The team at Travel + Leisure is giving Pflugerville a big vote of confidence. The lifestyle magazine has named the
Austin suburb the second-best place to live in Texas, even beating one of the state’s major metros. The neighboring suburb of Round Rock also made the top 10 at No. 5, but Austin itself did not make the cut.
To compile the rankings, writer Amanda Ogle chatted with real estate experts from across the state. The list considered all aspects of the city’s quality of living, including entertainment options, dining, highly-rated schools, green spaces, and culture.
“About 20 miles northeast of Austin, Pflugerville is a thriving suburb with German heritage, which is celebrated at the yearly Deutschen Pfest,” wrote Ogle. “The city has a low crime rate, highly ranked schools, and takes the title of Trail Capital of Texas, with over 56 miles of trails. Lots of outdoor activities make the city a win for families, retirees, and couples, and the proximity to Austin is a perk for commuters and those looking for more affordable homes outside the capital.”
Ogle also pointed to Typhoon Texas and the Stone Hill Town Center for entertainment. The list (like similar reports aimed at older people and small-town residents) certainly seems to prioritize wholesome, family pastimes, but those looking for a little more excitement can always pop over to the bigger city. It could be the best of both worlds — and Pflugerville often gets its own version of some of Austin’s most popular restaurants years later.
Round Rock, barely farther north, seems to blend at its edges with Pflugerville yet has its own down-to-earth identity. Whereas Pflugerville was lauded for its accessibility, Ogle focuses on Round Rock’s sportiness and economic infrastructure.
“20 miles north of Austin, Round Rock is known as the Sports Capital of Texas due to its numerous sports facilities and sporting events, ranging from youth and amateur sports to the big leagues,” the report says. “The city is home to Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball team, and the multi-use Round Rock Multipurpose Complex and the indoor Round Rock Sports Center. The presence of global companies like Dell means the city has a growing economy, which attracts families and young professionals.”
Even though it doesn’t rank quite as high, Round Rock still gets a well-rounded write-up that also praises affordability, healthcare, outdoor activities, entertainment, and access to Austin.
Two large metros outstripped Austin, not just as places to access from afar, but places to actually live. Fort Worth was the No. 1 best place to live thanks to “that small-town feeling” that it’s maintained despite not actually being small anymore. The quaintness starts to recede at the mention of San Antonio, at No. 8, which takes a metropolitan air with 300 years of history, national basketball importance, worldly food, diverse housing options, and yes, fun places to take the kids.
The best places to live in Texas, according to Travel + Leisure experts, include:
No. 1 — Fort WorthNo. 2 — PflugervilleNo. 3 — FriscoNo. 4 — Sugar LandNo. 5 — Round RockNo. 6 — PlanoNo. 7 — The WoodlandsNo. 8 — San AntonioNo. 9 — McAllenNo. 10 — Flower Mound