The Best Small Towns in Texas: 13 Hidden Gems from the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast

Texas is known for its wide open spaces, amazing barbecue, and cowboy culture. With over 261,000 square miles, there’s lots of room to explore and find a place to call your own in the Lone Star State. We’ve all heard of the big Texas cities — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin (to name a few) — and there are definitely perks to urban living. But there are also lots of good things about living in the best small towns, in Texas and elsewhere — from a sense of community to a lower cost of living and more.

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Small Towns in Texas — FAQs

Small-town life in Texas has pros of its own. For instance, the best small towns in Texas, which are spread all across the Lone Star State, come with a more affordable cost of living compared to cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas. Plus, less people, less traffic, and more space to call your own. There’s often a strong community bond that comes with living in a small town, which makes them ideal for families, retirees, and younger people just starting out. And on the practical side, there’s less traffic in small towns and rural communities. Here are some common questions and answers about the best small towns in Texas.

Q: What is the nicest place to live in Texas?
A: According to Niche, The Woodlands is the best place to live in Texas (and the second-best place to live in America). The Woodlands — right outside of Houston — definitely isn’t a small town, but there are plenty around here worth checking out if you want to have access to the big city without giving up the small-town life. For starters, check out Brenham and Schulenburg — each considered the nicest place in the Lone Star state by happy residents.

Q: What is the best little town to live in Texas?
A: Impossible to pick one out of all the best small towns in Texas! But one of our favorites is Dripping Springs, where residents enjoy gorgeous parks and trails, a low cost of living, and the amenities of Austin just a quick drive away.

Q: What is the safest small town to live in Texas?
A: The town of Flower Mound is rated by many metrics as the safest — but naming “safest” depends on the criteria you choose. Alpine (population 6,000) scores well according to NeighborhoodScout.com with a rating of 83 — which means it’s safer than 83 percent of American cities.

Q: What’s the prettiest town in Texas?
A: Wimberley is considered one of the prettiest small towns in Texas, with some of the most picturesque landscapes in the state.

Q: Which is the best small town in Texas for families?
A: With A+ schools and a diverse mix of outdoor recreation and cultural opportunities, Boerne tops our list of the best small towns in Texas to raise a family. 

The Best Small Towns in Texas: 13 Gems in the Lone Star State

Now that we’ve got the questions out of the way, let’s dive into our list of the best small towns in Texas! Consider this a jumping-off point in starting your search for the best town for you.

With a strong German influence, Fredericksburg isn’t just one of the best small towns in Texas, it’s one of the most vibrant.
(Source: Oktoberfest Fredericksburg Texas via Facebook)

1. Fredericksburg, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $513,200
• Great for: Families, diversity, public schools, restaurants

Fredericksburg is one of the best small towns in Texas. It’s known for its strong German influence, delicious peaches, and outstanding local wineries — which makes sense since it’s located in the heart of Texas wine country, one of the best rural places to live in Texas. Founded by German immigrants in 1846, this small town has lots of history to offer (including locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places), along with some amazing restaurants and natural formations like the Enchanted Rock.

Fun Things To Do in Fredericksburg, TX

• Explore Fredericksburg’s German roots at the Pioneer Museum or celebrate during the annual Oktoberfest.
• Two-step the night away at one of the local dance hotspots.
• Get nostalgic with a tribute band at the Rockbox Theater.

• Enjoy the view from atop the 425-foot pink granite batholith at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

2. Dripping Springs, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $687,800
• Great for: Families, public schools, outdoor activities, diversity

Just west of Austin is the lovely small town of Dripping Springs, known as the “Gateway to Texas Hill Country” — and one of the best small towns in Texas to live. In addition to a lively cultural scene, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails that will take you through all the natural wonders in this small Texas town. With all kinds of wine, beer, liquor, and even olive oil tasting in the area, you’re sure to find your new local haunt. This is also a great area if you’re looking to start a family.

Fun Things To Do in Dripping Springs, TX

• Take a dip in the gorgeous turquoise waters and marvel at the 50-foot waterfall at the Hamilton Pool Preserve.
• Savor an olive oil tasting at the Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
• Go back in time at the Dr. Pound Farmstead’s Living History Museum.
• Discover what the buzz is about at one of Dripping Springs’ many wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
• Spelunk along a one-mile guided tour, including its signature cavern with a 10-foot ceiling, at the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.

3. Boerne, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $554,900
• Great for: Families, schools, diversity

Boerne is located in the ever-desirable Texas Hill Country, and though it’s just 30 minutes away from San Antonio, it feels like a different world. This is thanks to the welcoming vibes that permeate its family-centric community in one of the best rural towns in Texas. Named after a German author (Ludwig Börne) by the town’s German founders, Boerne is home to historic   architecture as well as fun local shops and art galleries. You’ll also be close to outdoor (and underground!) adventures at the Boerne Lake and Nature Preserve and Cascade Caverns — thrilling expeditions that make Boerne distinctive among the best small towns in Texas to live.

Fun Things To Do in Boerne, TX

• Savor the large-scale sculptures of Art Al Fresco along the walkable Hill Country Mile.
• Go medieval with arcade games and mini-golf at Cooper’s Kingdom indoor adventure world.
• Touch grass at Herff Farm’s walking trails, farmers' market, and community gardens.
• Light a fire in the kilns at Maker’s Place Studio, where guests create pottery, paint, and sculpt their own works of art.

Just under 6,000 people live in remote Alpine, one of the best small towns in Texas’s  Big Bend Country.
(Source: Visit Alpine, Texas via Facebook)

4. Alpine, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $750
• Average home value: $250,600
• Great for: Families, nightlife, housing

Talk about a small town with a lot of Texas charm! Alpine is a remote college town in Far West Texas, right in the heart of Big Bend Country. With just under 6,000 residents, it’s rich with that cozy feel you get in the best small towns in Texas. Alpine may be hours away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, but it still has a lot to offer! Here you’ll find an array of art galleries, restaurants, shops, live music venues, and gorgeous scenic views.

Fun Things To Do in Alpine, TX

• Visit the Museum of the Big Bend on the campus of Sul Ross State University.
• Take a day trip to hike, bike, or horseback ride through Big Bend National Park, just a two-hour drive.
• Lasso up at the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, an annual event that draws visitors from all over the Lone Star State.
• Catch a fly ball at Kokernot Park, the historic home of the Alpine Cowboys.

5. Ennis, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $263,700
• Great for: Families, schools, diversity

This lovely Texas town is located about a half hour south of Dallas, making it a great place to live if you want a slower pace of life while maintaining access to the big city. Ennis has long been one of the best small towns to live in Texas for families, thanks in part to its good schools. When it comes to entertainment, though, you don’t have to go far. Actually, you don’t even have to leave Ennis! Shop, dine, and socialize along the brick streets of the historic downtown district or catch a live show at Ennis Public Theatre, and there’s even the Galaxy Drive-In, where you can watch the latest blockbusters while basking in the nostalgia of days past.

Fun Things To Do in Ennis, TX

• Rev your engines at the Texas Motorplex and Big O Speedway.
• Relax on the shores of Bardwell Lake with fishing, picnicking, and hiking.
• Join your neighbors at the many festivals the town hosts each year, including the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails & Festival, Ennis Autumn Daze, and the National Polka Festival (Ennis has strong Czech roots, so be sure to try the delicious food!). 

Check out our Texas Moving Guide for tips on moving to Texas.

6. Wimberley, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $589,900
• Great for: Families, schools, outdoor activities, housing options

Located just 45 minutes southwest of the eclectic Texas capital city of Austin, the town of Wimberley calls itself “a Little Bit of Heaven” and would be a great place to call home in Texas. This small town is known as cattle country — and it’s also an artist’s dream with thriving art and cultural scenes. You’ll find multiple art galleries, boutiques, farmers markets, and live music events. Public schools here earn a solid A from Niche, which makes it a great place for families with kids — but retirees love it here, too, thanks to the gorgeous scenery and abundance of recreational options.

Fun Things To Do in Wimberley, TX

• Explore some of the most picturesque landscapes in Texas, such as the Devil’s Backbone (one of the most scenic — and reportedly haunted! — drives in the state), Jacobs Well swimming hole, “Old Baldy” (or Prayer Mountain), and Blue Hole Regional Park.
• Saddle up at the Jack Glover Cowboy Museum, open from late May through mid-August, for a fascinating look at Hill Country lore and artifacts.
• Expand your horizons with the Wimberley Art Crawl, the fourth Friday of every month, featuring special exhibits in galleries open late, live music, and great food and drinks.

With a charming ruggedness unique to Far West Texas, Marfa is a shoo-in for one of the best small towns in Texas.

7. Marfa, TX

• Median rent (all sizes): N/A
• Average home price: $299,600
• Great for: Families, culture, safety

This charming little Texas town is located near the Mexican border and the Davis Mountains, and is a great option if you’re looking for small-town life in Far West Texas. While this Chihuahuan Desert town is both remote and small, it still boasts a lot of interesting options when it comes to things to do. Schools and crime each get a B on Niche’s report card, so families would likely do well here. Not to miss: The Marfa Mystery Lights, unexplained and seemingly sourceless lights that appear to dance on the horizon southeast of town, an area that’s very difficult to traverse and practically uninhabited (spooky!). And finally, remember that Marfa is in the desert, so prepare for hot days and chilly nights.

Fun Things To Do in Marfa, TX

• Take a guided tour at the Chinati Foundation, a strikingly unique museum in the Texas desert that features large-scale works of contemporary art.
• Marvel at Prada Marfa, a faux boutique about a half-hour outside of town created as a “pop architectural land project,” according to the artist.
• Shop downtown in the indie boutiques and specialty stores like Stop & Read Books and Raba Marfa, with high-end cowboy-chic fashion and accessories.

8. Port Aransas, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $850
• Average home value: $556,200
• Great for: Families, schools, nightlife, diversity

Like many of the best small towns in Texas, Port Aransas attracts visitors and new residents with a gorgeous landscape — except here, the views are waterfront rather than desert vistas or Texas hills. Situated on Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico, this six-mile stretch beach town is known as the fishing capital of the Lone Star State. And as local anglers know, the bounty is year-round thanks to the South Texas climate. Nightlife earns an A from Niche, a good thing for a vacation destination. But schools also get a high mark, thanks to the area’s permanent residents.

Fun Things To Do in Port Aransas, TX

• Check out the four sites at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, including the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, where Birding on the Boardwalk takes place every Wednesday.
• Dive into the Port Aransas Preservation Association Museum, which hosts exhibits like “The Tarpon Era” and guest speakers on locally relevant and timely topics.
• Build a sandcastle on the beach with expert guidance from Sandcastle Guy Mark Sandrum.

9. Johnson City, TX

• Median rent (all sizes): N/A
• Average home value: $663,200
• Great for: Families, schools, housing, diversity, safety

This historic Texas hub, one of the best small towns in Texas, is located just 50 miles west of Austin (less than an hour’s drive) and is where President Lyndon B. Johnson grew up from the age of five. History buffs will love exploring the LBJ National Historical Park and the LBJ Ranch (aka the Texas White House), where the president spent his time while in Johnson City. With a population just under 2,000, this gem among the best small towns in Texas scores an A for both nightlife and diversity. Schools are a bit less stellar but still strong with a B.

Fun Things To Do in Johnson City, TX

• Get outside for hiking, biking, camping, and more at Pedernales Falls State Park — and go for a swim in the beautiful Pedernales River while you’re there.
• Take the kids to the Science Mill Museum, a hands-on experience fashioned in a restored 1880s grist mill.

• Groove at the Johnson City Jazz Fest, held annually on Main Street with a lineup of Texas jazz greats.

10. Weatherford, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $391,700
• Great for: Families, schools, diversity

Weatherford is a lovely little family-oriented town about 30 minutes west of Fort Worth. The town is most famous for three notable things: First, Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove” book series is based on cowboys who once called Weatherford home. Second, the town is known as the Cutting Horse capital of the world, with competitive shows several times a year and dozens of professional trainers who live in the area. And third, the state legislature deemed it the Peach Capital of Texas, celebrated every year at the Parker County Peach Festival. Weatherford is decidedly rural, but its historic residential district is the pride of the town. The streets are lined with about 60 restored Queen Ann and Victorian homes. Overall, Weatherford offers a friendly small-town feel while being close enough to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to take advantage of everything the big city has to offer.

Fun Things To Do in Weatherford, TX

• Stroll through the breathtaking Chandor Gardens — a 3.5-acre estate where traditional Chinese architecture melds with an elegant English garden.
• Satiate your retail needs in Weatherford’s shopping and entertainment district, where you’ll find boutique shops, antiques, and other specialty items, and there’s even a farmer’s market with local goods and produce.
• Dance and sing the weekend away at the annual Weatherford Music Festival in Heritage Park. 

Many of the best small towns in Texas have charming downtown districts, like this one in Brenham.
(Source: Visit Brenham/Washington County, Texas via Facebook)

11. Brenham, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,050
• Average home value: $329,500
• Great for: Families, schools, housing, diversity, safety

About an hour outside of Houston is the pleasant small Texas town of Brenham. It is the county seat of Washington County, and is also home to the famous Blue Bell Creameries, one of the largest ice cream producers in the country — could you design a better business for one of the best small towns to live in Texas for families? If you want a little more space away from the hustle and bustle of Houston, then the suburban feel of Brenham is a great fit. Like much of this region, Brenham was settled by Germans, and today’s residents honor that background with the annual Maifest — the oldest festival in Texas, going on 136 years!

Fun Things To Do in Brenham, TX

• Get your hiking boots on and head to Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway, where 40 miles of trails wind through the gorgeous Texas landscape.
• Breathe deep at the fragrant Chappell Hill Lavender Farm and enjoy guided tours, the best-smelling gift shop in Texas, and lots of space for picnicking.
• Take a quick jaunt to the Downtown Brenham Historic District for art walks, antique carousels, boutiques, and live theater.

12. Schulenburg, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A

• Average home value: $388,900
• Great for: Housing options, nightlife, music

Known as the spot that’s “halfway to everywhere,” Schulenberg is a great small town between Houston and San Antonio. Like many small towns in Texas, Schulenberg was founded by Czech, Austrian, and German settlers in the mid-nineteenth century. While the population is considered small at just over 2,600 people, the town offers affordable options when it comes to housing. And because this town is located just an hour and a half from San Antonio and from Houston, it’s still close enough for trips to the big city, without sacrificing its rural Texas appeal.

Fun Things To Do in Schulenburg, TX

• Visit Schulenburg’s six Painted Churches of Texas, adorned by early immigrants in the style of their homeland houses of worship.
• Get in tune with the Texas Polka Music Museum, located downtown in a restored historic building, and check out the Texas Polka Festival, an annual fundraiser to keep this locally cherished tradition alive.
• Learn everything you could possibly want to know about model airplanes at the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum. 

13. Jefferson, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100

• Average home value: $162,400
• Great for: Families, nightlife, diversity

Nestled near the Louisiana border in East Texas, Jefferson is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into the past of one of the best small towns in Texas. The brick-paved streets of downtown recall the hub’s days as a busy port along the Big Cypress Bayou, with restored buildings the architectural hallmark of today’s Jefferson. Housing is still affordable in many places farther out from the town center, but in the Historic District, you’ll find pricier homes.

Fun Things To Do in Jefferson, TX

• Stop by the Jefferson Historical Museum for a look at the town’s rich cultural past — and don’t miss the train replica in the former depot behind the building.
• Get some fresh air at one of Jefferson’s spacious parks, including Caddo Lake State Park and Otstott Park.
• Catch a play, lecture, or live music at the Jefferson Playhouse, built in 1860 as a residence.

PODS will deliver a portable moving and storage container right to your driveway for convenient loading on your own schedule.

PODS Can Help You Move to Any of the Best Small Towns in Texas

No matter which of the best small towns in Texas you choose, you can make your move to Texas a flexible one with PODS. Choose from a variety of portable container sizes and have it delivered right to your driveway, where you can load it up on your own schedule. When you’re ready, PODS will pick it up and deliver it to your new, small-town Texas home — and one month’s storage is included in the cost of every move. Need a hand with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance to make your move more flexible. Get a free local moving quote online or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

And if you're looking for more Southwestern small towns, check out the best small towns in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Zillow; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

(Source for image featured at top: Pete Alexopoulos)