2 Central Texas cities rank in top 100 best places to live in 2025

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Eight Texas cities were listed among the top 100 best places to live in 2025, including two in Central Texas.

Livability, a company that looks at what makes cities great places to live, compiled the list by analyzing categories such as education, amenities, economy, health, cost of living and safety. Each city received a score out of 1,000.

Check out why each Texas city listed made the cut.

Flower Mound

With a quality of life score of 875/1000, Flower Mound not only took the No. 1 spot in Texas but also in the U.S.

“Flower Mound might be a perfect place to live with suburban charm and endless amenities,” Livability said. “With top-rated schools, a strong economy and plenty of parks, Flower Mound is ideal for families and professionals.”

According to Livability, the city’s population is 77,122, and the median home value is $476,609.

Flower Mound’s top-scoring categories were health, economy and safety.

Sugar Land

Sugar Land, Texas, placed second in the state and No. 3 in the U.S., according to Livability. The city received a score of 854/1000, with the top categories being health, housing & cost of living, and economy.

“Life in Sugar Land is sweet. In the heart of Texas, Sugar Land is a blend of Southern charm and big-city convenience. From top-rated schools to a delicious dining scene, Sugar Land offers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience,” Livability said.

Sugar Land’s population stands at 118,143, and its median home value is $402,094.

The city's top categories included health, housing & cost of living, and economy.

Round Rock

Rounding out the top 10 in the U.S. (and No. 3 in Texas) was Round Rock with a score of 793/1000.

“Round Rock is a small town that makes a big bang. The city's vibrant economy, excellent schools, numerous parks and recreation activities and low cost of living blend together seamlessly. And the city is just a stone's throw away from Austin, making it easy to get around,” Livability said.

The city’s top categories included:

• Environment
• Housing & Cost of Living
• Economy

Round Rock’s population stands at 128,111, and the median home value is $463,739.

New Braunfels

The city of New Braunfels was listed at No. 4 in Texas and No. 18 in the US with a score of 758/1000.

“Everything's bigger in Texas — including the charm of New Braunfels. Located between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels has a rich German heritage, and residents can enjoy the city's close-knit community, excellent schools and easy access to outdoor adventures,” Livability said.

The city has a population of 101,954, and the median home value is $329,097.

Livability said New Braunfels’ top categories were in housing & cost of living, environment, and transportation.

Midland

Midland ranked in the No. 5 spot in Texas, with a quality of life score of 712/1000, according to Livability.

“Standing as a beacon against the vast expanse of West Texas is Midland, a community with a booming energy sector, diverse cultural heritage and a thriving economy, where innovation meets tradition. From stunning sunsets to warm hospitality, Midland perfectly captures authentic Texas living,” Livability said.

The city’s population stands at 138,366, and the median home value is $291,451.

Midland’s top categories include:

• Housing & Cost of Living
• Environment
• Transportation

College Station

Taking the No. 6 spot in Texas was College Station, which received a score of 711/1000 — one point behind Midland, Texas.

“A dynamic city with a strong sense of community, College Station is anchored by Texas A&M University and is all about the Aggies. The city offers excellent schools, an affordable cost of living and a thriving job market. But there's plenty of fun to be had with family-friendly amenities and great dining options; it's a great place to live and grow,” Livability said.

The city’s top-scoring categories included education, housing & cost of living, and transportation.

College Station’s population is 124,530, and the median home value is $292,882.

Tyler

Tyler took the No. 7 spot on the list in Texas with a quality of life score of 676, according to Livability.

“Things are coming up roses in the Rose Capital. Tyler, TX, offers a variety of affordable housing options, a lower cost of living and a diverse economy that thrives in several sectors. Southern hospitality and Texas charm blend to create a tight-knit community full of scenic spots,” Livability said.

The city’s population is 107,959, according to Livability, and the median home value is $228,736.

Livability said Tyler’s top-scoring categories were environment, housing & cost of living, and transportation.

Abilene

Abilene took the final spot for Texas, ranking at No. 8 in the state with a score of 659/1000.

“A small city with a big personality, Abilene, TX, is quintessentially Texas. With affordable housing, friendly neighborhoods and plenty of places to explore, residents enjoy a relaxed pace without sacrificing excellent amenities and top-notch quality of life,” Livability said.

Abilene’s top-scoring categories included:

• Housing & Cost of Living
• Transportation
• Environment

According to Livability, the city’s population is 128,010, and the median home value is $182,377.