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15 Best Places to Live in Texas in 2024

November 14, 2023
Need advice on moving to Texas? We've used our rental expertise and knowledge to compile our 15 best places to live in Texas (and our reasons why).

Looking to move to Texas in 2024? Whether you’re headed to the Lone Star State for the first time or transferring from one Texas city to another, it’s an exciting time. But given the size of Texas and its diversity of cities, neighborhoods, cultures, and climates — where do you even start?

To make your apartment hunting process a little easier, we've compiled 15 of the best places to live in Texas across major metropolitan areas. From bustling and cosmopolitan cities to smaller towns brimming with old-time charm. Read on to see what the different areas of Texas have to offer.

Best Places to Live in Texas

1. Austin

  • Population: 964,177
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,779
  • Median Household Income: $78,965
  • Walk score: 42
  • Transit Score: 35
  • Bike Score: 54

If you're a recent college graduate or a remote worker looking for popular Texas cities to move to, Austin we strongly recommend that you check out Austin. The city dubbed the “live music capital of the world” is debatably the best place to live in Texas, offering top-tier nightlife.

The iconic Sixth Street lights up at night with neon signs, rowdy crowds looking to party, tons of drink specials, and a vast selection of live music venues. Beyond entertainment, Austin is the number one big city in the nation, primarily due to its strong economy and the robust job market. It's a great time to move to Austin, and the future is bright, despite relatively higher rent prices compared to the other big Texas cities.

Are you interested in short-term living in Austin? Consider renting with Sunny, a new dedicated marketplace for move-in-ready short-term rentals in Austin, TX.

Austin, Texas Skyline

2. Houston

  • Population: 2,288,250
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,282
  • Median Household Income: $56,019
  • Walk score: 47
  • Transit Score: 36
  • Bike Score: 49

There are so many reasons we love Houston. If you make your way to the fourth-largest city in the United States, you’ll find strong diversity and an eclectic food scene with several festivals throughout the year with cuisines from all over the map. The nine-mile museum district is the crown jewel of the city, home to 19 museums and the Houston Zoo.

Although Houston's walking and biking scene are improving, in our experience, you'll still need a car, as public transportation still needs improvement. The commute times and traffic can be rough, but for one of the fastest-growing job markets in the US. Check out the cost of living in Houston to see if it’s a good fit for you.

Learn about the cost of living in Houston.

Houston, Texas skyline

3. Dallas

  • Population: 1,288,457
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,435
  • Median Household Income: $58,231
  • Walk score: 46
  • Transit Score: 39
  • Bike Score: 49

Dallas is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, home to 13 different counties, with Dallas at the center. The city is the economic center of Texas. It is home to scores of big businesses and Fortune 500 companies, providing some of the best job opportunities in the state, especially in tech and finance.

Compared to Houston, we think that both cities in Texas offer a tantalizing restaurant scene with a wide variety of cuisine. Dallas also boasts the Texas State Fair, which was named the 7th best in the country. If you’re interested in banking and finance or want to live in a city with six major sports teams, learn more about moving to Dallas.

Downtown Dallas

4. Fort Worth

  • Population: 935,508
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,317
  • Median Household Income: $67,927
  • Walk score: 35
  • Transit Score: 22
  • Bike Score: 39

Once a trading post for cowboys at the end of the Chisholm Trail, today, Fort Worth is a modern city that we love for its world-class museums, aquariums, live music, and festivals. You can still get in touch with the cowboy spirit and honor the country’s pioneers at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Fort Worth is rapidly growing, with new residential communities and development making it the fifth-largest in Texas and 13th-largest in the US, perfect for young workers and families.

The city's school system and job market are impressive, with major corporations, including GE, Lockheed Martin, and Exxon Mobil. Higher education options also bring students to settle in Fort Worth, such as the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University School of Law, and Texas Christian University.

Aerial View Fort Worth, Tx

5. San Antonio

  • Population: 1,451,853
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,304
  • Median Household Income: $55,084
  • Walk score: 37
  • Transit Score: 31
  • Bike Score: 45

San Antonio offers a slower lifestyle and is a champion of Texas culture, with locals that take pride in its small-town feel. Our research shows that San Antonio offers a lower cost of living compared to the largest cities in Texas, though the job market isn't as robust, even with substantial population growth. With that said, if you have a military background, you’re in luck, as San Antonio’s military and defense are among its leading industries.

The city also boasts a large Hispanic and Mexican population with incredible food. You'll find plenty of great places to eat near San Antonio's prized attraction — the River Walk. One of our favorite places in all of Texas, the River Walk runs through downtown and is lined with a sea of restaurants, bars, and shops, offering the perfect place for a scenic morning jog or a lively night out.

San Antonio River Walk at Night

6. Plano

  • Population: 288,253
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,952
  • Median Household Income: $99,729
  • Walk score: 41
  • Transit Score: 15
  • Bike Score: 52

Plano is located north of Dallas and is part of the DFW metroplex. While Dallas is home to more young professionals, Plano is a hotspot for those leaving the city to raise families, which is why you’ll find a substantial population of Plano commuters, even with the growing job market.

WalletHub named Plano the happiest city in the United States based on high scores in emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment. Although less lively than Dallas, we still think that Downtown Plano has a solid nightlife scene with plenty of great restaurants and a diverse cultural scene, all wrapped up in a prime location that connects you to all the amenities Dallas offers.

Oak Point Nature Preserve in Plano

7. El Paso

  • Population: 678,415
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,129
  • Median Household Income: $51,325
  • Walk score: 40
  • Transit Score: 28
  • Bike Score: 42

El Paso is located on the western edge of the state bordering Mexico and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Though the border influences the food and culture in El Paso, you'll also find unique local coffee shops, upscale New American restaurants, and lively sports bars.

Constantly named one of the safest cities in America, El Paso draws families looking for a quiet and secure way of life, with a relatively low cost of living in El Paso, allowing residents to spend money on entertainment Downtown. Because El Paso is in the middle of the desert, summers are scorchers with low humidity and dry heat, with monsoons and flash floods between June and September. Therefore, you’ll need renters insurance with a good flood policy when moving to El Paso.

Downtown El Paso Skyline

8. Denton

  • Population: 148,146
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,418
  • Median Household Income: $65,168
  • Walk score: 34
  • Transit Score: N/A
  • Bike Score: 46

The charming city of Denton is located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro and is one of the best places to move to in Texas, providing a fun blend of college students, young professionals, and families. Downtown Denton Square, commonly referred to as "The Square," is the place for shopping, eating, and nightlife.

We found tons of unique locally-made goods along the nearby streets and many festivals and community events throughout the year. It’s worth noting that Denton is only a short drive away from some of Texas's top destinations, so if you are looking for that small-town feel and communal atmosphere but still want to be close enough to Dallas for a night out, Denton is an ideal choice.

Courthouse in Denton, Texas

9. Corpus Christi

  • Population: 317,773
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,268
  • Median Household Income: $59,993
  • Walk score: 40
  • Transit Score: 27
  • Bike Score: 42

This laid-back coastal city is among the best cities in Texas to live in, with outdoor lovers that flock to the area for miles of beaches and waterfront fun like kiteboarding, snorkeling, and surfing. Cool off in Corpus Christi with two local water parks and enjoy the great historical sites, such as the USS Lexington or Britton-Evans Centennial House, or head to the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and Texas Jazz Festival at Heritage Park for cultural offerings.

Luckily, Corpus Christi is less expensive than some of the other best cities to live in Texas, and, as a bonus, you get to live near the waterfront. So whether you want to have some fun or settle in for quiet family life, you can find the best of both worlds in Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi, TX

10. Frisco

  • Population: 210,719
  • Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,109
  • Median Household Income: $134,210
  • Walk Score: 25
  • Transit Score: N/A
  • Bike Score: 39

Frisco is among the fast-growing best areas in Texas to live in and is ranked as one of the best places to live by magazines like Money Magazine. Though it was a sleepy farm town a few decades ago, it is now one of the best up-and-coming towns in Texas, with a bustling downtown and urban amenities. Frisco boasts 49 parks spanning 1,370 acres, and you’ll find 165 shops at the upscale Stonebriar Centre with dozens of dining options.

Beyond the mall, check out the many restaurants along Preston Road, enjoy a day at the National Videogame Museum, or catch a game at Dr. Pepper Ballpark. We think you will appreciate the rapidly growing job market, and you might find it’s the perfect place for young professionals and families looking for quality schools with relatively affordable homes compared to median income.

 New Downtown Frisco Texas from the air

11. Arlington

  • Population: 392,786
  • Rents start at: $1,344
  • Median Household Income: $65,481
  • Walk score: 38
  • Transit Score: 0
  • Bike Score: 40

Arlington is a higher ed town, home to MENSA and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Cheer for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium or the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, enjoy the ample green space and rich wildlife at River Legacy Parks, with trails cutting through hardwood forests, or head to Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for thrills.

Arlington is the largest suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and is undergoing an extensive renovation project for more restaurants, bars, and retail options. The city is close to Fort Worth and Dallas, and although traffic can get annoying, the commute from the seventh-most populous city and the 49th-most populous city in the U.S. is relatively easy.

Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium located in Arlington, Texas USA,

12. Amarillo

  • Population: 201,234
  • Rents start at: $500
  • Median Household Income: $55,174
  • Walk score: 40
  • Bike Score: 42

Amarillo is known for its rodeos, equestrian competitions, and motorsport expositions, with strong cowboy culture and a slower pace of life. You can join a rodeo at the famous Cadillac Ranch or explore the many other sites the area offers, including the Amarillo Zoo, American Quarter Horse Heritage Center and Museum, the Texas Air & Space Museum, and the scenic Palo Duro system of canyons, with multi-use trails leading to Lighthouse Peak.

In terms of weather, the city has a semi-arid climate with dry summer temperatures and cold, frigid winters. While we can still tell that Amarillo was once a ranching town, today it offers townhouses, large apartment complexes, and condos, with quick access to Interstate 40, the highway formerly known as Route 66.

Aerial View of Downtown Amarillo, Texas in Summer

13. Irving

  • Population: 254,198
  • Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,595
  • Median Household Income: $69,961
  • Walk Score: 45
  • Transit Score: 29
  • Bike Score: 42

Located within the suburban Dallas sprawl, Irving, Texas, is a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Irving residents enjoy the best of both worlds regarding the city's delights and suburban lifestyle, as it’s excellent for those looking for shorter commutes.

As a whole, Irving boasts plenty of urban features, but many of its neighborhoods are on the quiet side, offering family-friendly havens with well-regarded school systems that are quiet and safe. Additionally, Irving hosts many popular community events, from those celebrating the city's diversity to those delivering entertainment ranging from music to comedy.

Back view of man in hoody walking dog along Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas, USA.

14. Killeen

  • Population: 156,261
  • Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,068
  • Median Household Income: $50,072
  • Walk Score: 30
  • Transit Score: —
  • Bike Score: 38

Killeen is a suburban central Texas city and a popular military town, offering a suburban feel with few urban areas. Rental units in Killeen range from luxury apartments with desirable amenities to single-family homes with 4+ bedrooms. Fortunately, it's possible to find affordable units in Killeen, as average two-bedroom apartments go for $1,131. Killeen is generally popular with outdoor lovers, hosting several parks and green spaces. In addition, many military families come and go according to their new station orders. While Killeen is a solid city for those who want the joys of small-town living and family-friendliness, it may not be the best place to move for young professionals looking for more entertainment options and job opportunities.

15. Beaumont

  • Population: 112,556
  • Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,027
  • Median Household Income: $49,765
  • Walk Score: 31
  • Transit Score: —
  • Bike Score: 37

Beaumont is a mid-sized city in Texas with a sizable population and a good mix of urban and suburban vibes. While Beaumont's nightlife and entertainment options are there, they are somewhat limited, and you won’t find many entertainment options compared to a larger city. On the other hand, daytime recreation generally includes a trip to one of the city’s parks, a museum visit, or the theater.

If you're looking for a sleepy Texas city, Beaumont keeps it simple and offers basic entertainment and recreation options while keeping things family-friendly. However, if you prefer to stay entertained and look for robust nightlife, there are better fits than Beaumont.

Beaumont is a Town in South East Texas

Finding an Apartment in Texas

Texas offers a wide variety of cities and neighborhoods that are perfect for apartment renters. From the bustling metropolitan areas of Dallas and Houston to the laid-back charm of Austin and San Antonio, there is truly something for everyone.

Whether you're seeking a thriving job market, great schools, a vibrant nightlife, or outdoor recreational opportunities, you can find it all in Texas. Take our easy quiz to get matched with the perfect apartment in your ideal location and price point.

FAQs

What Is the Safest City in Texas to Live in?

According to a 2023 report by SafeWise, the safest city in Texas to live in is Trophy Club.

Where Is the Most Affordable Place to Live in Texas?

Some of the more affordable places to live in Texas include Amarillo, Beaumont, and Killeen. The median rent in Amarillo starts at $500.

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Dr. Katherine Blake
CONTENT EDITOR
Dr. Katherine Blake is a content editor with Apartment List, where she helps ensure our renter and rental management content is fresh and informed by the latest data. Read More
Tristian Brown
SENIOR CONTENT ASSOCIATE
Tristian Brown is a Senior Content Marketing Associate at Apartment List, where he manages high-quality content that helps modern renters find the perfect home. He brings an immense wealth of knowledge to the team, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and European Management from the University of San Diego and EM Strasbourg Business School. Read More
Emily Kho
EMILY KHO
Emily is a professionally trained writer who covers a wide range of topics associated with the rental market and real estate industry. With over a decade of professional writing experience, Emily comes from a strong background in the field backed with a Bachelor of Science from the world-renowned William F. Read More

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