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Texas Cities Shine in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Aerial view of Central Texas cities like Leander and Pflugerville

News Summary

Central Texas cities make a significant impact in the U.S. News & World Report’s recent rankings for the Best Places to Live in Texas for 2025-2026. Leander ranks third, with Pflugerville and Cedar Park following in fifth and eighth positions, respectively. Each city highlights strong community features, housing affordability, and quality of life, showcasing Texas’s appeal as a desirable living destination.

Texas Cities Shine in U.S. News & World Report Rankings for 2025-2026

Central Texas cities have made a notable impression in the recent rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, which highlighted the Best Places to Live in Texas for 2025-2026. Leander emerges prominently in the rankings, securing the third overall position, while Pflugerville and Cedar Park follow closely in fifth and eighth places, respectively. Round Rock rounds out the Central Texas representation by placing tenth among Texas cities.

Top Rankings in Detail

Pearland claims the top spot as the best place to live in Texas, approximately 21 miles south of Houston, with an overall score of 7/10. Following Pearland, League City stands as the second-best locale with a score of 6.9/10. Leander matches League City’s score of 6.9/10 and is celebrated for its population of just over 77,000. Approximately 28% of Leander’s residents fall under the age of 20, highlighting its family-friendly appeal. The city boasts an average home value of $493,700 and a commendable average household income of $131,800. Leander further distinguished itself by ranking eighth on the nationwide list of the 250 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Pflugerville, with a score of 6.8/10 and a population of around 66,200, ranks fifth in Texas and 15th nationally. The average home value in Pflugerville stands at $441,800, supported by an average household income of $118,000. Cedar Park follows closely with a score of 6.7/10, a population of approximately 77,900, and an average home price of $503,700. The residents of Cedar Park have an average household income of about $124,500, and the city ranks 23rd on the national list.

Round Rock also shares a score of 6.7/10 and has a larger population of around 128,000. Its average home value is about $463,700, with an average household income of $101,600, placing it 28th nationally. Other notable Central Texas cities include New Braunfels, ranked 24th, and Georgetown at 36th. Austin, despite its popularity, is ranked 43rd, while San Antonio and Temple reach 53rd and 99th respectively. Houston stands at 63rd and Dallas at 65th, with Beaumont at the bottom of the Texas list in 69th place.

Ranking Methodology

The rankings reflect several key factors including quality of life, housing affordability, cost of living, desirability, job market, and migration trends. This comprehensive evaluation utilized data sourced from Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) alongside governmental statistics to provide a clear perspective on each city’s living conditions. The rankings are categorized into five indices: Quality of Life, Value, Desirability, Job Market, and Net Migration.

Community Focus and Development Initiatives

Pflugerville’s strong ranking reflects its focus on community engagement and continuous improvement in infrastructure and services. The city, known as the Trail Capital of Texas, features an extensive 56 miles of trails and ongoing infrastructure projects designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

In total, 54 Texas cities made it onto the top 250 list, illustrating the state’s diversity and appeal. Six Central Texas cities rank within the top 150: Leander (8), Pflugerville (15), Cedar Park (23), Round Rock (28), New Braunfels (77), and Georgetown (113). As Texas continues to experience growth and migration, these rankings shed light on the best places to build a life in the state over the coming years.