Top 10 Places to Live in East Texas
East Texas has proven to be an ideal place to relocate, especially for young professionals, starting families, and retirees over the last few years. There are many great options if you’re looking for a place to live in East Texas. To help you decide where to settle down, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to live in East Texas in 2023.
The determining factors in our rankings include various elements that make the place worth living in, as follows:
- Cost of living
- Crime rate
- Livability score
- Quality of education
- Healthcare
- Employment opportunities
- Entertainment and leisure options
10. Palestine
Population: 18,544
Cost of Living Index: 86.4
Livability Score: 78
First on the list of the 10 best places to live in East Texas is Palestine. A naturally beautiful small town in Anderson County, boasts a low crime rate of just 1.03% per 100,000 people. Located nearby among the largest lakes in Texas is Lake Palestine, which offers not just an infinite supply of water, but recreation as well. Small businesses of every type and local chain retailers like Walmart are the region’s lifeblood. More than just for exploration and investing, Palestine is a delightful place to call home!
9. Athens
Population: 12,857
Cost of Living Index: 85.9
Livability Score: 80
A modest town in Henderson County known as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World” has a popular vacation destination where you can find the Cedar Creek Reservoir and Lake Athens. Athens was also chosen as a “Certified Retirement Community” in Texas. The town also has a low crime rate of roughly 1.2% per 100,000 people. Additionally, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society, and Athens Scuba Park are just a few of the major attractions in town.
8. Sulphur Springs
Population: 15,941
Cost of Living Index: 85.3
Livability Score: 80
A small town in Hopkins County that was named out of the abundance of sulfur spring waters when it was first settled. The city also has a low crime rate of just 1.4% per 100,000 people. The town features various recreational opportunities for family activities, and learning experiences. Lake Coleman is a beautiful environment with waterfalls and trails. You can also go fishing or swimming on Lake Fork or Cooper Lake. You can make the most of relaxation in Sulphur Springs!
7. Mount Pleasant
Population: 16,047
Cost of Living Index: 85.2
Livability Score: 81
Next on the list of the best places to live in East Texas is Mount Pleasant. Walmart’s first store in Texas was opened in Mount Pleasant, a small town in Titus County with a low crime rate of about 1.47% per 100,000 people. The National Trust for Historic Preservation program recognized Mount Pleasant as Texas Main Street City. You will find no reason to leave this thriving Micropolitan community when a strong sense of family runs throughout the town that takes care of its own.
6. Longview
Population: 81,683
Cost of Living Index: 89.4
Livability Score: 81
A medium-sized city in Gregg County that has a small-scale town charm. Despite being slightly more expensive than some of the other places on this list, the city is still affordable. The city also has a low crime rate of roughly 1.7% crimes per 100,000 people. For entertainment and cultural exposure, Longview downtown showcases its museums, vineyards, trails, golf courses, live music, and theater. The Texas Commission on the Arts designated the city’s Historical buildings in 2019. Longview is known to be more of a conservative city.
Let’s get into the 5 best places to live in East Texas.
5. Huntsville
Population: 45,941
Cost of Living Index: 88.3
Livability Score: 82
Huntsville is a small town in Walker County, part of the Piney Woods region of Texas, whose cultural district was selected as part of the first seven cultural districts in the state. Also, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice headquarters operates in Huntsville, keeping a low crime rate of just 1.85% per 100,000 people.
4. Nacogdoches
Population: 32,147
Cost of Living Index: 87.5
Livability Score: 83
Nacogdoches in Nacogdoches County is the oldest town in Texas, and is a top-rated tourist destination saturated with arts and culture scenes that tourists can experience up close. Visitors will be busy exploring the city without worrying about their safety, as Nacogdoches also has a low crime rate of just 1.78% per 100,000 people. The town may be the oldest but is now in its best era. Definitely worthy of being on the list of the 10 places to live in East Texas.
3. Tyler
Population: 106,985
Cost of Living Index: 89.2
Livability Score: 84
Tyler is a medium-sized city in Smith County that is one of the most well-rounded cities in all of Texas. The city also has a low crime rate of 2% per 100,000 people. The “Rose Capital of America” has an inviting historic downtown district– Queen Anne, Colonial Revival. While you have plentiful options for history, Tyler also offers many green spaces across the city, a great balance of nature and culture. If you love being outside, this is an ideal place to live in East Texas.
2. Corsicana
Population: 25,109
Cost of Living Index: 86.8
Livability Score: 85
This small town in Navarro County offers a wide variety of recreation, attractions, arts, history, shopping, and events. Home to the Lake Halbert dam, you can do fishing, hunting, and enjoy boat rides. Also, there are more than 15 beautiful and equally unique parks for you and your family to explore in Corsicana. The town also has a low crime rate of just 1.42% per 100,000 people. It just misses out on the best place to live in East Texas!
1. Jefferson – The Best Place to Live in East Texas
Population: 1,915
Cost of Living Index: 84.4
Livability Score: 86
If you’re looking for an Old South feel mixed with a healthy dose of Texas tradition, Jefferson is the place to be! It is a village in Marion County with a more relaxed pace of life but abounds with outdoor opportunities. This place is a lot similar to Jerome in Northern Arizona. The city also has the lowest crime rate of 1.13% per 100,000 people among the places on this list. Additionally, homes in Jefferson are estimated to be around $130,000, which is super affordable.
Where is the Best Place to Live in East Texas for me?
In conclusion, East Texas is home to many great places to live, each with its unique character and attractions. Our list of the 10 best places to live in East Texas in 2023 considers various factors to help you make an informed decision about where to call home. Whether you’re looking for a small town or a larger city, there’s something for everyone in East Texas.
If you enjoy doing outdoor activities and keeping fit, then Corsicana would be the perfect place for you to live in East Texas. However, if you prefer a quiet life, you should definitely consider looking for property in Jefferson, as it is by far the smallest town on our list of the best places to live in East Texas.
People also read – Best Places to Live in Baton Rouge
