Best Places to Live in Texas for Families (By Region)

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Most families moving to Texas end up in the suburbs of its four biggest metro areas, where newer neighborhoods, strong school districts and parks are easy to find. Here are some of the best places to live in Texas for families, organized by region, plus how to choose the right one for you.

What families should look for

• School district: in Texas, the independent school district (ISD) often matters more than the city name. Two homes in the same city can be zoned to different districts. Check the Texas Education Agency’s school ratings for any address.
• Commute: metro areas are spread out, so map your daily drive at rush hour before you buy.
• Property taxes: rates vary by city, county, school district and special districts. Compare the total rate, not just the home price.
• Flood risk: especially around Houston. Check flood maps and ask whether a home has flooded before.
• Parks and activities: sports leagues, libraries, trails and pools make a big difference for kids.

Dallas–Fort Worth

Frisco

One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with new neighborhoods, top youth sports facilities and the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters at The Star. Expect a lot of new construction and growing traffic.

Plano

A more established suburb with mature neighborhoods, many parks and trails, and corporate headquarters such as Toyota North America. Good for families who want suburban amenities without a brand-new subdivision.

McKinney and Allen

McKinney pairs a charming historic downtown square with newer neighborhoods. Next door, Allen is known for its schools and its enormous high school football stadium. See our list of the biggest high school football stadiums in Texas.

Southlake and Keller

Between Dallas and Fort Worth, close to DFW Airport, with large lots and highly regarded schools. Home prices are on the higher end.

Houston

The Woodlands

A master-planned community north of Houston, wrapped in pine forest, with miles of trails, a lively town center and a waterway. Popular with families and energy-industry workers.

Katy

West of Houston, with a large, popular school district, plenty of new neighborhoods and big-box convenience. Commutes into the city can be long.

Sugar Land and Pearland

Sugar Land is diverse and well planned, with parks and a lively town square. Pearland, to the south, offers more affordable homes and easy access to the Texas Medical Center.

Austin

Round Rock

North of Austin and home to Dell’s headquarters, with established neighborhoods, family attractions and lower prices than central Austin.

Cedar Park, Leander and Georgetown

Fast-growing suburbs on the edge of the Hill Country. Georgetown adds a beautiful historic courthouse square and a slower pace.

San Antonio and the Hill Country

New Braunfels

Between Austin and San Antonio on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, with German heritage, the historic Gruene district and summer tubing right in town.

Boerne

A small Hill Country town northwest of San Antonio with a walkable Main Street, good schools and easy access to state parks. See the best Texas state parks.

Smaller cities worth a look

• College Station: home of Texas A&M, with a young, energetic feel and reasonable costs.
• Tyler: East Texas pines, a famous rose garden and a lower cost of living.
• Lubbock and Amarillo: very affordable West Texas and Panhandle cities with big skies and strong community ties.
• Waco: centrally located between Dallas and Austin, home to Baylor University.

Family must-haves for Texas living

• Kids’ sunscreen and UPF sun hats for long, sunny seasons.
• Insulated water bottles that keep drinks cold through practice.
• A stadium seat for Friday nights and youth sports.
• A backyard shade sail so the kids can play outside in summer.

How to choose

Start with your job location and commute, then narrow by school district, budget and lifestyle: new and suburban, established and leafy, or small-town. Visit on a weekday at rush hour and on a Friday night. You’ll learn a lot about a Texas town from its football stadium. For the bigger picture, read our guide to moving to Texas and the pros and cons of living in Texas.

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