Best Places to Live in Texas (For Expat Research)
Texas can feel like several countries stitched into one state: big metros, coastal towns, college cities, and wide-open Hill Country drives.
If you’re doing expat research, the goal isn’t to “pick the best city.” It’s to find the best fit for your work, daily rhythm, and long-term comfort.
This guide is written for international newcomers who want a practical shortlist, clear comparison points, and a plan they can use right away.
Some choices are obvious. Others surprise you.
Updated: January 2026
How to choose a Texas city as an expat
Start with three anchors: work, mobility, and community.
Then pressure-test the details: commute patterns, airport access, housing style, and how easy it is to build a social routine.
A practical mindset: you’re not choosing “Texas.”
You’re choosing a metro + neighborhood + daily route.
- Pick a metro for career options and airport reach.
- Pick a neighborhood for your everyday comfort (walkability, parks, cafes, errands).
- Pick a routine you can repeat without stress.
What matters most for expat research
- International connectivity: how quickly you can reach a major airport, and how many routes you can get without a complicated transfer.
- Daily transportation reality: Texas is mostly car-first, but some neighborhoods make walking and transit feel surprisingly workable.
- Work ecosystem: your industry clusters, networking density, and how easy it is to meet people beyond work.
- Family logistics: schools, kid-friendly amenities, and how much “driving time” family life will require.
- Climate comfort: not just heat, also humidity, wind, and how often you’ll actually want to be outside.
Fast comparison table
Use this as a shortlist builder. Then scroll down for neighborhood-level research ideas.
| Place to research | Best for | Lifestyle feel | Mobility note | Airport access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin + Round Rock | Tech, startups, creative work | Energetic, outdoors, events | Some walkable pockets; car still common | AUS (strong regional reach) |
| Dallas–Fort Worth + Plano/Frisco | Corporate careers, broad job market | Polished suburbs + big-city options | Driving-focused; some rail coverage in key areas | DFW (major hub) |
| Houston + The Woodlands/Sugar Land | Global business, energy, healthcare | Big, diverse, neighborhood-driven | Car-first; targeted areas work without one | IAH + HOU |
| San Antonio | Family life, steady pace, culture | Warm, relaxed, weekend-friendly | Easy driving; simple city layout | SAT (good domestic reach) |
| El Paso | Bilingual day-to-day, mountain scenery | Compact, calm, outdoorsy | Simple driving; smaller-city commute feel | ELP |
| College Station | University-linked research, quieter living | Campus energy, easy routines | Car common; local trips stay short | Regional options nearby (plus road access to bigger hubs) |
Top places to research (with “who it fits”)
Austin + Round Rock: modern energy, strong “newcomer” scene
Austin is often the first stop for expats who want a creative environment and a fast-moving professional network.
It’s lively. It’s outdoorsy. It can also feel very neighborhood-specific, which is actually a good thing for your research.
Who it fits
- Tech and startup professionals, product roles, creative industries
- People who want events, cafés, and “walk-to-something” weekends
- Remote workers who still want a strong in-person community option
Neighborhoods to put on your map
- Mueller (master-planned, parks, easy errands)
- South Congress + nearby areas (walkable feel, local shops)
- The Domain (jobs + shopping + apartments in one zone)
- Round Rock (space, family convenience, commute-friendly)
Quick tip: plot your likely workplace and then draw a 20–35 minute travel radius.
Austin traffic feels different depending on the bridge you cross.
Dallas–Fort Worth + Plano/Frisco: career variety and a big airport advantage
DFW is expansive and opportunity-dense. It’s a strong option if you want career flexibility and easy travel.
The metro is built for driving, but daily life can be very smooth when you choose a “home base” near your routine.
Who it fits
- Corporate roles, finance, operations, sales, engineering
- Families who want newer housing stock and structured neighborhoods
- Frequent flyers who value hub-level airport access
Sub-areas to research
- Plano and Frisco (family-forward, plenty of services)
- Las Colinas / Irving (central, commutes to multiple nodes)
- Addison (restaurants, apartments, quick access)
- Fort Worth (distinct character, strong local identity)
A useful research move: compare “airport-to-home” time at rush hour.
It’s a small detail that changes your whole travel experience.
Houston + The Woodlands/Sugar Land: diverse, global, and neighborhood-powered
Houston is a world city in a Texas shape: huge, international, and full of distinct communities.
The right neighborhood makes it feel friendly fast. The wrong one makes it feel like you live “in your car.”
Who it fits
- Energy, healthcare, engineering, global business
- Food lovers and people who enjoy diverse communities
- Families looking for space and master-planned options
Areas that expats often research early
- West University and nearby (central, established)
- Montrose (local shops, character, walkable blocks)
- The Woodlands (master-planned, green spaces, family routine)
- Sugar Land and Katy (suburban convenience, services)
Not owning a car in Houston is possible in specific areas and routines, but plan your neighborhood carefully.
If you’re aiming for a low-car lifestyle, research transit, bike routes, and “errand density” before you sign a lease.
San Antonio: culture, comfort, and an easy pace
San Antonio is welcoming in a quiet way. People build routines here.
The city also makes a great base if you like weekend drives into Hill Country towns and natural areas.
Who it fits
- Families who prefer a calmer day-to-day
- Newcomers who want culture, parks, and a lower-pressure feel
- Remote workers who like a “work hard, relax harder” lifestyle
Simple research prompts
- Pick two neighborhoods and test your commute at peak time.
- Check weekend options: trails, museums, markets, day trips.
- If schools matter, use the district tools below and then compare boundaries.
El Paso: compact routines and a strong outdoor backdrop
El Paso is a smaller-feeling city with a clear rhythm.
It’s a good research choice if you want mountains nearby, easy commutes, and a bilingual day-to-day environment.
Who it fits
- People who prefer a calmer metro and shorter drives
- Outdoor-focused lifestyles
- Anyone who wants a strong local community vibe
College Station: university energy and straightforward living
College Station is anchored by Texas A&M University, so services and housing options often reflect student and research life.
It’s not “small town.” It’s “easy mode” for routine.
Who it fits
- University-linked professionals, graduate students, visiting researchers
- People who want calm neighborhoods and predictable commutes
- Families who like a community-centered atmosphere
Shortlists by lifestyle and priorities
If international travel matters
- Dallas–Fort Worth: major hub convenience
- Houston: two airports and broad route coverage
- Austin: solid reach with a smaller-airport feel
If you’re optimizing for family routine
- Plano / Frisco (DFW): structured suburbs and services
- The Woodlands (Houston): master-planned feel and green spaces
- Round Rock (Austin): family convenience near job centers
- San Antonio: calmer pace, easy weekend options
If you want a strong “international newcomer” ecosystem
Look for density: universities, global employers, and diverse neighborhoods in a tight radius.
It changes how quickly you feel at home.
- Houston (many global communities)
- Dallas–Fort Worth (broad job variety)
- Austin (newcomer-friendly social scene)
A simple research plan (7 steps)
- Define your top three non-negotiables. Write them down. Keep them short.
- Choose two metros to compare (not five). Depth beats breadth.
- For each metro, pick three neighborhoods and map your daily triangle: home, work, groceries.
- Decide your mobility plan: car-first, mixed, or low-car. Be honest.
- Run a “real week” simulation: gym, coffee, errands, a park, a social evening. If it feels smooth, you’re close.
- Check family logistics early: school district boundaries, after-school options, commute impact.
- Talk to people already there. Community groups, alumni networks, workplace contacts. One good conversation can save months.
A small but powerful tactic: spend most of your research time on neighborhood-level decisions.
Cities are brands. Neighborhoods are real life.
Settling-in checklist for newcomers
Once you’ve chosen your target metro, these are the “make life easier” basics.
Always confirm the latest steps on official sites, because requirements can change.
- Driver license / ID: Texas DPS provides a dedicated newcomer guide that outlines initial driving privileges and next steps.
- Vehicle registration: TxDMV’s “New to Texas” page is the right starting point for first-time registrants.
- Schools: TEA’s district tools help you identify boundaries and view district information.
- Local services: 2-1-1 Texas is a practical directory for many community resources and support services.
- Workforce research: if you want data-driven job market exploration, TWC’s labor market information tools are a solid reference point.
If you’re aiming for a smoother landing, build one strong routine first: groceries, exercise, one social activity, one weekend plan.
Everything else can follow.
FAQ
Do I need a car in Texas?
In most metros, a car makes life simpler. Still, some neighborhoods support a mixed lifestyle: walking for daily errands, transit for specific corridors, rideshares when needed.
If you want low-car living, choose your neighborhood first and your apartment second.
Which Texas metro feels most international?
Houston is widely known for its diversity, and many newcomers find community quickly through neighborhood networks and global employers.
DFW also has strong international connectivity and a broad job market.
What’s a smart way to compare neighborhoods quickly?
Pick one weekday evening and one weekend morning scenario.
Can you do your essentials without friction? If yes, that area belongs on your shortlist.
Where do students and researchers often look?
Austin (UT Austin ecosystem), College Station (Texas A&M), Houston (major medical and university presence), and Dallas-area institutions can all be strong choices.
Your best match depends on your department, commute needs, and the kind of community you want outside campus.
Sources
-
Texas.gov – Moving to Texas (official newcomer checklist):
https://www.texas.gov/moving-to-texas/ -
Texas Department of Public Safety – Moving to Texas: Driver Licenses and IDs:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/moving-texas-guide-driver-licenses-and-ids -
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles – New to Texas (vehicle registration/titling starting point):
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/new-to-texas -
Texas Education Agency – School District Locator:
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/general-information/school-district-locator -
Texas Workforce Commission – Labor Market and Career Information:
https://lmi.twc.texas.gov/ -
UT Austin (Texas Global) – Living in Austin:
https://global.utexas.edu/isss/life-at-ut/austin -
UT Dallas – Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (international student resource hub):
https://icp.utdallas.edu/students/post-arrival-resources/living-in-the-dallas-fort-worth-metroplex/ -
Rice University OISS – Surviving in Houston Without a Car:
https://oiss.rice.edu/surviving-houston-without-car