July 31, 2025

Cedar Park Recognized as One of the Best Places to Live in the U.S.

News Summary

Cedar Park, Texas has earned the No. 23 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking, highlighting its strong quality of life and robust job market. With a growing population, competitive housing prices, and a commendable median household income, Cedar Park stands out among evaluated cities. Residents report high satisfaction, particularly in safety and community services, although transportation remains a concern. The city is also well-positioned geographically for educational opportunities and tourism.

Cedar Park, Texas, has been recognized as one of the best places to live in the United States, securing the No. 23 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking. The city gained this honor based on its strong quality of life indicators and robust job market. Among 250 evaluated cities, Cedar Park stands out in the top 5% for overall quality of life and in the top 10% for job market metrics.

With a growing population of 77,959, Cedar Park showcases features that appeal to prospective residents, such as an average commute time of 23 minutes. The cost of living is notable, with a median home price of $503,708 and median monthly rent reaching $1,482. These figures indicate a competitive housing market that reflects the city’s appeal.

The city’s economic landscape is a significant draw, reflected in its median household income of $124,554 and a low unemployment rate of 3.34%, below the national average of 4.5%. Economic opportunities are bolstered by various shopping developments and amenities such as the H-E-B Center, a venue for local sports teams including the NBA’s Austin Spurs and AHL’s Texas Stars.

Cedar Park’s community connection is particularly evident in a recent poll, where approximately 90% of residents rated their quality of life as “good” or “excellent.” This high satisfaction extends to confidence in city governance and infrastructure, with ratings for safety and economic health reaching similarly high numbers. Notably, 9 out of 10 residents expressed feeling safe, especially regarding property crime.

Service ratings from residents highlight the city’s strengths: the fire department received an impressive 97% approval rating, while library services garnered 95%. Residents also value the city’s cleanliness, with 92% indicating that they found Cedar Park to be clean and 88% providing positive feedback on the environment.

However, challenges remain, particularly in the transportation sector. Only 50% of residents rated the transportation system as “good” or “excellent,” a statistic that aligns with trends seen in other cities. To address community concerns, 94% of residents have prioritized improvements to utility infrastructure.

Educational opportunities are also a highlight for Cedar Park. The city is home to the Austin Community College’s Cypress Creek Campus and is located within 50 miles of nearly 50 colleges and universities, providing residents with a wealth of educational resources. In terms of tourism appeal, 58% of residents rated Cedar Park as a “good” or “excellent” destination for visitors.

The U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on various factors, including housing, economy, education, and livability, making Cedar Park’s recognition indicative of its overall attractiveness as a place to live. Cedar Park’s commitment to gathering resident feedback has been apparent since 2019, with the city’s participation in the National Community Survey yielding an impressive response rate of around 95% from over 6,000 randomly selected households.

As Cedar Park continues to thrive, its position in national rankings reflects a community dedicated to improving the quality of life for all its residents and maintaining a strong local economy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Pflugerville Fire Department Launches School Supply Drive
Teen Arrested After Bomb Threat at Georgetown High School
Austin Man Arrested for Murder in Drive-By Shooting Case
Pflugerville Recognized as 15th Best Place to Live in America
Cedar Park Sees Spike in DWI Arrests
Cedar Park Rodeo Offers Front-Row Ticket Contest
Taylor City Council Approves $1 Billion Data Center Project
The Human Bean Expands to Cedar Park, TX
Round Rock City Council Approves ‘The District’ Development
Shooting Incident in North Austin Leaves One Injured

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.