Top Texas Cities & Why People Are Moving There

Last Updated on August 23, 2024

By Vince Mancuso, Storage.com

Finding your place in this world can be pretty difficult, not to mention how hard it can be to move there. Storage.com is here to help with the moving process, either by providing storage or helping you find the ideal place to call home.

If you’re fixin’ to move to Texas, you’re not alone. According to a 2014 WalletHub report, Texas cities make up five of the 10 fastest growing cities in the United States. This report is based not only on population growth, but also socio-economic factors like educational attainment, median household income, job growth, and more. From small towns to big cities, here are five of the fastest growing communities in Texas.

1. MISSION

Mission Texas city limit sign
Photo by David Davies

Located near the southern U.S. border, Mission was not only named the overall fastest growing city in the country, but it also placed second for highest income growth, and came in fifth in the country for the highest poverty rate decrease. The increase in jobs, income, and population is likely due to the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area experiencing employment growth in the healthcare, textile, and manufacturing industries. Mission’s cost of living at 20% lower than the national average doesn’t hurt, either.

2. IRVING

Centennial Park in Irving, Texas
Centennial Park in Irving. Photo by dalmon

While rated the second fastest growing city in the United States, Irving was also named the top midsize city when it comes to growth of cities with 100,000 to 300,000 residents. Located just west of Dallas, Irving is much more than a suburban city. Not only are Fortune 500 companies such as Citigroup, Verizon, and ExxonMobil some of the top employers in Irving, but families enjoy the “work hard, play hard,” mentality of the area. Irving offers attractions such as the International Concert Series in the summer for music lovers, the Texas Greenbelt Trinity River Trail for jogging and biking enthusiasts, and the Dallas Comic Con for cosplayers. However, everyone can enjoy the Taste of Irving, an annual festival dedicated to the flavors of the city.

3. EDINBURG

University of Texas-Pan American
University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg was renamed the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Photo by Aaron Stidwell

Like Mission, Edinburg is part of the rapidly growing McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area, and is also reaping the benefits of recent job growth there. While coming in second to Mission in small cities with the most growth, Edinburg is still another great Hidalgo County community, with an even lower cost of living than its neighboring city, as well as a relatively low 5.5 percent unemployment rate. Locals can also enjoy attractions like the Museum of South Texas History, Los Lagos Golf Club, or the nature trails at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands.

4. AUSTIN

Austin city skyline
Photo by Stuart Seeger

Often seen among the fastest growing cities, it’s worth noting that Austin is the fastest growing large city, with more than 300,000 residents. As a large city, and the Texas capital, Austin has a bit of everything for everyone. It’s a great source of tech jobs as companies like Google, Dell, Intel, Apple, and Facebook all have operations in the city. At the same time, country charm is still felt in this Texas town with cowboy boots seen as regular attire and wildflowers dotting the highways and roads each spring. From the music and films at South by Southwest to enjoying a swim at Barton Springs, there is much to be said as to why people enjoy living in Austin.

5. PHARR

Rudy's BBQ in Pharr, Texas
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q in Pharr. Photo by m anima

Many Hidalgo County cities are experiencing rapid job growth, including Pharr, another city from the Rio Grande Valley that was named among the top ten fastest growing cities. Pharr was further recognized as the city the with the highest income growth in the country. Pharr offers new residents a cost of living that’s more than 25% lower than the United States average. An international bridge in Pharr connects the city to the Mexican community of Reynosa across the U.S. border.​ Though a small city in the McAllen-Reynosa metropolitan area, Pharr offers residents entertainment opportunities at Smitty’s Juke Box Museum, Cinemark Pharr Town Center, and plenty of Tex-Mex restaurants.

All images have either been provided by a listed organization or are licensed under the Creative Commons.

Having worked as a reporter and editor for a small newspaper, Vince loves finding experts and professionals to talk to about specific topics and trends. Outside of writing, he loves staying in shape and reading science fiction and fantasy.