Best Places to Live in Texas 2026
by Anonymous
Texas cities dominate national best-places rankings thanks to no state income tax, strong job markets, and affordable housing. Houston offers the cheapest major-city living at $262,000 median home price, while Austin commands a premium at $500,000+ for its tech scene and culture. Suburban cities like Allen and Georgetown consistently rank as the state's most livable communities.
Austin
$500,627
median home price
Excellent (tech hub)
job market
+15%
population growth (5yr)
Above average
school quality
Tech workers, young professionals
best for
Houston
$261,976
median home price
Excellent (energy, medical, aerospace)
job market
+8%
population growth (5yr)
Varies widely by district
school quality
Affordable big-city living
best for
San Antonio
$247,132
median home price
Good (military, healthcare, tech)
job market
+7%
population growth (5yr)
Average
school quality
Affordability with culture
best for
Allen
$450,000
median home price
Strong (DFW metro access)
job market
+10%
population growth (5yr)
Top-rated (#1 in state)
school quality
Families, safety, parks
best for
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