The Best Cities to Live in Texas in 2026
Texas continues to draw new residents for one simple reason: it offers options. Big city careers. Hill Country weekends. Suburban school districts. Small town charm. And, for many buyers, a wide selection of new construction homes designed for the way people live now.
For this 2026 roundup, we focused on cities and towns across Texas, including the greater Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio markets.
How we ranked the best places to live in Texas for 2026
No list can capture every lifestyle, but strong “best place to live in Texas” contenders tend to share a few traits. We looked at four categories:
• Affordability and value: Not just price, but what you get for it and how far your dollar stretches compared to nearby areas.
• Job growth and economic momentum: Metro job gains and the size and diversity of local employment bases.
• Lifestyle: Daily convenience, outdoor recreation, dining, entertainment, and a sense of community.
• Housing options: Availability of new communities, home design variety, and room to grow.
With that in mind, here are our picks for the best city in Texas to live in 2026:
1. Celina: Small town feel with North Texas momentum
Celina has become a standout choice for buyers who want breathing room without losing access to the Dallas-Fort Worth job engine. Master-planned living, new schools, expanding retail, and a community-first vibe make it a strong contender for the best city to live in Texas if you want space, amenities, and growth potential.
Celina also benefits from being in the orbit of one of the country’s strongest large-metro job markets. The Dallas-Fort Worth area added tens of thousands of jobs year over year, reinforcing the region’s long-term stability.
2. Prosper: High-quality living with commuter convenience
Prosper consistently appeals to buyers who value highly rated schools, upscale community amenities, and proximity to major employers across North Dallas and beyond. It’s a great fit for households seeking polished suburban living with a strong resale story, plus access to multiple commuting routes.
In 2026, Prosper remains a practical answer to “best city in Texas to live” for families who want to plan ahead and put down roots in a location that continues to attract investment and new development.
3. Katy: A Houston-area favorite for families and career-minded buyers
Katy continues to earn its reputation as one of the best places to live in Texas for buyers who want a family-friendly environment near major employment corridors. With easy access toward Houston’s Energy Corridor and the broader metro, it’s a smart choice for professionals who want suburban comfort without giving up career opportunity.
Houston remains one of the nation’s largest and most diverse employment centers, supporting everything from healthcare and aerospace to energy and manufacturing.
4. Georgetown: Hill Country charm with Austin-area access
Georgetown delivers a blend that’s hard to beat: classic Texas character, an active community feel, and close proximity to Austin’s innovation economy. If your version of the best city in Texas to live includes weekend farmers markets, local events, and quick drives to scenic outdoor destinations, Georgetown belongs on your shortlist.
The Austin metro continues to draw movers and maintain strong economic performance, supporting long-term demand for housing in surrounding communities.
5. Leander: A practical Austin-area option for space and flexibility
Leander is a go-to for buyers who want more home for the money than central Austin, while staying near major roads and employment hubs. In 2026, it remains attractive for first-time buyers, move-up families, and remote workers who want a well-connected home base.
The area’s ongoing growth continues to expand everyday conveniences like shopping, dining, and recreation.
6. Pflugerville: Close to Austin, built for everyday living
Pflugerville offers a commuter-friendly location, a growing retail scene, and access to outdoor fun, all while staying close to Austin’s employers. It’s a strong “best place to live in Texas” contender for buyers who want Austin access without the Austin price tag in many cases.
Austin communities in places including Pflugerville, make it a practical starting point for buyers who want new construction in the metro area.
7. New Braunfels: Outdoor lifestyle meets real economic growth
New Braunfels has become one of the most talked-about places between San Antonio and Austin, and for good reason. It blends Hill Country scenery, river recreation, and a lively local culture with expanding job opportunities. Recent business investment announcements in the area reflect the kind of momentum buyers watch for when deciding where to settle long term.
For many households, New Braunfels feels like the best city in Texas to live because it offers “vacation energy” without sacrificing day-to-day practicality.
8. Cibolo: San Antonio-area value with a community feel
Cibolo continues to attract buyers who want more space, a strong community atmosphere, and access to San Antonio employers. It’s a great fit for military-connected households, commuters, and anyone who wants a suburban lifestyle near major highways.
San Antonio and the surrounding region have posted meaningful job gains, reinforcing the area’s appeal for buyers balancing budget and opportunity.
9. Schertz: Convenient, connected, and family-friendly
Schertz is one of those “easy to live in” cities: close enough to San Antonio for work and events, but with a calmer day-to-day pace and neighborhood pride. It’s also positioned well for quick trips to New Braunfels and other Hill Country destinations.
Schertz communities appeal to buyers who want commuter convenience and a strong sense of place.
10. Conroe and the Spring area: Nature-forward living near Houston
If you want trees, trails, and access to outdoor escapes without leaving the Houston orbit, Conroe is worth a close look. It’s a popular choice for buyers who want a quieter home base that still connects to major employment areas across Houston.
Communities in the Conroe area support buyers looking for new construction in a setting that balances space and access.
Choosing the best city to live in Texas for your lifestyle
The truth is, the best city in Texas to live depends on what you value most:
• If job access is the priority, look to DFW standouts like Celina and Prosper or Houston-area hubs like Katy.
• If lifestyle is your driver, Hill Country favorites like Georgetown and New Braunfels bring scenery and community energy.
• If you want a balance of value and access, Leander, Pflugerville, Cibolo, and Schertz keep you close to major metros with a more relaxed pace.
Wherever you land, new construction can be a strong advantage in 2026: modern layouts, energy-efficient features, and the ability to choose a home that fits your next chapter.
Coventry Homes builds across the Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio areas, making it easier to compare locations while staying with a builder known for thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship.
Categories: Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Texas