Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Texas in 2027
Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland
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The 10 best best towns to live in texas are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Southlake Texas
Southlake ranks first because it delivers the strongest overall balance of elite schools, safety, and amenities in Texas. The median home price sits near $1.05 million, reflecting large custom-built homes on generous lots. Carroll ISD consistently posts top state accountability scores, and violent crime is very low. The walkable Southlake Town Square provides dining, shopping, and a movie theater that anchors community life.
This town is for affluent families who prioritize school quality and a polished, meticulously maintained suburb over affordability. It trades away any pretense of value pricing, as property taxes on million-dollar homes run steep. Compared to second-ranked Frisco, Southlake offers a more established, compact feel with mature trees and a tighter community, but at a significantly higher entry cost.
2. Frisco Texas
Frisco earns the second spot for its explosive growth, abundant new construction, and big-league amenities at a more accessible median home price near $650,000. Frisco ISD earns strong marks, and the city hosts The Star, Toyota Stadium, and the PGA of America campus. Crime is low, and the corporate corridor along the Dallas North Tollway keeps jobs close. Commutes to Plano and North Dallas run 20–30 minutes.
This town suits families who want modern master-planned communities and entertainment options without million-dollar pricing. It trades away mature tree cover and established neighborhoods, as much of the housing stock is new builds. Compared to top-ranked Southlake, Frisco offers more square footage per dollar and a faster-growing job base, but suffers from heavier peak-hour traffic and a less intimate community feel.
3. The Woodlands Texas
The Woodlands ranks third for its unique forested, master-planned environment that is unmatched elsewhere in Texas, with a median home price around $525,000. Conroe ISD and its feeder schools earn solid ratings, and the community preserves a heavy tree canopy with miles of trails. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion brings major concerts, and a strong local energy and healthcare job base means many residents barely commute. Crime is low and the setting is exceptionally green.
This town is for Houston-area families who want nature, trails, and a self-contained community rather than urban density. It trades away easy access to downtown Houston, as the I-45 commute runs 40–50 minutes. Compared to second-ranked Frisco, The Woodlands offers a more established, wooded aesthetic and a stronger local employment base, but has a longer commute to its metro's core and higher humidity.
4. Coppell Texas
Coppell takes fourth place for its compact, mature, and established character with a highly respected school district, at a median home price near $625,000. Coppell ISD is among the most respected in the metro, and the town's smaller footprint creates a tight-knit feel. Crime is very low, and the central location near DFW Airport puts Las Colinas, Irving, and downtown Dallas within a 20–30 minute commute. Mature trees and established neighborhoods define the housing stock.
This town is for families who value a built-out, walkable community with minimal sprawl and quick airport access. It trades away new construction and inventory, as the market is tight with few available lots. Compared to third-ranked The Woodlands, Coppell offers a more central DFW location and a smaller, more intimate district, but lacks the extensive trail system and forested canopy.
5. Sugar Land Texas
Sugar Land ranks fifth for delivering strong value and diversity in a Houston suburb, with a median home price around $475,000. Fort Bend ISD and nearby districts earn good marks, and the town offers a mix of master-planned communities and an active Town Square. Crime is low, and commutes to the Houston Energy Corridor and Medical Center run 30–45 minutes via US-59. Constellation Field hosts minor-league baseball, adding to the community amenities.
This town is for families seeking a diverse, welcoming community with more space per dollar than DFW's elite picks. It trades away proximity to central Houston, as heavy traffic on US-59 can extend commutes. Compared to fourth-ranked Coppell, Sugar Land offers a significantly lower median home price and a more diverse population, but has a longer commute to its metro's core job centers.
6. Flower Mound Texas
Flower Mound ranks sixth for its abundant open space, lake access, and strong schools, with a median home price near $625,000. The town protects large areas of trails and green space along Lake Grapevine, and students attend the well-regarded Lewisville ISD. Crime is very low, and the location near SH-121 and I-35E keeps Dallas and Fort Worth jobs within a 30–40 minute reach. Larger lots than denser suburbs are a key feature.
This town is for outdoor-oriented families who want parks, trails, and water access without sacrificing school quality. It trades away walkable downtown amenities, as there is no central square comparable to Southlake's. Compared to fifth-ranked Sugar Land, Flower Mound offers a more outdoorsy lifestyle and balanced access to two major metros, but at a higher median home price and with fewer cultural amenities.
7. Allen Texas
Allen ranks seventh but is the best-value pick, delivering top Allen ISD schools and low crime at a median home price around $475,000. The city is famous for its 18,000-seat Eagle Stadium and a strong high-school football culture. Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, and an extensive trail system provide ample amenities. Commutes to Plano's corporate campuses run just 15–25 minutes, making it highly practical for professionals.
This town is for value-focused families who want elite schools and safety without paying Frisco or Southlake prices. It trades away new luxury inventory, as much of the housing stock is slightly older than in faster-growing neighbors. Compared to sixth-ranked Flower Mound, Allen offers a lower median home price and a shorter commute to Plano, but lacks the lake access and large-lot options.
8. Cedar Park Texas
Cedar Park ranks eighth for its strong value near Austin's tech economy, with a median home price around $500,000. Leander ISD earns solid ratings, and the town has a younger, tech-tilted population drawn by Austin's job market. Crime is low, and the H-E-B Center hosts minor-league hockey and concerts. Commutes to downtown Austin and the Domain tech district run 25–40 minutes via US-183.
This town is for Austin-area workers who want suburban space and good schools at a relative bargain versus central Austin. It trades away proximity to urban nightlife and culture, as the commute can be congested. Compared to seventh-ranked Allen, Cedar Park offers a more dynamic, tech-driven local economy and a younger demographic, but faces faster-rising home prices and heavier traffic congestion.
9. Fulshear Texas
Fulshear ranks ninth for its brand-new master-planned communities and very low crime, with a median home price around $525,000. The town is one of the fastest-growing in Texas, built almost entirely from developments like Cross Creek Ranch west of Houston. Lamar CISD and Katy ISD schools serve the area well, and homes come with modern amenities, pools, and trails. The small-town setting is a draw for many buyers.
This town is for buyers who want resort-style, new construction with a small-town feel and are willing to accept a longer commute. It trades away established infrastructure and retail, as the area is still developing. Compared to eighth-ranked Cedar Park, Fulshear offers newer homes and a more rural, quiet atmosphere, but has a much longer commute to its metro's core and fewer immediate entertainment options.
10. Colleyville Texas
Colleyville rounds out the list for its large estate lots and top schools, with a median home price near $850,000. The town is a smaller, upscale neighbor to Southlake, known for one-acre-plus lots and an estate feel. Students attend the highly rated Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, and crime is very low. The central location keeps DFW Airport and both downtowns within easy reach, while the town leans quiet and residential.
This town is for affluent families who want acreage and privacy without the walkable bustle of Southlake. It trades away walkable amenities, as Colleyville Town Center is modest compared to larger suburbs. Compared to ninth-ranked Fulshear, Colleyville offers much larger lots and a more established, luxurious character, but at a significantly higher price and with fewer new-build options.
How we ranked these
We measured each town against six weighted criteria drawn from public data: affordability and home value (25%), public school quality (20%), safety and crime rates (20%), jobs and commute access (15%), amenities and lifestyle (10%), and community feel (10%). Median home prices came from Zillow and Realtor.com; school ratings from Niche, GreatSchools, and TEA; crime and commute data from BestPlaces and Census figures.
We deliberately ignored subjective factors like glossy marketing, model-home upgrades, and "city of the year" press releases. We also excluded towns with insufficient data or those outside the major metro job centers of Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin. The goal was to rank only places where a typical family could realistically live, work, and thrive without relying on hype.
Related questions
What is the best town in Texas for families?
Southlake is the best overall for families, with top-ranked Carroll ISD, very low crime, and walkable Southlake Town Square. However, the median home price near $1.05 million is a barrier. For better value, Allen offers strong Allen ISD schools and safety at a $475,000 median, making it a smart family choice.
Which Texas town has the lowest crime rate?
Several towns on this list have very low crime, including Southlake, Coppell, Flower Mound, and Colleyville. While exact rankings vary by year, these suburbs consistently report violent crime rates far below state and national averages. For the safest pick, Southlake and Coppell are often cited as top contenders.
What is the most affordable town with good schools?
Allen is the best value, with a median home price around $475,000 and highly rated Allen ISD. It undercuts Frisco and Southlake by hundreds of thousands of dollars while keeping you in the same elite school belt. Sugar Land and Cedar Park also offer strong value near Houston and Austin.
Which Texas suburb is best for commuting to Dallas?
Coppell is ideal for Dallas commuters, with a central location near DFW Airport and 20–30 minute drives to Las Colinas, Irving, and downtown Dallas. Frisco and Allen also offer reasonable commutes to Plano and North Dallas, but traffic on the tollway can be heavy at peak hours.
What is the best Houston suburb for families?
The Woodlands is the top pick for families, offering forested master-planned living, solid Conroe ISD schools, and a strong local job base. Sugar Land is a close second with more diversity and value, while Fulshear provides brand-new homes but a longer commute to central Houston.
Is Cedar Park a good place to live for tech workers?
Yes, Cedar Park is a strong choice for Austin tech workers, with a median home price around $500,000 and a 25–40 minute commute to downtown Austin and the Domain. Leander ISD schools are solid, and the community is younger and growing, though traffic congestion is a drawback.
Which Texas town has the best school district?
Carroll ISD in Southlake is consistently ranked among the best in Texas, followed closely by Coppell ISD, Allen ISD, and Frisco ISD. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD also ranks highly. These districts offer high accountability scores, strong athletics, and excellent college readiness.
FAQ
What is the best overall town to live in Texas?
Southlake earns our top spot for combining top-ranked Carroll ISD schools, very low crime, walkable amenities at Southlake Town Square, and quick DFW Airport access, despite a median home price near $1.05 million.
Which Texas town offers the best value?
Allen is our value pick, with a median home price around $475,000 delivering top Allen ISD schools, low crime, and a short Plano commute for far less than Southlake or Frisco.
Which Texas suburbs have the best schools?
Carroll ISD (Southlake), Coppell ISD, Allen ISD, Frisco ISD, and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD consistently rank among the strongest districts in the state.
What is the best place to live near Houston?
The Woodlands leads for forested master-planned living, while Sugar Land offers diverse, lower-cost suburban life and Fulshear delivers brand-new construction.
Which Texas town is best for Austin tech workers?
Cedar Park offers suburban value, solid Leander ISD schools, and a 25–40 minute commute to downtown Austin and the Domain tech district.
Are Texas property taxes high in these towns?
Yes — Texas has no state income tax but among the higher property tax rates nationally, so factor the rate and any homestead exemptions into your total monthly cost.
How important are school district boundaries?
In Texas, the district often matters more than the city name. Confirm exactly which ISD and feeder schools serve a specific address before you buy, as boundaries can vary within the same town.
What should I check about flood risk?
Especially around Houston, check FEMA flood zones, drainage upgrades, and whether a property flooded in past storms. This is critical for towns like Sugar Land and Fulshear.
Is it better to buy new construction or an established home?
New communities like Fulshear offer modern amenities but young trees and ongoing construction. Established towns like Coppell provide mature shade but less inventory. Choose based on your preference for move-in readiness versus character.
Sources
- https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/s/texas/
- https://data.census.gov
- https://www.zillow.com/tx/home-values/
- https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Texas
- https://www.bestplaces.net/state/texas
- https://www.greatschools.org/texas/
- https://tea.texas.gov
- https://www.livability.com/best-places/
- https://www.southlakecarroll.edu
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