Local’s Guide to Good Places to Live in Texas

If you're thinking about making the Lone Star State your home, you've probably noticed that Texas is HUGE. With so many options, figuring out where to plant your roots can feel overwhelming. As local real estate experts who've helped hundreds of families find their dream homes, we've got insider knowledge on the best and most affordable places to live in Texas. And trust us - after helping clients through countless home searches, we know exactly which communities offer that perfect balance of affordability, amenities, and that special Texas charm that makes a house feel like home.

Why North Texas Should Be on Your Radar

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has been booming for years. Job opportunities are plentiful, the cost of living remains reasonable compared to coastal cities, and you get that perfect blend of Texas charm with big-city amenities. While Dallas itself has become increasingly expensive, many homebuyers are discovering the northern suburbs, where your dollar stretches further.

When looking for good places to live in Texas, North Texas offers some of the most affordable options with excellent quality of life.

Frisco: Where Suburban Bliss Meets Urban Convenience

Frisco isn't just our home base - it's consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in America. With top-rated schools, amazing sports facilities, and a booming job market, Frisco offers that perfect balance of suburban peace with urban perks.

What makes Frisco special is how it's managed its explosive growth while maintaining its character. The $5 Billion Mile showcases luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment, while neighborhoods still have that friendly, know-your-neighbors vibe. Young professionals particularly love the PGA headquarters area and The Star district, which offer upscale living with walkable access to dining and entertainment options.

Affordability factor: While not the cheapest on our list, Frisco offers incredible value considering the amenities, schools, and lifestyle. You can find everything from townhomes in the $300Ks to luxury estates, with most families settling into comfortable single-family homes in the $500-700K range.

McKinney: Historic Charm Meets Modern Living

Just 10 minutes from Frisco, McKinney gives you all those small-town feels with its gorgeous historic downtown square while still providing easy access to big-city amenities.

The downtown area is packed with boutiques, restaurants, and community events. Meanwhile, newer developments offer modern homes with all the bells and whistles.

Affordability factor: McKinney tends to be slightly more affordable than Frisco, with more varied housing stock including historic homes and brand-new developments.

Prosper: Living Up to Its Name

This growing community has exploded in recent years, but has maintained its small-town atmosphere while adding high-end amenities.

Prosper ISD is consistently ranked among the best school districts in Texas, and the town's commitment to planned growth means beautiful master-planned communities with impressive amenities.

Affordability factor: While new construction in Prosper tends to skew toward the luxury market, you can still find more affordable options, especially in slightly older neighborhoods.

Celina: The Next Big Thing

Just north of Prosper, Celina is experiencing tremendous growth but still has that authentic small-town Texas feel with its historic downtown square and tight-knit community.

The city has a comprehensive master plan focused on smart growth, and with the Dallas North Tollway extension, commutes to major employment centers are getting easier every year.

Affordability factor: This is where you'll find some of the best values on our list. New construction communities offer amazing amenities at price points that would be impossible closer to Dallas.

Aubrey: Country Living With Convenience

Located northwest of Frisco, Aubrey gives you that country atmosphere with properties that often include larger lots or even acreage.

US-380 and I-35 provide relatively easy access to major employment centers, while the small-town atmosphere offers a welcome break from city life. The highly-rated Denton ISD serves most of Aubrey.

Affordability factor: Your money goes furthest in Aubrey, especially if land is important to you.

Finding Your Perfect Match in Texas

The beauty of North Texas is the variety of options that fit different lifestyles. From active empty-nesters looking to downsize to growing families needing more space, there's truly something for everyone here.

Many of our clients are surprised to learn just how different each community feels when they visit in person. That's why we always recommend spending time in the areas you're considering - grab coffee at a local café, visit a park on a weekend, or try a restaurant favored by locals. You'll get a much better sense of community vibe than any online research can provide.

When searching for your perfect home among the good places to live in Texas, consider:

• Commute times to work
• School district ratings
• Future development plans
• Community amenities
• Property tax rates
• Proximity to healthcare facilities
• Access to outdoor recreation

Ready to Explore Your Options?

As local experts who live and work in these communities, The Helen Ford Group has insider knowledge you won't find on national real estate websites. Whether you're looking for a luxury estate in Prosper, a family-friendly neighborhood in Frisco, a historic charmer in McKinney, new construction in Celina, or a country property in Aubrey, we'd love to be your guides to exploring the best and most affordable places to live in Texas.

Contact us today to start your home search journey!