15 Best Places to Live in Texas in 2024
Everything's bigger in Texas, including your big move! Looking to relocate to Texas in 2024? Whether you’re headed to the Lone Star State for the first time or moving from one Texas city to another, you'll want to get a sense of which neighborhoods, vibes, and climates work best for you.
To make your apartment hunting a little easier, we've put together a list of 15 best places to live in Texas. From bustling, world-class cities to small towns brimming with old-time charm. Read on to see what the different areas of Texas have to offer you.
Best Places to Live in Texas
1. Austin
- Population: 979,282
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,585
- Median Household Income: $86,556
- Walk score: 42
- Transit Score: 35
- Bike Score: 54
If you're a recent college graduate or a remote worker looking for popular cities to move to, we strongly recommend that you check out Austin. Nicknamed the “live music capital of the world," Austin is a fan favorite for best places to live in the South, and arguably the best place to live in Texas when it comes to culture, arts, food, and nightlife.
The iconic Sixth Street lights up at night with neon signs, rowdy crowds, tons of drink specials, and a quality selection of live music venues. You'll also find plenty of colleges, including the University of Texas's flagship campus. College sports fans are particularly loud about their Longhorns!
Beyond entertainment, Austin is recognized as a top city in the nation due to its strong economy and robust job market. 2024 is a great time to move to Austin. Despite relatively higher rent prices than other Texan cities, Austin is fairly affordable compared to other U.S. metropolitan areas.
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2. Houston
- Population: 2,314,157
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,372
- Median Household Income: $60,440
- 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 a diverse community and an eclectic food scene, with several festivals throughout the year featuring global cuisines. The nine-mile museum district is the crown jewel of the city, home to 19 museums and the Houston Zoo.
Known for its award-winning medical centers and the prestigious Rice University, Houston is also a huge draw for healthcare workers and students. You'll find plenty of events and facilities that cater to both crowds.
Although Houston's walking and biking scene are improving, you'll definitely need a car to live here. The commute times and traffic can be rough, but for one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S., the wait is well worth it. 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.
3. Dallas
- Population: 1,302,868
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,478
- Median Household Income: $63,985
- Walk score: 46
- Transit Score: 39
- Bike Score: 49
Dallas is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, home to 13 different counties. Dallas is the economic center of both the Metroplex and the State of Texas. Scores of big businesses and Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Dallas, providing some of the best job opportunities in Texas, especially in tech and finance industries.
Similar to Houston, Dallas offers a tantalizing restaurant scene with a wide range of cuisines and award-winning menus. Dallas also hosts 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.
4. Fort Worth
- Population: 978,468
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,365
- Median Household Income: $72,726
- 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 destination for world-class museums, aquariums, live music, and festivals. You can still show celebrate its roots 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.
Part of the reason for the city's growth are its school system and job market. Both are impressive, with major corporations, including GE, Lockheed Martin, and Exxon Mobil choosing to call Fort Worth home. 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.
5. San Antonio
- Population: 1,495,295
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,281
- Median Household Income: $59,593
- Walk score: 37
- Transit Score: 31
- Bike Score: 45
One of our editors' favorite U.S. cities, San Antonio offers a slower lifestyle and beautiful architecture. Locals take pride in its small-town feel, even as San Antonio is growing. 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 large, 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 is home to a large Hispanic and Mexican population who have helped to make San Antonio an incredible foodie town. You'll find plenty of great places to eat near San Antonio's prized attraction — the River Walk. A favorite destination for visitors and residents alike, the River Walk runs through downtown and is lined with a sea of restaurants, bars, and shops. It offers the perfect place for a scenic morning jog or a lively night out.
6. Plano
- Population: 290,190
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,807
- Median Household Income: $105,679
- 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. You'll find a substantial population of Plano commuters, even with the growing job market. That may also explain why household income and rent tend to be slightly higher in Plano, as more families set up roots and establish themselves in the area.
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.
7. El Paso
- Population: 678,958
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,094
- Median Household Income: $55,710
- Walk score: 40
- Transit Score: 28
- Bike Score: 42
El Paso is located on the western edge of the state, bordering Mexico, and is considered one of the best places to live in Texas. The border influences the food and culture in El Paso, and you'll also find plenty of 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. A relatively low cost of living in El Paso allows residents to spend money on local businesses and entertainment Downtown.
One thing you want to be sure of is that you can handle the heat, 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. You’ll need renters insurance with a good flood policy when moving to El Paso.
8. Denton
- Population: 158,349
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,416
- Median Household Income: $71,921
- 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 for the younger generation. Home to the University of North Texas, Denton is a fun blend of college students, young professionals, and families looking for a lively community. 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're looking for that small-town feel and communal atmosphere within reach of Dallas, Denton is an ideal choice.
9. Corpus Christi
- Population: 316,595
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,265
- Median Household Income: $64,449
- Walk score: 40
- Transit Score: 27
- Bike Score: 42
This laid-back coastal city has stunning views that make outdoor lovers flock to its beaches. You'll find miles of 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. Head to the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and Texas Jazz Festival at Heritage Park for cultural offerings. From coast to city center, you'll always have a lot to do living in Corpus Christi.
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 beach.
10. Frisco
- Population: 225,007
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,940
- Median Household Income: $144,567
- Walk Score: 25
- Transit Score: N/A
- Bike Score: 39
Frisco is among the fast-growing areas in Texas and is ranked as one of the best places to live by Money Magazine. Though it was a sleepy farm town a few decades ago, it's now a notable up-and-coming towns in Texas, with a bustling downtown and urban amenities. Frisco has 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.
11. Arlington
- Population: 398,431
- Rents start at: $1,370
- Median Household Income: $71,736
- 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). Get thunderstruck at the AT&T Stadium when you take in a Dallas Cowboys game, or cheer on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. In Arlington, you'll enjoy the ample green space and rich wildlife at River Legacy Parks, with trails cutting through hardwood forests. Theme park enthusiasts can head to Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for the top thrills.
Arlington is the largest suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and is undergoing an extensive renovation project, which will bring in more restaurants, bars, and retail options. Since the city is close to Fort Worth and Dallas, the traffic can become a bother. That said, the commute from the seventh-most populous city in Texas and the 49th-most populous city in the U.S. is relatively easy.
12. Amarillo
Amarillo is known for its rodeos, equestrian competitions, and motorsports. Get ready for the strong cowboy culture and the slower pace of life that comes with it. 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 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 the famous Route 66.
13. Irving
- Population: 254,373
- Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,566
- Median Household Income: $76,686
- Walk Score: 45
- Transit Score: 29
- Bike Score: 42
Another town located within the suburban Dallas sprawl, Irving, Irving and its residents enjoy the best of both worlds: the city's delights and the suburban lifestyle. Irving is an excellent choice if you're looking to move to a place with shorter commute times.
As a whole, Irving has its own venues for food, shopping, and fun, but many of its neighborhoods are on the quiet side, drawing retirees and families, especially with well-regarded school systems. Additionally, Irving hosts many popular community events, from those celebrating the city's diversity to musical and comedic entertainment.
14. Killeen
- Population: 159,643
- Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,006
- Median Household Income: $57,068
- Walk Score: 30
- Transit Score: —
- Bike Score: 38
Located in central Texas, Killeen is a popular military town, offering a suburban lifestyle. 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: 112,193
- Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,112
- Median Household Income: $53,745
- 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 features. While Beaumont's nightlife and entertainment options are there, they're somewhat limited, especially compared to a larger city. On the other hand, there's plenty to do in the daytime, including a trip to one of the city’s parks, a museum visit, or the theater.
If you're looking for an affordable and quiet Texas city, Beaumont keeps it simple and offers basic entertainment options. However, if you prefer to stay entertained and look for robust nightlife, there are better fits than Beaumont.
Finding an Apartment in Texas
Texas offers a wide variety of cities and neighborhoods that are perfect for apartment renters. From economic powerhouses like Dallas and Houston to laid-back art and foodie destinations like Austin and San Antonio.
Whether you're seeking a thriving job market, great schools, a vibrant nightlife, or outdoor recreation, 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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