outer city livin'

Dubious study by USA Today says newcomers to Texas should bypass Houston

Moving to a small city like Abilene is more preferable than moving to Houston, USA Today found.

Photo by Jenn ZIndler/Abilene Convention & VIsitors Bureau

Everything's bigger in Texas, but when it comes to the best cities to put down roots, USA Today says to go small, not big. According to a recent population analysis by USA Today Homefront, people moving to Texas would be wise to bypass metropolitan hubs such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and head to small towns like Tyler or Laredo instead.

The analysis ranked 52 cities in Texas on factors such as affordability and quality of life.

The No. 1 city on their list: Tyler, about 200 miles north of Houston. Laredo came in at No. 2, followed by New Braunfels, Cedar Park, and Temple.

"The top five cities may be a little unexpected, but low unemployment rates (3.5 percent or less), great medical care, and safety are just some of the reasons they rise to the top," the report said.

In fact, a number of Houston-area cities tepidly landed in the middle of their move-to list including:

No. 19 – Sugar Land
No. 31 – Conroe
No. 35 – Pearland
No. 45 – Pasadena

Meanwhile, they ranked larger cities like Houston (No. 50) lower due to factors such as crime and living costs.

Coming in last at No. 52, for the least appealing city in Texas to move to: Baytown, 30 miles east of Houston.

Factors ruling against these cities included high crime rates, competitive housing markets, and increased cost of living.

No. 1-ranking Tyler earned its crown thanks to its access to healthcare, and the overall lowest risk of damage from severe weather, out of all cities on the list. The report also gave Tyler a stamp of approval in the entertainment sector, specifically its reputation for roses. That doesn't sound very lively in comparison to Houston's broad array of entertainment offerings, from the rodeo to new neighborhood restaurant openings.

"The 14-acre Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the largest in the nation, has over 38,000 rose bushes and over 600 varieties," the report said. "Once you’re done smelling the roses, there are plenty of other things to see and do: Tyler boasts 3.3 restaurants and 1.2 activities per 1,000 residents."

It also found that Tyler is a more cost-effective place to live: The typical value of a Tyler home is $245,750, with average rent at $1,481 per month. The average Tyler resident's life expectancy is 77.4 years old, and median income is $60,811 a year.

By comparison, the typical home in Houston was found to be $261,764, with a median income at $60,426 a year, and average rent at $1,596 per month.

The top 10 best cities to move to in 2024, according to the oldsters at USA Today, are:

No. 1 – Tyler
No. 2 – Laredo
No. 3 – New Braunfels
No. 4 – Cedar Park
No. 5 – Temple
No. 6 – McAllen
No. 7 – Longview
No. 8 – Abilene
No. 9 – El Paso
No. 10 – Victoria

The report gathered its data from multiple sources to determine the rankings, including data from Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, Tripadvisor, FEMA, the U.S. Centers Medicare and Medicaid Services, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and more.

reports usa today real estate tyler houston

spacious memorial mansion

Striking French-inspired Houston estate hits market for $12.75 million

TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

412 Timberwilde Lane sits on more than two acres in Hunters Creek Village and is on the market for $12.5 million

A magnificent estate awaits in one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods. 412 Timberwilde Lane is a stunning brick and limestone home, inspired by French country manor houses. It’s on the market for $12.75 million and represented by Jay Monroe and Stephen Warrell ofMartha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled on nearly 2.5 acres of meticulously manicured grounds in exclusive Hunters Creek Village, this home blends old world elegance with modern amenities, including 24/7 private security. The grand foyer’s soaring ceiling sets the tone upon entry, announcing that 412 Timberwilde Lane is something special.

Consider the formal library, with its rich, paneled walls and cross-beam ceiling, and the spacious dining room with its cozy fireplace. The living room offers breathtaking views of the rear gardens, pool, cabana, and tennis courts. Just off the kitchen, a light-filled breakfast room is a perfect place for morning coffee and admiring the grounds.

The primary suite is the embodiment of luxury, with dual bathrooms and ample closet space, ensuring comfort and convenience. This private oasis is a place to unwind and relax.

The home’s second floor offers a floor plan that can be tailored to suit any lifestyle. The bedrooms are generously sized with large closets and private baths. A playroom with a built-in playhouse castle makes for a perfect spot for kids’ imaginations to run wild. Other rooms could be utilized for a second home office, exercise room, yoga retreat, crafting space, or whatever else a family might need.

The third floor offers a game room featuring a wet bar, billiards area, and a big-screen TV, making it the ultimate place to relax and have fun with family and friends. The outdoor areas include an in-ground pool and summer kitchen, perfect places.

This one-of-a-kind estate offers an array of amenities for living and entertaining. Its location is both convenient to the city and a restful retreat.

Photo by TK Images for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

412 Timberwilde Lane sits on more than two acres in Hunters Creek Village and is on the market for $12.5 million.

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