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Living in Texas
HGTV recently published a deep-dive study on the best up-and-coming cities across America — and Texas showed up in a big way. Four cities made the list, and while some of these names will be familiar to anyone who's explored the Austin-to-San Antonio corridor, their full picture often gets overlooked. Whether you're relocating, looking for more space, or just craving something different from the big-city grind, one of these cities just might be your perfect fit.
Sitting right between Austin and San Antonio — about 50 miles from downtown Austin and 35 miles from San Antonio — New Braunfels is one of those cities that quietly delivers on just about every front. You get access to two major metros without actually living in either one, which is a genuinely underrated quality of life win.
New Braunfels is an outdoor lover's paradise. The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers run through the area, making tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing part of everyday life. Schlitterbahn, the iconic outdoor water park, adds a fun dimension — especially for families. Because Central Texas winters are mild, these activities aren't just a summer thing. You can take advantage of the outdoors pretty much year-round.
New Braunfels has seen real population growth, which has brought a wave of new construction developments to the area. But what makes it unique compared to many fast-growing Texas cities is that it also has a stock of historic homes with genuine character. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone heading into retirement, there's a housing type here for you.
New Braunfels has a deep German heritage that's woven into the fabric of the city — and it shows up in the best ways. Events like Wurstfest and the Comal County Fair draw people from across the region and give the community a real sense of identity and tradition. That cultural richness is something you don't always find in newer, fast-growing cities.
Kyle sits about 20 miles south of downtown Austin, and its growth story over the last two decades is remarkable. In roughly 20 years, the population jumped from around 6,000 residents to over 50,000. That's not just growth — that's a transformation.
Kyle's appeal comes down to a few key things: affordability, proximity to Austin, and a community that's actively planning for its future. The city leadership has taken the growth seriously and is investing in infrastructure improvements to address the traffic challenges that come with rapid expansion. Yes, IH-35 can be rough — but the city has plans underway to expand roadways and relieve some of that pressure.
For context, Kyle is following a trajectory that looks a lot like Round Rock or Cedar Park did 20 years ago. If you know what those cities are now, that comparison says a lot about Kyle's potential.
Kyle is primarily a new construction market, with several active developments throughout the city. If you're looking for a single-level home, something large enough for a blended family, or just a newer build at a price point that Austin proper simply can't offer — Kyle deserves a serious look. The outdoor scene is growing too, with parks and trails already in place and more planned as the city continues to develop.
Georgetown sits about 30 miles north of downtown Austin and has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation for several years running. People come here for a specific reason: they want a quieter, more charming lifestyle without giving up proximity to everything Austin offers.
That's not hyperbole — Georgetown's Town Square is widely considered the most beautiful in the state. The historic facades on the buildings have been carefully preserved, but step inside and you'll often find modern restaurants and pubs with a fresh, current vibe. It's that rare blend of old-school character and new energy that's genuinely hard to find.
Georgetown sits at the edge of the Hill Country, so rolling hills and scenic landscapes are part of the package. Blue Hole Regional Park is a standout — a peaceful, family-friendly swimming hole surrounded by cypress trees that feels like a world away from the city. Boating and fishing are also on the table thanks to Lake Georgetown.
Georgetown appeals especially to people who work in Austin but want a different quality of life outside of work hours. Families, retirees, and young professionals who want a walkable, charming downtown with access to nature and culture are all finding their place here. The historic appeal paired with modern development makes it one of the more complete options on this list.
Abilene is the outlier on this list — it's not an Austin suburb, and it's not trying to be. Located in West Texas, Abilene makes the cut because of two things that are increasingly rare: rich cultural history and some of the lowest home prices in the state.
In most parts of America, finding a home priced in the $200s is a challenge. In Abilene, it's still a real option. For buyers who want maximum value for their dollar — and are open to a West Texas lifestyle — the numbers here are hard to argue with.
Abilene takes its Western heritage seriously. The Frontier Texas Museum is a standout attraction, offering a look at artifacts and stories from Texas history that you won't find packaged quite this way anywhere else. The city works to keep that cultural identity alive through landmarks, events, and community programming — and it shows.
If you're drawn to history, wide-open spaces, and a community with a strong sense of place, Abilene is worth putting on your radar.
Each of these cities offers something distinct:
Texas is a big state, and these four cities represent just a slice of what's possible beyond the major metros. If any of these have caught your eye, the next step is digging deeper — into the neighborhoods, the school districts, the commute times, and the specific housing inventory that fits your life.
Expert in: Living in Texas
Austin real estate expert helping families find their perfect home in the Texas Hill Country.
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