4 of the best places to live in Texas

By Jared McKinney

What Texas has to Offer

Millions of people call the Lone Star State home. Full of mouthwatering barbeque, cowboy-themed decor, sporting events and high temperatures, Texas is the second most populated state in the U.S. Although living in Texas has many attractive benefits, many people love the cost of living and find it more affordable than many other states.

However, due to the sheer size of the state, living in one area in East Texas might be significantly different than in the west part of the state. No matter which city you decide to explore, it’s good to know the best places overall in Texas that will suit you.

Before we can determine which specific location is best, let’s break down some of the features you should consider:

What to Consider

1. Cost of Living

The average cost of living and housing costs are significant factors in determining which Texas cities are best to live in. For most folks looking to move, this factor shapes their decision entirely. But, there is more to the cost of living than just the price of buying a home or renting an apartment. The price of food, gas, schools, healthcare…etc. also, need to be factored into the cost of living. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to the cost of living in the local job market in other cities. 

Different cities will have varying needs for jobs which will affect the median housing price as well as the income levels. The livable wage is defined as the amount of income determined to provide a decent standard of living. 

The gap between some of the wealthiest states vs poorer states is as much as $17,000. This gap just shows how much the cost of living can vary between areas and how your median household income level will play a huge part in your ability to afford certain areas. 

2. Environment

Another important factor to consider is which environment is best suited for your needs. Because Texas is located on the border, if you live towards the south/east part of the state you might have the luxury of living by the beach. The south/west part of the state borders Mexico and getting to the beach might be more difficult.

Also, keep in mind the environment you wish to live in. As a whole, Texas experiences high temperatures and is fairly humid. However, living closer to the ocean will have higher humidity and there is a greater chance of hurricanes and flooding. Whereas north Texas might be dryer and less humid as it is further away from the beach.

3. Lifestyle

Texan flag waving in the wind

If you love big city amenities like live music bars/clubs, country-themed decor, and having an active social life-you’re in luck! The nightlife in Texas and the exciting hustle and bustle of the bigger cities will keep you entertained. 

Living close to a big city like Austin, Houston and Dallas will have more restaurants, nightlife, clubs, bars, and other attractions. On the flip side, there will most likely be more traffic, crime and greater living expenses. Consider what lifestyle you want to have before choosing the city you wish to live in.

Now, here are the best places to live in Texas.

Moving to Texas? Here are 4 of the best places to live

1. Austin

Austin, Texas is located in the south part of the state towards the middle. Austin is roughly 200 miles from the ocean and you could easily plan a weekend trip to the beach to experience what the coast has to offer. Austin is also not very far from Waco and Fort Worth which are Texas cities that also have some good shopping and sites to see.

Austin is also home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep you occupied. Many people who are in the local foodie scene love how many different kinds of food you can try in Austin and the variety of influences on cuisine.

The average cost of homes in Austin is $579,000 while the average 2 bedroom apartment sits at $1,690/month. Compared to the US as a whole, this home price is a bit above average and is pricier than other parts of the state. The national average for homes is roughly $561,000 in 2021. Over the last few years, many people have begun moving to Austin and it soon might become one of the most populated states in the US.

2. Brownsville

You don’t hear very much about this little charming city and this might be the reason why it’s such a gem! Located only 20 miles from the east of Brownsville is the Gulf of Mexico, making Brownsville the closest city in the US to the Mexico Border. Brownsville is also situated 2.5 hours south of the military base, Corpus Christi.

Brownsville offers a rich culture known for year-round tropical climate, deep-water seaports, and Hispanic culture heavily influenced by the immigrants from Mexico and the fascinating culture they bring with them.

Brownsville makes this list because of the rich culture and beautiful climate. Recently, Brownsville made the safest city list in the US. Also, Brownsville is very affordable with the average home cost at $205,000. If you’re looking for a beautiful, tropical city with a rich Hispanic influence and affordable housing, look no further!

3. El Paso

Large El Paso Bull in Texas

Jumping to the other side of the state we have a city called El Paso. El Paso is on this list because of the low cost of living, sunny climate, and delicious authentic Mexican cuisine mixed with traditional Texas flavors known as Tex-Mex. El Paso is called “Sun City” because on average the city receives 302 days of sun each year, making it beautiful, hot and sunny all year round.

El Paso also borders a Mexican city called Juarez and the Hispanic influence is also heavily found in the buildings and local restaurants. El Paso is also very affordable and has an average home price of $179,000.

4. San Antonio

If we switch gears to a more well-known city in Texas, we find a southern city known as San Antonio. San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission, is preserved as a museum in San Antonio. This museum marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico.

The average home price in San Antonio is $248,000, making it substantially cheaper than other areas of the state. San Antonio is also the 7th largest city in the US and features delicious cuisine, popular attractions like Sea World & The San Antonio Botanical Gardens, many historical sites, and is home to the San Antonio Spurs. You won’t be bored while living in San Antonio and for this reason, it’s on the list.

Conclusion

No matter which city you decide to live in, life in Texas is sure to be rewarding! Many people decide to retire in Texas because of how warm, tropical it is as well as the affordable costs and bustling attractions. 

Although Texas is the state with the largest amount of land, it isn’t the most populated. California still ranks as the most populated state in the US. However, due to the reasons mentioned earlier, we might see many young professionals make the move to the Lone Star State in the next 10 years.

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