Best Places to Live in Texas for Families

Looking for the best places to live in Texas for families? This state is renowned for its warm weather, delicious barbecue, and cowboy culture, making it a popular choice for families in America. To assist you in making a decision about where to call home in the Lone Star State, we’ve compiled a list of the top nine family-friendly cities. These locations offer a great quality of life, top-notch schools, plenty of recreational activities, and a strong sense of community, making them the best places to live in Texas for families.

9 Best Cities to Live in Texas for Families

  1. The Woodlands
  2. Coppell
  3. Southlake
  4. Fulshear
  5. Friendswood
  6. University Park
  7. Frisco
  8. Flower Mound
  9. Trophy Club

1. The Woodlands


Considered the best place to raise a family in Texas, The Woodlands is a thriving, 27-acre planned community situated in the Houston suburbs. It was established in the 1970s as one of the state’s first completely integrated communities. Today, it boasts a population of approximately 114,000 people and is renowned for its picturesque parks, scenic walking trails, well-maintained golfing communities, and live music festivals. The area has a flourishing economy, outstanding school systems, low crime rates, and easy access to downtown Houston, making it an ideal location for families. The average home price in The Woodlands is around $529k, making it the most well-rounded and desirable family-friendly area in Texas.

2. Coppell

Ranked as the second best place to live in Texas for families, Coppell is an affluent bedroom community located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With a population of around 42,000, it offers a charming small-town ambiance that attracts many residents. The community is known for its abundance of local amenities, including various parks, farmer’s markets, golf clubs, and recreation centers. The average home price in Coppell is approximately $609k, while the per capita income rate is around $67k. Additionally, the overall crime rate in this area is half the state average, making it a safe and desirable place for families to settle down in Texas.

3. Southlake

If you’re searching for the best places to live in Texas for families, you’ll want to check out Southlake. This town is another great option located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with a population of just over 31,000 people. It has a laid-back atmosphere and small-town charm, setting it apart from other suburbs in the region. Despite its relaxed vibe, downtown Fort Worth is just a short 30-minute drive away, offering residents access to numerous urban amenities. With high home values and per capita income rates, Southlake is one of the most desirable areas in Texas for families looking for an excellent quality of life.

4. Fulshear

Considered as a fantastic area for families in Texas, Fulshear is another suburb of Houston worth checking out. This city is located approximately 34 miles from downtown Dallas and was initially established as a small countryside community. It has a population of just over 25,000 people and is known for its stunning scenery and thriving local cotton, rice, soybean, poultry, sorghum, and ranching industries. Fulshear is popular among Texas families for its welcoming and hospitable atmosphere, making it a great place to raise children. Additionally, with one of the lowest crime rates on this list, Fulshear is a top choice for families who prioritize safety and security.

5. Friendswood

Friendswood is located between Houston and Galveston and is one of the Best places for families to live in Texas. This urban city is progressive and boasts some of the safest streets in the state. Its central location makes it easily accessible, with several major airports, deep water ports, main roads, and railways nearby. The city offers expansion assistance and economic development incentives, making it an attractive option for local business professionals. Its wealthy, well-educated population helps to maintain a low overall crime rate, well below state and national averages. With great home prices and per capita income rates, Friendswood is a popular choice among families looking for a high quality of life in Texas.

6. University Park

University Park is not only one of the best places for families in Dallas, but also one of the wealthiest. Located just north of Downtown Dallas, it offers a short 14-minute drive to all the inner city has to offer. The area is known for its rows of luxurious homes and affluent residents, earning the second spot on the American Community Survey’s 2018 list of wealthiest cities in the US.

Southern Methodist University, the town’s namesake, attracts a diverse range of young professionals and students, creating a vibrant community. Despite this, University Park maintains a well-maintained environment and provides chic shopping options, abundant green spaces, and a stunning real estate market for its residents.

High average home prices, lofty per capita income, and low crime rates contribute to making University Park one of the best places to live in Texas.

7. Frisco


Frisco is considered one of the best places to live in Texas for families due to its wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions. With over seventy miles of hiking and biking trails, museums, art installations, and sporting events, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

The National Videogame Museum, Texas Sculpture Garden, and The Star, the official Dallas Cowboys practice facility, are just a few of the area’s most popular attractions. Frisco’s large population of over 210,000 residents also offers a bustling urban environment, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a lively community.

Overall, Frisco’s abundance of family-friendly amenities and attractions makes it one of the best places to live in Texas for families.

8. Flower Mound

Flower Mound, named after the 12.5-acre flower-covered hill in its center, is one of the best cities in Texas for families. Located between Grapevine Lake and Lake Lewisville, it offers an abundance of green spaces, walking trails, biking paths, and equestrian centers for outdoor enthusiasts.

The community in Flower Mound is active, well-organized, and largely white-collar, contributing to a low local crime rate that falls below the state average. Additionally, the city hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, arts festivals, and 5K races, providing entertainment for all ages.

Recently, Flower Mound was ranked as the fourth “Best Place to Live” in the United States for 2022-2023 by Money magazine, cementing its status as an ideal location for families.

9. Trophy Club

Trophy Club has long been considered one of the best areas for families in Texas due to its affluent status and abundance of green spaces. The area boasts acres of parks, golfing communities, and lake access, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. With a per capita income of more than double the state average, the area is prosperous and attracts well-educated professionals, with 97.1% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The highly educated resident base, along with an array of major local employers, helps to maintain a robust workforce and keep poverty levels low in the area. Additionally, Trophy Club is an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals looking to raise a family in a supportive community.

Overall, Trophy Club’s combination of affluence, green spaces, and educated professionals make it one of the best places for families in Texas.

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