This North Texas city is the best place to live in America, according to a new list
Eight Texas cities just made their mark on a national list of the top 100 best places to live in 2025, and one North Texas suburb claimed the No. 1 spot.
Livability, a website geared toward helping local communities market themselves, partnered with Applied Geographic Solutions to analyze nearly 100 data points across thousands of small- to mid-sized cities. They ranked cities on factors like housing affordability, local economy, safety, education, healthcare access, transportation and quality of life. Livability defines a small- to mid-sized city as a place with a population between 75,000 and 500,000 people, and median home values under $500,000.
Seven other Texas cities made the Top 100 list and were praised for everything from affordability and outdoor access to strong schools and local charm.
Here’s the North Texas city that came in ahead of all the rest in the list.
Flower Mound ranks No. 1
Flower Mound took the top honor on Livability’s annual list, earning standout scores in safety, economy, and health. With a “Quality of Life LivScore” of 875 out of 1,000 possible points, It was one of only two cities in the country to score above an 870.
Flower Mound earned the top spot for its suburban charm, low crime rate and access to quality healthcare, according to Livability. With an estimated population of just over 77,000, the city blends small-town comfort with top-tier amenities — plus, it’s close enough to Fort Worth and Dallas for commuters.
Livability praised Flower Mound for its “endless amenities,” family-friendliness, and top-rated schools, calling it “a perfect place to live.”
But Flower Mound wasn’t the only Texas town to get some love. Sugar Land, Round Rock, New Braunfels, Midland, College Station, Tyler and Abilene also made the list.
What makes these cities great places to live?
Two things stood out across the board: affordability and community.
Every Texas city that made the list had a median home value well below the $500,000 threshold. Several also boasted strong school systems, access to parks and recreational activities, and a blend of economic opportunity and small-town warmth.
According to Livability, smaller cities like these offer the “sweet spot” of living, big enough to have things to do, but small enough to feel like home.
What made the other Texas cities stand out?
Each of the seven other Texas cities that made the list earned praise for different reasons — but all offered a mix of affordability, livability, and opportunity. Here’s what set them apart:
Sugar Land
Livability Score: 854
Median home value: $402,094
Known for: Strong economy, top-rated schools, and a vibrant food scene
Best categories: Health, housing, cost of living, economy
Round Rock
Livability Score: 793
Median home value: $463,739
Known for: Excellent schools, green spaces and proximity to Austin
Best categories: Environment, housing, economy
New Braunfels
Livability Score: 758
Median home value: $329,097
Known for: German heritage, natural beauty and outdoor adventures
Best categories: Housing, environment, transportation
Midland
Livability Score: 712
Median home value: $291,451
Known for: Booming energy sector and authentic West Texas living
Best categories: Housing, environment, transportation
College Station
Livability Score: 711
Median home value: $292,882
Known for: Being the home of Texas A&M and strong community pride
Best categories: Education, housing, transportation
Tyler
Livability Score: 676
Median home value: $228,736
Known for: Rose gardens, scenic views and a thriving local economy
Best categories: Environment, housing, transportation
Abilene
Livability Score: 659
Median home value: $182,377
Known for: Affordability, family-friendly pace and Texas charm
Best categories: Housing, transportation, environment
This story was originally published May 23, 2025 at 12:21 PM.
