Central Texas cities make up half of the top 10 ‘Most Livable Small Cities’ in Texas, study shows
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Curious where some of the most "livable" places in Texas are? You may be surprised to find half are in Central Texas.
SmartAsset, a financial technology company, ranked 281 small U.S. cities, and KXAN took that data to find the most "livable" cities in the Lone Star State.
The study said many variables could impact costs and comfortability.
"Housing affordability, the spread of business offerings, financial standing and unemployment levels, average commute times and healthcare coverage can all affect the well-being and comfort of the community as a whole," SmartAsset said.
Flower Mound, Texas (town)
No. 1 in Texas (No. 29 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 18.2%
- Population below poverty level: 3.9%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.7%
- Commute time: 26.3 minutes
Leander, Texas
No. 2 in Texas (No. 60 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 17.5%
- Population below poverty level: 3.1%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.6%
- Commute time: 29.6 minutes
Mansfield, Texas
No. 3 in Texas (No. 69 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.8%
- Population below poverty level: 5.5%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
- Commute time: 26.7 minutes
Missouri City, Texas
No. 4 in Texas (No. 77 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.4%
- Population below poverty level: 6%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
- Commute time: 29.9 minutes
Pflugerville, Texas
No. 5 in Texas (No. 78 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.3%
- Population below poverty level: 5.4%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 2.1%
- Commute time: 24.7 minutes
Cedar Park, Texas
No. 6 in Texas (No. 85 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 20.8%
- Population below poverty level: 6.3%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.6%
- Commute time: 25.1 minutes
Harlingen, Texas
No. 7 in Texas (No. 118 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.1%
- Population below poverty level: 20.3%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1%
- Commute time: 16.9 minutes
North Richland Hills, Texas
No. 8 in Texas (No. 139 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 23.6%
- Population below poverty level: 7.9%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
- Commute time: 26.5 minutes
New Braunfels, Texas
No. 9 in Texas (No. 151 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 23.6%
- Population below poverty level: 6.6%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 2.2%
- Commute time: 26.7 minutes
Georgetown, Texas
No. 10 in Texas (No. 162 in U.S.)
- Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 21.5%
- Population below poverty level: 6.4%
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.6%
- Commute time: 31.9 minutes