Loading...Homes For Sale In Texas
Texas, US's second-largest state by size and GDP, has been attracting waves of newcomers for years. From 2010 to 2020 only, the Texas population grew by nearly four million. With its explosive growth, desirable urban metros, notably low living costs, and diverse Texas real estate, the Lone Star State is a compelling destination for families of all sizes and individuals of all walks of life. If the homes for sale in Texas seem like a good prospect, check out the listings below and scroll further down for more information.
Texas Homes For Sale
The Texas real estate market is booming, with a record of closed transactions and a lack of inventory that continues to drive prices up. According to the latest data available at Texas REALTORS®, the median sale price of Texas homes is $345K, with half of the metro areas in the state showing significant rises in median prices.
Approximately 65% of all the existing dwellings in Texas are single-family homes for sale, and they spend, on average, 87 days on the market before closing. Half of the homes sold across Texas fell in the $200K to $399.9K price range, up from 45.8% of the sales registered the previous year.
Approximately 45% of the homes for sale in Texas were constructed between the '70s and the '90s, followed by dwellings built in the year 2000 or newer (33%).
New Construction Homes in Texas
According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, trends indicate a good momentum in the Texas single-family new construction market. In the past months, there has been a notable increase in the number of single-family construction starts, reaching a total of 11,240 units.
Dallas and Houston both saw over 3,500 houses begin construction, exceeding the combined total of other metropolitan areas beyond the "Big Four."
Although Austin had more home developments with 1,540 starts compared to San Antonio's 804 starts, the gap between the two cities has been gradually closing as the new home permit demand in San Antonio gained momentum. Year-to-date (YTD), the state's total value of single-family starts amounted to $15.9 billion.
A Diverse Housing Stock
Texas is home to around 1,700 cities, encompassing a wide spectrum of population sizes, from thriving metropolises with millions of residents to cozy communities with fewer than a hundred inhabitants. As you imagine, Texas is home to an incredibly diverse housing stock, with something to suit every taste and budget.
From quaint, historic cottages in small towns to sprawling ranch-style homes on acres of land, there are endless options when it comes to choosing a place to call home. Whether you're in search of a cozy bungalow in one of the “Big Four” (Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio), or a spacious mansion in the countryside, there are plenty of homes for sale in Texas that are sure to catch your eye.
Texas City Sampler
Looking for the top places to purchase homes for sale in Texas? The cities below are obvious choices for their well-known qualities, but we highly encourage you to talk to a local real estate agent for guidance on more under-the-radar options, like mid-size cities, suburbs, and small towns. One of the eXp agents will be an invaluable source of knowledge about the state and will be able to guide your search according to your specific needs.
Austin
Looking for a vibrant, fast-growing city in Texas to buy your forever home? Consider Austin. Texas’ capital is full of color, character, and eclectic neighborhoods with a diverse housing supply, and while is home to 966K residents now, it’s projected to grow to 4.5 million by 2050.
Austin is the fourth most populous city in the state and is situated at the convergence of the Colorado River and the Balcones Escarpment in south central Texas. With a fast-paced urban environment, fantastic amenities, and virtually endless entertainment, the allure of this city is undeniable.
If you’re looking for homes for sale in Texas with high appreciation rates, Austin offers a red-hot real estate market with a diverse stock of single-family homes across over 100 neighborhoods and plenty more suburbs. The median price of single-family homes for sale in Austin is $623K, above the national average.
- Top Neighborhoods For Homebuyers: Clarksville, Rosedale & Allendale, Hyde Park & North Loop, Mueller, East Austin, South Lamar, Riverside, South Machaca, Franklin Park, Tarrytown.
San Antonio
Known as Alamo City and “The Heart of Texas,” San Antonio is a welcoming city in south-central Texas vastly known for its rodeo culture, the colorful River Walk, and the best Mexican food you’ll ever get to palate.
Besides its tourist potential, San Antonio is also a great place to reside for anyone. Families find it particularly convenient for its strong school districts, abundant amenities, and family-friendly activities and opportunities. Its proximity to both Houston and Austin makes it a sought-after spot to buy homes for sale.
The San Antonio real estate market flourishes with high demand and stable prices that provide home buyers and investors with more affordability than other large cities in Texas. The median price of single-family homes for sale in San Antonio is $280K, with options ranging from starter homes priced under $100K to sprawling estates and mansions costing $1M and up.
- Top Neighborhoods For Homebuyers: Downtown San Antonio, Dignowity Hill, Terrel Hills, Olmos Park, Alamo Heights, Lavaca, Tobin Hill, King William, Beacon Hill, Monte Vista, El Dorado, Fort Sam Houston.
Dallas
Dallas continues to be a premier location for newcomers in Texas due to its safe environment, established neighborhoods and suburbs, top-notch education, and modern amenities. A commercial and cultural hub in the state, Dallas is home to nearly 1.3M people and offers something for everyone.
Whether you're a single individual looking for a new job opportunity, want to expand your social circle, or simply want to experience a new way of living to better raise your kids, there’s a home in Dallas for you. The median single-family home for sale is clocked in at $475K in the city and homes range from modest brick entry houses to luxurious, five-bedroom, new construction residences.
Dallas is also home to a thriving arts and sports scene, with world-renowned museums, music venues, and professional sports teams for every fan. The city's vibrant downtown offers dining and nightlife experiences that rival any city in the country, making it an attractive destination for urbanites. Plus, with over 230 sunny days a year, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore everything this vibrant city offers.
- Top Neighborhoods For Homebuyers: Prestonwood, Uptown-Knox Henderson-Oak Lawn, Arapaho, Canyon Creek South, Campbell Green, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts District-Oak Cliff, Design District, Lower Greenville.
Houston
Houston has an energetic character and a unique Southern appeal. It has gorgeous landscapes, a culturally diverse population of 2.3M, and a flourishing energy-focused economy with plenty of jobs. Houston excels in almost everything:
- World-class healthcare
- Well-established neighborhoods and suburbs
- No income tax
- Notable food and art scenes
- The expected urban amenities of any metropolis its size
H-Town is also praised for its relative affordability, which reflects in every day-to-day expense, including housing. The median price of single-family homes for sale in Houston is $353.5K, with homes selling after only 21 days on the market. This reveals a healthy, fast-performing market worth investing in.
Homebuyers on reduced budgets will find Houston homes priced under $250K, while luxury seekers can surf the meticulously crafted homes priced $1M and up. There's something for every pocket size.
Additionally, Houston is a short drive away from beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational areas. From Galveston Island to Padre Island National Seashore, these destinations offer pristine stretches of sand, sparkling waters, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you want to swim, surf, fish, or relax and soak up the scenery, Houston's nearby beaches and outdoor recreational areas provide the perfect getaway from city life.
Top Neighborhoods For Homebuyers: Kingwood, Montrose-Neartown, University Place, Memorial, Clear Lake, Fourth Ward, Greenway-Upper Kirby Area, Meyerland Area, Braeswood, Museum Park, Briar Forest.
Schools In Texas
A defining feature of Texas is its solid and diverse education system. Based on data from research.com, the state comprises approximately 12,000 school districts serving 5.4M students. That's the second-largest enrollment in the country.
Texas students attend 8,845 campuses and 831 charter schools and receive instruction from 376,086 teachers. Narrowing down 12,000 districts in Texas to the top ten districts can feel overwhelming, so here we are to help you out.
The Best School Districts in Texas
- Lovejoy Independent School District - Serves Lucas, Fairview, and Allen.
- Carroll ISD School District - Serving the cities of Grapevine, Keller, and Southlake.
- Highland Park ISD School District - Serves Highland Park, University Park, and Dallas.
- Eanes ISD School District - Serves Austin, Rollingwood, and West Lake Hills.
- Coppell ISD School District - Serves Dallas, North Irving, Valley Ranch, and Lewisville.
- Allen ISD School District - Serves Allen.
- Frisco Independent School District - Serves Frisco.
- Aledo ISD School District - Serves Aledo, Annetta, Cresson, Fort Worth, Hudson Oaks.
- Tomball Independent School District - Serves Tomball.
- Roma ISD School District - Serves Roma, TX.
In addition to the K-12 educational offerings, most homes for sale in Texas are close to quality higher education institutions, some of which are among the top 100 in the country, like Houston’s Rice University (#15) and the University of Texas at Austin (#40). These institutions offer degrees in various fields, including engineering, sciences, agriculture, business, and more.
Flagship Colleges & Universities in Texas
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- Texas Tech University
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- The University of North Texas
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Texas State University
Military Presence in Texas
With 15 active duty military bases across its geography, Texas is a proud military state, so it’s an everyday occurrence that military families and personnel look for homes for sale in Texas. The state offers various landscapes and lifestyles for active duty service members and veterans wanting to retire. According to research by military.com, Austin is the second best city in the nation for veterans.
Whether you’re looking for on-base community housing in Fort Sam Houston or off-base real estate options near Lackland Air Force Base, you’ll find something to your liking in the broad Texas housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Homes For Sale
What are the zip codes of homes for sale in Texas?
Texas is divided into 2,655 zip codes, so if you're buying homes for sale in the Lone Star State, guidance regarding location is vital. If you're looking for the best zip codes to invest in Texas real estate, there are a few areas of the state that stand out; those include:
- Houston: 77005, 77006, 77008, 77009, 77012, 77013, 77014, 77015, 77017, 77018, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77022, 77023, 77024, 77025
- Dallas: 75203, 75204, 75206, 75208, 75209 , 75210, 75211, 75212, 75214, 75215, 75216, 75217, 75218
- Austin: 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78717, 78721, 78722, 78723, 78724, 78725, 78726, 78730, 78731
- Carrollton: 75006, 75007, 75010
- Irving: 75038, 75039, 75060, 75061, 75062, 75063
- Tyler: 75702, 75703, 75704, 75705, 75706, 75707, 75708
- Arlington: 76013, 76014, 76015, 76016, 76017, 76018
- Fort Worth: 76103, 76104, 76105, 76106, 76107, 76108, 76109, 76110, 76111, 76112
- Denton: 76205, 76207, 76208, 76209, 76210
- Galveston: 77550, 77551, 77554
- Beaumont: 77702, 77705, 77706, 77707, 77708
- San Antonio: 78208, 78209, 78210, 78212, 78213, 78214, 78216, 78217, 78218, 78219 78220, 78221, 78222, 78223, 78224
- Corpus Christi: 78404, 78410, 78411, 78412 , 78413, 78414, 78415, 78416, 78417
- Lubbock: 79401, 79407, 79410, 79411, 79412, 79413, 79414, 79415, 79416, 79423,
- Abilene: 79601, 79602, 79603, 79605, 79606
- Odessa: 79761, 79762, 79763, 79764, 79765, 79766
- El Paso: 79922, 79924, 79925, 79927, 79930, 79932, 79934, 79935, 79936
What are the main commercial airports in Texas?
If proximity to airports is a factor in your search of homes for sale in Texas, you should know that this is one of the states with the most international airports in the U.S. See below for a list of the main ones:
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Dallas-Fort Worth
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – Houston
- Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – Austin
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – Houston
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT) – San Antonio
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Texas?
What ‘comfortable salary’ means across Texas greatly depends on where you live and your individual preferences and circumstances. However, a personal income ranging between $60K and $80K is generally considered necessary to afford living expenses in this state and even have some surplus funds to invest in vacation and fun activities.
What is the average cost of a pool in Texas?
The average cost of a pool in Texas would depend on the type of pool you desire – whether it's an above-ground or in-ground pool, and additional factors such as material, pool size, location, and labor costs. An above-ground pool in Texas can start at around $2,000, while an in-ground pool can cost between $35,000 and $55,000 and up.
While this is a significant investment, a pool can significantly increase home value and provide a refreshing oasis for your family and friends on those hot Texas summer days.
What are four reasons to move to Texas?
If you’re in the market for a new place to call home in Texas, there are more than four reasons to make the move; however, four of the most important reasons are:
- The affordable living cost: Texas has a cost of living index that’s 5.8% lower than the national average, which means a cost-effective existence no matter where you choose to live.
- The diverse housing stock: Whether you’re in the Texas real estate market for a sprawling ranch-style estate in the West Texas countryside or a charming historic bungalow just outside buzzing Houston, there’s a home for sale in Texas ready to accommodate every buyer’s pocket and preferences.
- The abundant job opportunities: Over the past year, Texas outpaced all other states in job growth with an addition of 441,700 job offerings. This represents an annual increase rate of 3.3%, surpassing the national average conforming to data from the Texas Workforce Commission.
- The diverse, friendly, and welcoming cities and communities: According to the Census Bureau, Texas is home to 970 cities, 228 towns, and 23 villages, so there’s no shortage of places to live whether you like to set residence in a fast-paced, urban metropolitan environment, a charming, small honky-tonk town or anything in between.
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Florida?
While both states have their own unique charm and perks, Texas may come out ahead of the Sunshine State in terms of affordability. See below the cost of living indices and median home price for both states (for comparison, the national average is 100):
- Texas: 94.2. The median price of homes for sale in Texas is $345K.
- Florida: 103.1. The median price of homes for sale in Florida is $399.9K.
What city in Texas is best for retirees?
Known for their quality healthcare options, low cost of living with tax-free income, peaceful environment, and plentiful indoor and outdoor activities, these four cities rank as the best for retirees according to several Internet sources:
- Killeen: Killeen is a town midway between Austin and Waco known for being affordable and moderately tax-friendly for retirees. With a population of 151.6K, Killeen has many activities to offer seniors, including two retirement centers, equestrian areas, parks, and all the recreation in the nearby lakes of Stillhouse Hollow and Belton.
- Amarillo: Amarillo attracts retiring adults for its rich cultural scene, quality healthcare, and over 270 days of sunshine annually. The city in northern Texas has a cost of living for retirees that’s 14% below the national average and recreational activities that include amusement parks, botanical gardens, parks, golf courses, and nature centers.
- Katy: Katy is a Houston suburb recognized as a desirable retirement destination in Texas. It boasts a number of healthcare facilities, recreation options, and master-planned communities to buy homes for sale in Texas. In Katy, 14% of the population are retirees, so seniors will have plenty of community there.
- Lago Vista: With a comfy population of just over 8,000, this suburban small town lies just northwest of Austin, touching both the Colorado River and the scenic Lake Travis. Surrounded by recreation areas, parks, golf clubs, and nature trails, Lago Vista is a lovely spot to move to for active seniors. The percentage of people over 65 is 28.2%, and almost 40% of the population has retirement income.
Is California or Texas better to live in?
Since both states are vastly different in terms of weather, politics, culture, and lifestyle, when it comes to deciding which is better to live in, it ultimately comes down to individual preferences and purchasing power.
California may have the allure of Hollywood and arguably better beaches and entertainment, but it also comes with a high cost of living. On the other hand, Texas offers a lower cost of living, a favorable job market, and no state income tax, but it lacks the iconic beauty of the Pacific coastline. Ultimately, it depends on what you value most in life.
Things To Do In Texas
- The Alamo: The Alamo is a Texas staple and one of the most visited places in San Antonio. The Spanish Mission and Fortress offers visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to learn about the Texas Revolution. Admission is free.
- San Antonio RiverWalk: This iconic urban park and pedestrian street along the San Antonio River is a must-visit destination for visitors and locals alike. You can stroll along the riverbanks lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also take a boat ride at night and experience the alluring ambiance of this attraction.
- Padre Island National Seashore: This stunning stretch of coastline in southeastern Texas is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Laguna Madre on the other. With miles of pristine beaches, towering dunes, and crystal-clear waters, this national park is a top destination for beachgoers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District: This popular Texas attraction in Fort Worth takes visitors back to the days of cattlemen, cowboys, and outlaws. The bustling hub of Western heritage offers a glimpse of the past with historic buildings, stores, and shops. Activities include cattle drives, rodeos in the Cowtown Coliseum, and more.
- Space Center Houston: Nestled in Houston, this stands as an esteemed science museum and official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. With exhibits and interactive displays, it offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of space exploration, blending scientific knowledge with awe-inspiring wonders.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark: This aquatic park in New Braunfels is perfect for residents in homes for sale in Texas looking for water rides, refreshing pools, and exciting attractions, from water coasters to lazy rivers. And if you need a break from the water, check out the park's many eateries and shops.
- Big Bend National Park: This national park in Brewster County, TX, straddles the border between Texas and Mexico and boasts over 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including dramatic canyons, rugged mountain peaks, and winding river valleys. Hiking trails crisscross the park, allowing visitors to interact with this landscape.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in West Texas and features some of the highest peaks in the state, including Guadalupe Peak, which stands at over 8,751 feet above sea level. From hiking to camping, rock climbing to wildlife-watching, the options to practice outdoor activities here are endless.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: This underground world is a must-see attraction in the Texas Hill Country. Descend deep into the earth and witness the stunning beauty of massive natural limestone formations. Take the Discovery Tour and learn about the history and geological significance of the caverns from knowledgeable guides.
- Kemah Boardwalk: Located in Kemah, TX, approximately 30 miles southeast of Downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is a captivating 60-acre theme park nestled along the Texas Gulf Coast. Offering a perfect blend of excitement and charm, this destination offers attractions for visitors of all ages, including two Ferris wheels, an observation tower, a carousel, an aviator ride, and more.
- Hamilton Pool: Just west of Austin, in the Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a 232-acre area that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors and residents can explore the area's natural beauty, including a stunning 50-foot waterfall and a turquoise-hued pool that is perfect for a refreshing swim.
Living In Texas
Texas Cost Of Living
Texas has garnered a reputation for being affordable to live in, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other regions in the United States. This makes it a good option for individuals considering buying homes for sale and moving to Texas for work or other reasons.
According to data from bestplaces.net, the cost of living index in Texas is 94.2, which is 5.8% lower than the national average. One of the most affordable costs in the state is housing.
The homes for sale in Texas cost a median of $345K, lower than the U.S median of $416K. Other expenses that cost less in Texas than in the rest of the country are groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous costs such as clothing, eating out, entertainment, and repairs.
Only one expense is above the national average in Texas: transportation, while healthcare costs are equivalent to those in other states. The median household income in Texas is $60,040 for one earner and $101,753 for a family of four.
Weather In Texas
Texas, with its expansive territory and unique position at the crossroads of diverse climate zones, experiences highly fluctuating weather patterns. In general, though, you can expect hot and humid summers and mild winters in most parts of the state if you purchase one of the homes for sale in Texas.
The Panhandle region experiences colder winters than northern Texas areas, while the winters in the Gulf Coast are even milder. Precipitation-wise, Texas has diverse patterns. El Paso, on the western end of the state, receives an average of 8.7 inches of rainfall annually, while areas in the southeast experience as much as 64 inches per year. Moving towards the North Central region, Dallas experiences a more moderate average of 37 inches of rainfall every year.
Average Temperatures
In the summertime, areas of the west Texas mountains and Galveston Island average highs in the 80s °F, while the Rio Grande Valley averages 100°F. The rest of the regions in Texas have consistent average high temperatures of 90°F, with July being the hottest month.
During the winter months, it snows frequently in Texas' Panhandle and mountainous west regions. The snowfall frequency is much less in north Texas and is rare in central and east Texas. The lowest average temperature in the state is 36°F, and the coldest month is January.
The most comfortable months for Texas residents and visitors are April, May, and October. During these months the high temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F.
Healthcare In Texas
Regarding accessing healthcare in Texas, there are plenty of options available. The main, most specialized ones are in the main cities of Houston and Dallas. U.S. News & World Report ranked the best hospitals in Texas after evaluating 592 medical institutions across the state, and here is the top ten:
- Houston Methodist Hospital - Houston
- UT Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas
- Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center - Houston
- Memorial Hermann Hospital - Houston
- Baylor University Medical Center - Dallas
- Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital - Houston
- Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Temple
- Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
- Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital - Sugar Land
- Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center - Houston
- St. David's Medical Center - Austin
Economy & Job Market In Texas
Being the second-largest state by total area, Texas has one of the nation's most diverse and thriving economies. According to recent data from the U. S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Texas boasts the highest GDP growth rate in the country, clocking in at 3%. The local economy in Texas is supported by a diversity of sectors, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense
- Corporate Services
- Energy
- Petroleum Refining and Chemicals
- Creative Sectors
- Information Technology (I.T.)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Texas economic growth is also driven by the local workforce, which amounts to more than 15 million. The Texas unemployment rate is currently 4.1%.
Transportation in Texas
As a sprawling state of 268,597 square miles, Texas is home to a diverse range of terrains and landscapes. With so much ground to cover, transportation is key to getting around efficiently. As a response, the state has constructed the largest highway and railway system in the nation.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) oversees all transportation in the state, governing the highway, aviation, and public transit systems.
- Highways: Some of the main highways serving the homes for sale in Texas include Interstate 45, Interstate 20, Interstate 10, US 75 and US 80 in Dallas, US 59 and US 290 in Houston, and US 90 and US 281 in San Antonio.
- Railroads: Rail services in Texas are provided by the following companies: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), Trinity Metro, TEXRail, Capital MetroRail, and METRORail. Amtrak also operates in Texas.
- Airports: Texas has 730 airports and the major ones include Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, San Antonio International Airport, Dallas Love Field and El Paso International Airport.
- Ports: Texas’ coasts have approximately 1,150 ports, the most important being the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel.