned community features over 200 miles of trails and 150 parks, making it a dream for outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s also home to major employers like ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips, plus world-class medical centers.
Despite rapid growth, The Woodlands has preserved its quiet, forested charm — a rare feat in modern urban planning. It’s a community that proves sustainability and prosperity can coexist.
8. San Antonio — History Meets Modern Living
The second-largest city in Texas is more than just the Alamo and the River Walk. San Antonio balances deep heritage with forward-thinking development.
With over 300 years of history, the city celebrates its Mexican cultural influence through its cuisine, festivals, and architecture. But it’s also evolving — new housing, a growing job market, and family-oriented attractions like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and The DoSeum make it as vibrant as ever.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or young professional, San Antonio offers the kind of cultural depth few cities can match.
9. McAllen — The Bicultural Border City
Down on the Texas-Mexico border, McAllen stands out for its warmth — both in climate and community.
This “winter Texan” hotspot celebrates Hispanic heritage while welcoming newcomers from across the country. Its location makes it a key player in trade and cross-border commerce, and its low cost of living draws retirees and families seeking an affordable alternative to coastal cities.
Surrounded by nature reserves and bird migration routes, McAllen is a city that blends culture, commerce, and calm.
10. Flower Mound — The Safe Haven of North Texas
Flower Mound, located just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, is the kind of place that makes you exhale after a long day. With a reputation for safety, low taxes, and proximity to DFW Airport, it’s ideal for both commuters and families.
Eric Oss from The Rhodes Team puts it plainly:
“The location of Flower Mound offers easy access to major highways, providing simple travel to both Dallas and Fort Worth.”
Its mix of townhomes, suburban estates, and expansive acreage means residents can find their ideal balance of comfort and convenience.
The Bigger Picture: Why Texas Keeps Winning
The experts agree — people are still moving to Texas because it offers what so many other states have lost: value.
While other regions grapple with housing shortages and high taxes, Texas continues to build. Master-planned communities are springing up faster than anywhere else in the country, providing modern homes, amenities, and space to grow.
The appeal goes beyond affordability. Texas has mastered the formula of economic diversity, with strong industries spanning tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. Add in no state income tax, mild winters, and a culture that celebrates independence, and you’ve got a recipe for sustained growth.
The Texas Paradox: Growth Without Losing Its Roots
As newcomers pour in, the biggest challenge Texas faces is maintaining its unique identity — the balance between progress and tradition. Cities like Fort Worth and The Woodlands prove it’s possible: innovation without erasing heritage, expansion without losing charm.
In an era when many Americans feel priced out or disconnected from their communities, Texas stands as a reminder that you can still find room to live, work, and dream — without sacrificing your wallet or your peace of mind.
Conclusion
From Frisco’s futuristic skyline to McAllen’s cultural warmth, Texas’s top cities embody the best of modern American living. Each offers a different version of the good life — whether it’s career opportunity, family security, or wide-open freedom.
The lesson is clear: the American dream hasn’t disappeared.
It’s just moved — to Texas.
