Best Places to Live in ALL of Texas - The 2023 List

Are you in the market for a new home or looking to invest in Austin real estate? If so, you might be interested in finding out which are some of the best places to live in Texas! From sunny coastal towns full of outdoor adventure and big bustling cities, there are plenty of wonderful places across the Lone Star State. 

To help make it easier for you to decide where your next move should be, here is our list of the 2023 Best Places to Live in All of Texas. Everyone's priorities will differ, so it's important to take some time to reflect on what's most important to you. By using a set of criteria to evaluate potential cities, you can make a more informed decision and find a place that truly feels like home.

Best Places to Live in Texas

Austin

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Austin is 129.4, which is 29.4% higher than the U.S. average of 100. This means that it costs residents of Austin $129.4 to buy the same amount of goods and services that cost $100 in the U.S. on average.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Austin is $566,800, according to Zillow, while the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Austin stands at $1,470.

Job Market: Austin offers an average salary of $55,216 and a low unemployment rate of 3.40%, which is equal to the national average of 3.40% as of April 2023. The city's economic growth, driven by high-tech firms and affordable living costs compared to other metropolitan cities, attracts both retirees and young professionals seeking creative outlets.

Entertainment and activities: Experience the city's vibrant live music scene i in downtown Austin’s entertainment districts, explore Lady Bird Lake's outdoor activities, visit art galleries and museums, indulge in diverse food trucks, and immerse yourself in nature at Zilker Park and music festivals including Austin City Limits Music Festival and SXSW.

Dallas

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dallas is slightly higher than the U.S. average, with a cost index of 101 compared to the national average of 100. This implies that Dallas residents spend $101 to purchase the same goods and services that would cost $100 on average throughout the U.S.

Housing: According to Zillow, as of April 2023, the average home value in Dallas is $309,929, while the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,270.

Job Market: Dallas, TX is a thriving job market, especially in the finance and technology sectors, with numerous Fortune 500 companies and big businesses. The city has an unemployment rate of 3.9% (U.S. avg. 3.4%) and has seen a 3.3% increase in jobs over the past year, offering an average salary of $43,359.

Entertainment and activities: Explore the vibrant arts scene at the Dallas Arts District, catch a game at the AT&T Stadium, or enjoy family fun at the Dallas Zoo and Perot Museum. Experience world-class shopping at North Park Center and indulge in the city's diverse culinary offerings.

Plano

Cost of Living: Plano, TX has a cost of living index of 109.1, indicating expenses 9.1% higher than the U.S. average of 100. Residents spend $109.1 to purchase the same goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Plano stands at $503,297 according to Zillow, while the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Plano is approximately $1,640.

Job Market: Plano, TX, a thriving tech and business hub, offers a range of job opportunities in fields like finance, insurance, engineering, and IT, with major employers such as JP Morgan Chase, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and Toyota. With job growth of 3.3% over the past year, an average salary of $82,944, and an unemployment rate of 3.6% (above the U.S. average of 3.4%).

Entertainment and activities: Plano, Texas offers diverse entertainment options, including exploring the historic downtown, outdoor activities at Oak Point Park, vibrant arts scene, premier shopping at The Shops at Legacy and Legacy West, and a wide range of dining experiences.

Houston

Cost of Living: Houston, TX has a cost of living index of 95.5, 4.5% below the U.S. average. Residents spend $109.1 for goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Houston is $262337, and a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,640.

Job Market: Houston, TX, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% (slightly higher than the U.S. average of 3.4%), offers a thriving job market. The city's diverse industries, including energy, technology, and healthcare, have contributed to a 3.2% job growth over the past year, with an average salary of $45,728.

Entertainment and activities: Houston, Texas offers diverse entertainment options. Explore Space Center Houston, and delve into the exhibits at the Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. Experience the vibrant culinary scene and enjoy the lively downtown atmosphere with theaters, music venues, and nightlife.

Corpus Christi

Cost of Living: Corpus Christi, TX has a cost of living index of 83.7, 16.3% below the U.S. average. Residents spend $83.70 for goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Corpus Christi is $212,325, and a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,090.

Job Market: Corpus Christi, TX has an unemployment rate of 4.8% (above the U.S. average of 3.4%). The city's diverse industries, including energy, technology, and healthcare, have contributed to a 3.2% job growth over the past year, with an average salary of $45,728.

Entertainment and activities: Corpus Christi, Texas, offers beach activities, including fishing and surfing, as well as attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington Museum. Enjoy live music, festivals, and delectable seafood cuisine along the waterfront.

Killeen

Cost of Living: Killeen, TX has a cost of living index of 80.4, 19.6% below the U.S. average. Residents spend $80.4 for goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Killeen is $224,121, and a one-bedroom apartment costs around $780.

Job Market: Killeen, TX, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, provides diverse employment opportunities due to its military base. Jobs have increased by 1.9% over the past year, with an average salary of $48,283.

Entertainment and activities: Killeen, Texas offers outdoor recreation at Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Dana Peak Park, vibrant arts at Vive Les Arts Theatre, educational experiences at Mayborn Science Theater, local cuisine, and shopping at Killeen Mall.

San Antonio

Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX has a cost of living index of 89.9, 10.1% below the U.S. average. Residents spend $89.9 for goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in San Antonio is $263,231, and a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,070.

Job Market: San Antonio, TX, a diverse city with a growing technology sector, offers employment opportunities with major companies like USAA and Valero Energy Corporation. Jobs increased by 1.6% over the past year, with an average salary of $46,317.

Entertainment and activities: San Antonio, Texas offers iconic attractions like the River Walk and the Alamo, vibrant cultural experiences at Market Square, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and family-friendly entertainment at SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Beaumont

Cost of Living: Beaumont, TX has a cost of living index of 77.9, 22.1% below the U.S. average. Residents spend $77.9 for goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Beaumont is $140,733, and a one-bedroom apartment costs around $860.

Job Market: Beaumont, Texas offers diverse job opportunities across industries like accounting, education, and healthcare. The average salary in Beaumont is $39,191. The unemployment rate is 6.3%.

Entertainment and activities: Beaumont, Texas offers attractions like the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and Edison Museum, outdoor activities at Cattail Marsh, local cuisine, and live performances at the Jefferson Theatre.

Round Rock

Cost of Living: Round Rock, TX has a cost of living index of 116.5, 16.5% above the U.S. average. Residents spend $116.5 for goods and services that cost $100 on average in the U.S.

Housing: As of April 2023, the average home value in Round Rock is $451,088, and a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,470.

Job Market: Round Rock, TX is a technology hub with job opportunities in tech and medical professions. Jobs increased by 3.5% over the past year. The average salary is $70,952. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.

Entertainment and activities: Round Rock, Texas offers downtown exploration, outdoor activities at Brushy Creek Lake Park, and live performances at Dell Diamond Stadium.

Is Texas a Good Place to Live?

Texas is a good place to live for many reasons. From its diverse culture and outdoorsy activities to its affordable cost of living, temperate weather, and friendly locals, it's no wonder why Texas ranks among the fastest-growing states in the US. 

When it comes to the cost of living, Texas offers some of the most value for your dollar with the cost of living being 5.8% lower than the national average. In terms of employment opportunities, Texas is home to many major industries such as energy production and technology. The state also boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 4%. 

If you are considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate in Austin, Texas, click here to speak to a real estate consultant who can provide you with expert guidance and assistance!

Resources:

• Cost of Living: Best Places to Live
• Housing: Zillow
• Job Market: US Bureau of Labor Statistics & YCharts