Top 7 Best places to live in Texas with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
United States
Texas

Home to a population of more than 30 million people, Texas has a lot to offer, including family friendly cities and low cost of living. From the wide-open spaces of the great plains to the bustling metropolises that dot the coast, the Lone Star State is home to some of America’s most diverse and safest cities.

Before moving to Texas, it is suggested to research the things to know and do before moving to Texas so you have a better understanding of your potential new home. It is best to ask yourself certain questions regarding the area and to explore to make the right decision. Here are the lists of the top 7 best places to live in Texas with the best quality of life in 2024.

Top 7 Best places to live in Texas with the Best quality of life – 2024

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Texas, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from FBI Crime Data in 2019. The crimes are consisted of violent crimes, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, property crime, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median pricing for November 2023 and Zillow’s 1-bedroom median cost for December 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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1. Horizon City

  • Population: 23,314
  • Crime Rate: 9.30 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,495
  • Average property buying cost: $259,950

Horizon City is a small city located in El Paso County, where summers are extremely hot and winters are mild. As noted by many locals, residents always feel secure in their city, this is proven by the low crime rate of 9.30 crimes per 1,000 people. It is recommended to know basic Spanish, if you are planning to settle in Horizon City, as the city has a large Hispanic community. 

If you are looking for a small town with big-city amenities nearby, Horizon City is the place for you. Residents can reach Downtown El Paso in 24 minutes by car. The city also gives back to its residents by hosting community events, such as the Horizon City Free Movies in the Park, where you can bring your own snacks and enjoy a movie with your loved ones.

As of December 2023, the average property price is $259,950 and 1-bed apartments are renting for $1,495.

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019), U.S. Census Bureau (July 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Horizon City, Texas

2. Memorial Villages

  • Population: 77,509
  • Crime Rate: 2.14 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,600
  • Average property buying cost: $1,697,500

Memorial Villages is a dense urban cluster of six independent cities (Spring Valley, Hillshire, Hedwig, Bunker Hill, Hunters Creek, and Piney Point). As noted by locals, the advantage of Memorial Villages is its location, being only a 19-minute drive from Downtown Houston, while also being conveniently located to Highway 10.

Located in the western part of Houston, the area has a low crime rate of 2.14 crimes per 1,000 people 

with a population of 77,509. Memorial Villages is known for its luxurious real estate, high-end shopping, and top-rated schools like Frostwood Elementary and Cornerstone Academy. Locals have noted that the city is a great place to raise a family, but it is not recommended for young couples as the cost of living is high.

As of December 2023, the average property price is $1,697,500 and 1-bed apartments are renting for $1,600.

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019), City-Data (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Memorial Villages, Texas

3. Fulshear

  • Population: 34,264
  • Crime Rate: 5.07 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,600
  • Average property buying cost: $558,065

Located in the northwestern part of Fort Bend County, Texas, Fulshear is surrounded by hills and green spaces that offer stunning views. If you are seeking a quiet city to settle down, this area is the perfect match for you. You can expect to find a farm and ranch community with growing commercial areas.

Many locals have noted that the city has a small-town atmosphere due to the big-city amenities being located far away. If you are looking to walk around and purchase trinkets, Fulshear has its very own farmers’ market known as Fulshear Farmers Market.

As for safety, Fulshear is indeed a safe city with a low crime rate of 5.07 crimes per 1,000 people. As of December 2023, the average property price is $558,065 and 1-bed apartments are renting for $2,600.

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019), U.S. Census Bureau (July 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Fulshear, Texas

4. Fair Oaks Ranch

  • Population: 11,104
  • Crime Rate: 6.12 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,800
  • Average property buying cost: $750,000

Fair Oaks Ranch, a city north of San Antonio, is known as the perfect family haven due to its endless luxury of family activities. You can expect to find locals at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club on their time off, where they indulge in golf, tennis, and swimming. The area is known for gathering golf lovers with its tournaments.

The city is made up mostly of single-family households, ranging from cozy homes to mansions. Fair Oaks Ranch offers its residents over 10 miles of nature trails, several parks, and rural spaces for children to play.

As for safety, Fair Oaks Ranch is indeed a safe city with a low crime rate of 6.12 crimes per 1,000 people. As of December 2023, the average property price is $750,000 and 1-bed apartments are renting for $2,800.

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019), U.S. Census Bureau (July 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

5. Fairview

  • Population: 10,851
  • Crime Rate: 12.71 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,633
  • Average property buying cost: $657,000

Fairview is a calm and quiet city located in central Collin County, approximately 32 miles north of downtown Dallas. This city is an ideal spot for young urbanites, as they get to have a world of culture and shopping at their fingertips, allowing residents to enjoy all that living in a world-class city has to offer.

One of the city’s notable advantages is its close proximity to major highways 399, 121, and 75. Residents appreciate the abundance of green space in Fairview, especially with the Heritage Ranch & Golf Country Club and the Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

As for safety, Fairview is indeed a safe city with a crime rate of 12.71 crimes per 1,000 people and a population of 10,851. As of December 2023, the average property price is $657,000 and 1-bed apartments are renting for $2,633.

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019), U.S. Census Bureau (July 2022),Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Fairview, Texas

6. Wichita Falls

  • Population: 10,851
  • Crime Rate: 12.71 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,045
  • Average property buying cost: $187,000

Located to the north of Texas, Wichita Falls is surrounded by hills and green spaces that offer stunning views. If you are seeking a quiet city to settle down, this area is the perfect match for you. Be prepared for hot and dry weather in Wichita Falls, as the city experiences many periods of drought throughout the year.

Many locals have noted that the city has a small-town atmosphere due to the presence of local small businesses and an Air Force Base nearby. If you are looking to catch a movie or attend a live concert in your downtime, the city has its own theatre known as the Wichita Opera House.

As of December 2023, the average property price is $187,000 and 1-bed apartments are renting for $1,045. As for safety, Wichita Falls has a low crime rate of 12.71 crimes per 1,000 people. 

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019)U.S. Census Bureau (July 2022)Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Wichita Falls, Texas

7. Amarillo

  • Population: 18,603
  • Crime Rate: 92.41 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,295
  • Average property buying cost: $154,900

Amarillo is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle, and it is also home to some of the most popular attractions in Texas. The city offers many outdoor activities for those looking to get outside and explore. One of these activities is hiking, which can be enjoyed at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Other outdoor activities include fishing and golfing at Amarillo Lake. The food industry is the main sector operating in Amarillo, with numerous restaurants and entertainment options located in downtown Amarillo.

Amarillo is also conveniently close to major highways such as 87, 27, and 40, providing easy accessibility to other amenities and cities in Texas. Locals have noted that the city is a great place to raise a family but, it is not recommended for young couples as there are not many entertainment options available.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,295, and the average property price is $154,900 as of December 2023. As for safety, Amarillo has a crime rate of 92.41 crimes per 1,000 people. 

FBI Crime Data (Dec 2019)U.S. Census Bureau (July 2022)Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Amarillo, Texas

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Conclusion

Texas is a great state to live in not only for its entertainment options but also for its safe and affordable cities. With Texas being one of the largest states in the United States, you are sure to find a home in the Lone Star State. 

We hope that the list of the Top 7 best places to live in Texas with the best quality of life serves as a guide. Whether you love mountain biking, world-class fishing, or the charm of smaller communities, there are options that fit your preferences and budget.

Are you moving to Texas soon? Check out some of the best movers in Austin, TX.

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Frisco
  2. McAllen
  3. El Paso
  4. Brownsville
  5. Corpus Christi
  6. San Antonio
  7. College Station
  8. McKinney
  9. Beaumont
  10. Plano 

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering affordability and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places were excluded from last year’s lists due to insufficient rental data. Moreover, entries with higher average housing prices in the previous year were excluded from the current rankings. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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