8 Texas towns everyone wishes they lived in

PLANO (KDAF) — A new survey from the New Jersey Real Estate Network asked over 3,000 people one question: Which lifestyle do you envy the most? While it’s no shock that coastal havens in Hawaii, California, and Florida dominated the top 10, eight Texas communities still found themselves on the national radar as some of the most desirable places to live.

Whether it’s the laid-back charm of a country town, the buzz of a cultural hotspot, or the close-knit vibe of a suburban gem, these cities and towns are proving that quality of life matters—and Texas has plenty to go around.

#34. Sugar Land
Don’t let the sweet name fool you – Sugar Land is a serious contender for best suburb status. Once a sugar plantation, it’s now a polished, fast-growing community southwest of Houston with various schools, diverse dining, and neighborhoods that feel both modern and community-focused. The vibe is ambitious but grounded. People move here for space, opportunity, and a taste of suburban Texas at its best. In a state full of big personalities, Sugar Land shines with balance and appeal.
 
#35. Highland Park
Highland Park is Dallas with its collar starched – refined, historic, and unapologetically high-end. With tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and sought-after schools, it’s where old money meets Southern hospitality. Homes here are stately, the lawns are manicured, and the sense of community is strong. It’s the kind of place that wears its wealth with dignity. For many Texans, Highland Park is the gold standard for how suburban success should look and feel.

#49. Alamo Heights
Alamo Heights is San Antonio’s refined, oak-shaded gem – full of historic homes, schools, and a community vibe that feels both tight-knit and upper crust. The streets are walkable, the local shops are curated, and the architecture leans beautifully old Texas. It’s a neighborhood with roots, pride, and a sense of polish that doesn’t shout. For locals, it’s where tradition meets taste. For outsiders, it’s the kind of life they wish they could tap into.

#59. Plano
Plano proves that suburbs can be power players. Once a sleepy outpost north of Dallas, it’s now home to Fortune 500 HQs, sought-after schools, and a community that’s equal parts entrepreneurial and family-friendly. The parks are plentiful, the shopping’s upscale, and the real estate hits that sweet spot of spacious and sleek. Plano isn’t flashy, but it’s on the rise – and people across Texas (and beyond) are taking note of its blend of comfort and opportunity.

#68. Southlake
Southlake is Texas-size everything done with polish. Known for its public schools, pristine neighborhoods, and designer shopping square, this Dallas suburb feels like a master class in suburban success. It’s affluent, ambitious, and community-oriented, with an energy that says “we’ve arrived.” Friday night lights, golf carts, and home values that only go up – Southlake isn’t shy about what it offers. It’s the kind of place that feels like a reward, and many are aiming for it.

#73. River Oaks
River Oaks is Houston’s answer to old-world grandeur – manicured, majestic, and unapologetically exclusive. Behind wrought-iron gates and century-old oaks are estates that speak volumes without saying a word. Residents enjoy private clubs, cultural cachet, and the kind of legacy living that can’t be faked. It’s not a place you stumble into – it’s a destination, a decision, and for many, a dream. In Texas, River Oaks is less neighborhood, more legend.

#81. West Lake Hills
West Lake Hills offers Austin’s best views – and its steepest price tags. Draped across the hills west of downtown, it’s where modern architecture meets Texas Hill Country beauty. A variety of school options, proximity to Lake Austin, and a calm, wooded vibe make it a magnet for CEOs and creatives alike. It’s exclusive but not snobby, laid-back but not lazy. In a city exploding with growth, West Lake Hills is the rare enclave that already has it all.

#111. Rollingwood
Rollingwood is Austin’s quiet powerhouse – tucked just west of downtown, with big trees, bigger homes, and an under-the-radar air of affluence. It’s small—under 2,000 residents—but mighty, with a variety of schools, proximity to Zilker Park, and a town council that takes livability seriously. Residents enjoy all the perks of Austin without the crowds, and the vibe is pure chill-with-capital. In a city that’s always buzzing, Rollingwood offers rare peace with enviable access.

Check out the full results here.