Why Families Are Moving to Texas: The Top Cities to Live, Work & Thrive in 2025 (Highest Hiring Numbers)

Thinking about a fresh start? You’re not alone. Families across the country are setting their sights on Texas—and for good reason. 🚀

With over 232,000 new jobs added in just the past year, Texas is leading the nation in job growth, fueled by booming industries, affordable housing, and family-friendly communities. From tech hubs to cultural gems, the Lone Star State offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing career opportunities, seeking better schools, or simply craving more space at a lower cost of living.

In this guide, we’ll spotlight the top 10 Texas cities families are moving to right now, backed by real data on jobs, housing, and lifestyle. Whether you’re eyeing a suburban escape, a thriving metro, or a laid-back small city, you’ll discover where opportunity and quality of life come together.

Let’s dive in and find your perfect Texas home. 🏡✨

🌾 Lubbock

Lubbock stands out for its steady job growth in agriculture, education, and healthcare, with key employers like Texas Tech University adding roles in research and medical fields. The unemployment rate is around 3.5%, and the city benefits from Texas' overall 1.6% annual nonfarm job growth. For families, expect abundant entry-level and skilled positions in agribusiness and tech innovation.

🏡 Housing is highly affordable, with median home prices at about $220,000, and plenty of single-family homes and new developments available. The cost of living is 10% below the national average, making it easy to stretch your budget on groceries, utilities, and transportation.

✨ Quality of life shines with family-oriented amenities like parks, the Buddy Holly Center, and strong public schools rated B+ on average, plus a close-knit community vibe ideal for raising kids. Families also appreciate the balance of small-town friendliness with urban amenities, including shopping districts, cultural festivals, and a thriving local music scene that gives the “Hub City” its nickname.

🌍 El Paso

El Paso boasts robust hiring in international trade, logistics, and government services, driven by its border location and employers like Fort Bliss military base. With an unemployment rate of 4.0%, the city sees consistent job additions in healthcare and education, tying into Texas' statewide growth of 232,500 jobs over the year. Families can also find opportunities in bilingual roles and manufacturing, thanks to the city’s unique position as a cultural and commercial bridge between the U.S. and Mexico.

🏡 Median home prices are a bargain at $240,000, with options from starter homes to spacious family residences in safe neighborhoods. The cost of living is 12% lower than the national average, keeping expenses low for housing and daily needs.

🌄 For living, enjoy cultural diversity, outdoor activities in Franklin Mountains State Park, and solid school districts like El Paso ISD (rated B), making it great for multicultural families seeking affordability. Families also benefit from El Paso’s welcoming atmosphere, a vibrant culinary scene, bilingual educational opportunities, and the city’s reputation for being one of the safest large cities in the U.S.

🎡 Arlington

As part of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metro, which added 46,800 jobs over the year to May 2025, Arlington excels in sports, entertainment, and manufacturing jobs. Unemployment hovers at 3.8%, with openings in healthcare, education, and tourism from attractions like Six Flags and pro sports stadiums. Families benefit from a central location, making commuting to broader metro jobs convenient.

🏡 Homes are reasonably priced with a median of $290,000, offering townhomes and suburbs ideal for growing families. Cost of living is 4% below the national average, with low utility and transport costs.

🎓 Family life includes top-rated Arlington ISD schools (B+ grade), pro sports venues, and parks, providing a balanced, exciting environment for kids. Add in a steady flow of cultural events, excellent highway access, and community-centered neighborhoods, and Arlington offers families both suburban comfort and big-city perks.

🏙 Plano

Plano, in the Dallas metro with its massive 46,800 job additions, is a hub for corporate jobs in finance, IT, and business administration from headquarters like Toyota and JPMorgan Chase. Unemployment is low at 3.5%, with high-paying tech and admin roles abundant for professionals. Median household income exceeds $100,000, supporting family stability.

🏡 Housing features modern suburbs with median prices around $450,000, including family-friendly homes with yards. Though the cost of living is 10% above the national average due to premium amenities, it's manageable with higher salaries.

🎓 For families, Plano ISD is one of Texas' best (A+ grade), with excellent parks, shopping, and low crime, making it a top choice for education-focused relocations. Plano also offers beautiful master-planned communities, strong healthcare access, and an international food and cultural scene that makes family life both safe and enriching.

🏟 Frisco

Frisco leads in corporate and tech hiring, part of Dallas-Fort Worth's 46,800 job surge, with industries like sports management (Dallas Cowboys HQ) and innovation startups. Unemployment is at 3.5%, and median income of $146,158 reflects strong opportunities in healthcare and office-based roles. Families find high-growth jobs with room for advancement.

🏡 Median home values are $681,000, but new developments offer diverse options from condos to estates. Cost of living aligns with nearby Plano at about 10% above average, offset by earnings.

🎓 Living perks include Frisco ISD (A+ rated, top in Texas), family events, and sports complexes, creating a dynamic, safe spot for kids. Frisco is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and it blends upscale amenities, master-planned communities, and family-first events like youth sports leagues and cultural festivals.

🐂 Fort Worth

Fort Worth contributes to the metro's 46,800 jobs added, excelling in aerospace (Lockheed Martin), education, and manufacturing, with a 3.8% unemployment rate. Families can access roles in defense, healthcare, and laid-back service sectors.

🏡 Median home prices are $299,339, with affordable suburban and urban mixes. Cost of living is 4% below the national average, keeping family budgets in check.

🎉 Quality of life features cultural gems like the Stockyards, Fort Worth Zoo, and strong schools such as Fort Worth ISD (B grade), plus family festivals for a relaxed Western vibe. Families also enjoy a slower pace compared to Dallas while still being part of the larger metro, giving the best of both worlds.

🎶 San Antonio

San Antonio's metro added 29,500 jobs over the year, leading in healthcare, military, and tourism, with employers like USAA and major military bases. Unemployment at 3.8%, and median income of $62,917 support diverse roles in bioscience and cybersecurity.

🏡 Median home values are $256,363, with plentiful affordable options. Cost of living is 9% below the national average, ideal for family savings.

🎉 Families love the rich culture, the River Walk, top districts like Alamo Heights ISD (A+), and low-stress lifestyle with historic sites and festivals. San Antonio blends affordability with culture like no other city in Texas, making it a favorite for multi-generational families.

🚀 Houston

Houston's metro added 31,100 jobs over 12 months, dominating in energy, healthcare (Texas Medical Center), and aerospace, with a 4.4% unemployment rate. Opportunities abound in high-paying oil, manufacturing, and tech fields.

🏡 Median homes cost $269,422, with diverse neighborhoods from urban to suburban. Cost of living is 6% below average, making it family-friendly on expenses.

🎉 Living highlights include multicultural vibes, world-class museums, parks, and A-rated districts like Pearland ISD, perfect for diverse families seeking big-city amenities. Houston also benefits from being a global hub, offering unmatched dining, international travel connections, and a booming housing construction market.

🎸 Austin

Austin added 18,500 jobs over the year, topping in tech (Apple, Tesla), semiconductors, and creative industries, with a 3.5% unemployment rate and 1.4% growth. Families find innovative roles in biotech and education.

🏡 Median home prices are $523,769, but suburbs offer more affordable family homes. Cost of living is 3% below the national average, balanced by higher incomes.

🎉 For quality, enjoy live music, outdoor trails, and excellent schools like Eanes ISD (A+ inferred), with a vibrant, family-focused scene. Austin’s mix of a thriving startup culture, outdoor lifestyle, and top-tier schools makes it one of the most desirable U.S. cities overall.

🌆 Dallas

Dallas leads with the metro's 46,800 jobs added, excelling in finance, tech, and healthcare from Fortune 500 companies like AT&T. Unemployment is at 3.9%, with diverse opportunities in logistics and energy.

🏡 Median homes are $315,056, with options from high-rises to family suburbs. Cost of living is 2% above average but offset by salaries.

🎓 Families thrive with world-class museums, pro sports, and top districts like Highland Park ISD (A+), offering urban excitement and strong education. Dallas offers both the energy of a global city and the support of tight-knit suburban communities surrounding it.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Texas offers unmatched opportunities for families—strong jobs, affordable homes, and enriching living. Whether you’re drawn to the tech hubs of Austin and Plano, the cultural heartbeat of San Antonio, or the affordability of Lubbock and El Paso, the Lone Star State has a place that fits your family’s lifestyle.

If you're planning a move, these cities provide the perfect start. 🏡💼✨