2023 Best Cities for Young Professionals in Texas

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  2,498 reviews

Current Resident: Austin is such a friendly city. It has a wide variety of people engaged in different cultural and artistic expressions. It has a great community for raising children. There is a nice blend of hippie and southern hospitality. The cost of living has gone up significantly and the traffic is almost impossible to get through during peak hours. It is growing fast but hopefully it doesn’t lose its charm. Honestly, it’s getting a bit too packed for me but I appreciate how people are doing their thing here and there is space for an alternative lifestyle. I wish there were mountains and an ocean nearby but the lake and the hiking is enjoyable. Barton Springs and other swimming holes make summer more manageable with the heat and humidity. There are great climbing gyms, parks, and the food is incredible! Austin is a foodie city with an array of options. There is always something happening related to music with two big festivals happening annually. There is something for everyone here!... Read 2,498 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Population 944,658

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  339 reviews

Current Resident: Richardson, Texas is a vibrant city that offers a delightful blend of suburban charm and urban amenities. Nestled in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Richardson captivates visitors with its friendly community, diverse cultural scene, and a multitude of recreational opportunities. With its well-planned neighborhoods, Richardson provides a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The city boasts a range of parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking relaxation and leisure activities. Overall, Richardson, Texas offers a dynamic and livable environment with its welcoming community, ample recreational options, educational excellence, and culinary delights. Whether you're considering a visit or a permanent move, Richardson is a city that will capture your heart.... Read 339 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 115,904

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  953 reviews

Current Resident: As a current Plano resident, I love the sense of community and social activities around here. One of my favorite things about living in Plano is the emphasis on outdoor spaces. The city has a plethora of well-maintained parks, trails, and green spaces where residents can enjoy recreational activities, picnics, or simply a leisurely stroll. Places like Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park offer a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The diversity of dining options is another aspect that makes Plano special. From cozy family-owned eateries to upscale restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, there's no shortage of choices for food enthusiasts. Exploring the local food scene can be a delightful adventure, and it's a great way to connect with friends and neighbors over shared meals.... Read 953 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 282,181

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  746 reviews

Current Resident: As an Irving resident since the age of three, I feel a deep connection to this community. I'm grateful to have grown up here, graduated from local schools, and now work as the Human Resource Staffing Assistant for the Irving Independent School District. My degree is in business administration, and working in administration has been an incredible opportunity. This city and state have taught me the value of perseverance, and I'm always striving to grow and improve both personally and professionally.... Read 746 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 254,184

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  514 reviews

Current Resident: We stumbled upon the Niche rankings while figuring out where to live to escape CA. Lucky us! The Niche rankings were right - this is paradise for folks from CA. We have lived in Nothern and Southern CA and we love calling The Woodlands home now. It's beautiful, the housing is cheap (bigger house/lot then you could ever afford in CA), the schools are great and bike/walking distance, great sport options. Strong economy, conservative govt with low taxes. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are here and HEB is better than your typical Ralphs or Safeway. They're doing a good job keeping up with the growth by building infrastructure and widening roads (something that would take forever in CA). The Woodlands is better than any other TX planned development. Trees abound, trails, ponds, fishing, pools, ponds, good city govt. It's not visually boring like other TX communities - just use Google earth to compare The Woodlands to others - you'll see the density of our trees makes a difference.... Read 514 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 115,716

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  1,382 reviews

Current Resident: After living in three different cities, Dallas has been my absolute favorite. It is incredibly family-oriented, with wonderful and safe neighborhoods in the area. It has an incredible education system and opportunities for all types of students. Dallas is an incredibly convenient city, with access to everything one might imagine, and is the perfect size. Dallas is proliferating, and traffic has been ramping up over the eight years I have lived here. Regardless, it is one of my favorite cities in the US!... Read 1,382 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 1,300,239

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  627 reviews

Current Resident: There is so much to love about Denton! There is great local food and coffee, and a lot of local music because of UNT's music school. The city can feel small, but actually spreads out wider than you realize at first, and there is more to explore than meets the eye. It also just has a wonderful character that is really unique from many Texas cities. It's very nice to be within an hour to Dallas and Fort Worth. Because the job pool is not huge, depending on your field it is possible that you'll have a long daily commute to a nearby suburb. There also are not currently many transportation options for people who don't have a car. Some areas are walkable, but some definitely are not, and the bus system can be unreliable.... Read 627 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 139,704

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  5,333 reviews

Current Resident: Houston is a great city! There's lots of infrastructure for entertainment (sports, music, etc.), a wide variety of food neighborhoods, and a wide range of job opportunities. Some of the negatives about Houston is that we are very dependent on automobiles. The public transportation system has a small range, is expensive, and is ineffective. Additionally, the Houston Independent School District lacks dedicated head employees and suffers from curriculum proficiency. If Houston improves these much-needed services, the city could strengthen its reputation from just a large to a next-level city.... Read 5,333 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 2,293,288

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  750 reviews

Nearby Resident: College Station, TX, is a vibrant and welcoming community that offers an exceptional blend of academic excellence, southern hospitality, and a rich cultural tapestry. Home to Texas A&M University, one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education, College Station provides a nurturing environment for students and families alike. With its strong sense of community, diverse recreational opportunities, and a thriving local economy, College Station is more than just a city; it's a place where people come together to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.... Read 750 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 116,276

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  432 reviews

Current Resident: I love this town! I live in the suburban area, There are so many things to do, we are close to lakes (Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Austin, etc) and we are close to Kalahari (The largest indoor waterpark). We also have several schools in our district that are very highly educated and diverse. The weather here is very beautiful, it can be really hot, but better than cold/icy. We are close to the malls, like the Domain and Barton Creek Mall, which have a very large selection of items compared to smaller malls. The only con I would say related to Round Rock is that there aren't many things to do that don't cost money. There aren't many pretty views, mostly flat land, or cliffs that drop to lakes. The cost of living is going up daily, and the population continues to grow. I love this town though, and I wouldn't trade growing up in it for anything.... Read 432 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 117,735

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  4,488 reviews

Current Resident: San Antonio is where I grew up, and in my eyes, this place is great! The obvious tourist locations are the River Walk and the Alamo, which features amazingly delicious food, some good ole Tex-Mex, as well as rich history, from the valiant battle of the Alamo to the haunted hotel right next door. The missions around town are also great for learning more about Texas history. These places, alongside The Pearl, are great places to stroll through and hangout with family and loved ones. Generally, most Mexican places will be top-notch, and there are also a diversity of other food places too, from Vietnamese restaurants, like Pho Viet, to Chinese ones, like Golden Wok. One change I hope to see is in the urban and road development. Currently, the traffic problem is getting worse, and I'm worried the development of a multi-lane highway on 1604 will only lead to worse traffic as is in Houston with their multi-lane highways. Still, I love this city and will cherish my memories here.... Read 4,488 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,434,540

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  2,500 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Fort Worth my entire life, I am a biracial (White and Black), bisexual woman and I have yet to experience any sort of open racism or homophobia. I enjoy walking downtown as most people are always so friendly and full of life, even at 2pm on a Tuesday afternoon. The sights here are beautiful- having a perfect mixture of the city glow and the good ole Texan open fields. I feel like they're endless activities to do here and a good sense of protection from police, I can really walk up to just about anyone and strike up a conversation if I so desire!... Read 2,500 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 908,469

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,126 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I moved to Arlington before the start of sixth grade and I've lived here ever since. The City of Arlington is very close to Mansfield and Grandpraire which is really great for Arlington residents. Arlington is known for homing AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, and Texas Live. Arlington is a growing city and an excellent place for people looking to settle down and start a family! Arlington receives only four stars because there aren't any fun activities for kids and teens. The city could also do more to engage with the community and foster a positive atmosphere. Even though I live in Arlington I attend school in the Mansfield district, which is really great. Comparing the two districts Arlington needs to step up their game. Overall, The City of Arlington is very affordable and the social life is really great.... Read 1,126 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 392,304

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.26 out of 5  276 reviews

Current Resident: I have seen a significant change in my community, especially in Midland, Texas. A wide range of food cultures, excellent housing, and friendly schools exist. Although it is usually dry and windy, Midland can improve more with more excellent swimming centers or offering more activities for teenagers around 13-18. Midland, Texas, is my home and is known as the big-money city for its oil field. There are also lovely parks, especially downtown, with live events and great shopping markets.... Read 276 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 130,765

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  927 reviews

Current Resident: Lubbock has been the best city the past four years. Growing up I visited all the time because my little sister had doctors appointments at UMC. It was great back then, the people were always kind and went out of their way to make a good impression about the city. You won't find kinder people - even the college students working at "Spanky's". And now as a college student in the same city, I am still as impressed as I was a decade ago. In fact, a large reason for wanting to come to Texas Tech was because of how friendly people were. Furthermore, Lubbock is a foodie paradise, filled with great locally owned restaurants and franchise's. It is a perfect city with diverse groups of people - college students, country and city types, families and much more. It is guaranteed you will find your people in Lubbock. It has amazing history with Buddy Holly, former congressman and more!... Read 927 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 255,537

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  330 reviews

Current Resident: Wichita Falls is my hometown, so naturally I have grown to love it, even the parts that are not so easy to love. That being said, this small city has grown exponentially in the last decade. For example, our downtown area has been hosting monthly art walks, so that local artists can show and give their artwork to the community. It also hosts not just one, but two farmers markets every Saturday morning, so that locally owned businesses have equal opportunity to network and share their goods and services with the community. I would like to see more variety of businesses and restaurants added to the city. We have had to shop and eat in the same places for decades, and if we want to try anything different or new, we have to travel to Dallas or Oklahoma City. Our local nightlife could also use some diversity as well. Overall, Wichita Falls is still growing and I hope they continue to grow for years to come, in a positive way.... Read 330 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 102,563

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  410 reviews

Works Here: There are many good experiences that people can have in small towns. Some common examples include a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life, and the opportunity to get to know one's neighbors and local businesses. Additionally, many people enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that are often available in small towns. Tyler is a great place to raise a family and experience a tight-knit, supportive community. Of course, what constitutes a good experience will vary depending on the individual, but there are many potential positives to living in a small town. It's difficult to say what specific changes Tyler could benefit from, as each town is unique and will have its own set of challenges and opportunities. Some possible changes that could benefit small towns include increased economic development, the creation of new job opportunities and efforts to preserve and enhance the town's natural environment and cultural heritage.... Read 410 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 104,945

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  504 reviews

Current Resident: Amarillo embraces its Western heritage and offers a unique Texan experience. You can explore attractions like the iconic Cadillac Ranch, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, which showcases the region's history and culture. Amarillo is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. Palo Duro Canyon of Texas, "is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking biking, and camping opportunities. The area also boasts beautiful sunsets and wide-open spaces. Amarillo is often described as a friendly and welcoming community. The residents take pride in their city and are known for their hospitality. You'll find a tight-knit community spirit and a warm Texan welcome.... Read 504 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 200,371

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  401 reviews

Current Resident: I really love the people of Abilene, but we have some pretty broken systems here. There are so many people of our town experiencing homelessness and there is not really a good way to combat that within our government or leadership. But the people are really the best part of this place. When I came to Abilene for college, I expected to be bored all the time and thought that I would want to leave quickly. But there are always things to do here and people to see and I am really dreading having to leave this city in a year. Something that I would like to see change is the stark contrast between the "good" and "bad" neighborhoods of this city. There is major poverty here right up next to obscene wealth.... Read 401 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 125,474

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,075 reviews

Former Resident: Grew up here and it’s the best place ever! There is so much history in down town to be explored and it is expanding so much every single year. I am a young Hispanic woman and I love all the Hispanic culture that is constantly around me and my home. I love seeing everyone coke together and share core values and make it a wonderful place to call home! There are so many wonderful places to explore all throughout town that I feel a lot of people don’t ordinarily think there are. There’s plenty of things to do in El Paso like go to western play land, try different restaurants, look at the lights down town, ride scooters, visit the museums, and so much more. everytime I return home from college there’s little surprises of new places to visit and it makes my experience just that much better. I’m so happy to call El Paso my home and i will forever be able to call it that!... Read 2,075 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 676,395

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  569 reviews

Current Resident: Mcallen is going everyday! there is a ton of new fun places to hang out and more are being opened everyday. There are outside markets ran by local vendors, which is my favorite event, which allow you to meet new people and find rare finds .... Read 569 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 141,941

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  610 reviews

Current Resident: Tons of restaurants, stores, and activities of all nationalities. Most people you meet in the public are kind and generous, however there is some crime involvement in the community.... Read 610 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Population 150,082

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,100 reviews

Nearby Resident: I absolutely love Corpus Christi! It has everything you could possibly need at your convenience. A big enough town to have things to do and places to see, but also small enough to not get lost like bigger cities. The only thing that does bother me, is the constant road construction that has been going one since I was a baby. Also the crazy amounts of pot holes and bad roads. All in all, it is a great place to live!... Read 1,100 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 318,168

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  694 reviews

Current Resident: Waco as a whole, feels like a very small, big town. There are many different areas in Waco that are in different economic phases, however, downtown is very charming and entertaining. The Baylor campus is gorgeous, Magnolia and fabulous, and the suburb areas are nice. There is a beautiful lake that offers walking and biking! On the other hand, there is a big homeless community, and you will often find many people pan handling on the corners.... Read 694 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 136,800

• City in Texas

• •
  Rating 3.21 out of 5  295 reviews

Current Resident: Odessa is a city located in the state of Texas, United States. Here are some key details about Odessa: Education: Odessa is served by the Ector County Independent School District, which includes several public schools. Additionally, the city is home to the University of Texas Permian Basin, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: The city of Odessa offers a range of cultural and recreational activities for residents and visitors. The Ellen Noel Art Museum showcases contemporary and classical artwork, and the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of live performances. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks and recreational areas like the McKinney Park Splash Pad and Sherwood Park. These are just a few highlights about Odessa, Texas. The city has its own unique charm and a strong connection to the oil and gas industry that has shaped its history and economy.... Read 295 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• grade B+

• Population 112,640