Top 5 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods Moving from Florida to Texas

Since Texas is one of the few states in the US where affordable housing still exists, many are wondering whether they should start/move their families here.

However, I know how hard it is to move your family to a new state, especially when you have children. You have to think about the job market, security, affordability, education opportunities, and so on before you can pick a suitable neighborhood.

So, to help you out in this regard, I have shortlisted the best places to live in Texas for families in this write-up.

Things to Consider When Moving to Texas

There’s no doubt that Texas is one of the top picks for families due to its warm weather, friendly neighborhoods, and strong culture. That being said, there are many aspects you need to consider before choosing a neighborhood. These include: The quality of schools, proximity to amenities, and safety are key factors to consider. You’ll also want to take a look at community events, local businesses, and the overall vibe of the area. With all of these in mind, families can find the perfect neighborhood in Texas to call home, and maybe even rub elbows with some famous Miami locals along the way. If you’re in the market for a new home in Texas, you might also want to consider the potential for kitchen remodeling ideas. Having a functional and stylish kitchen can make a big difference for families who love to cook and spend time together. Keep an eye out for homes with spacious kitchens, modern appliances, and an open layout that allows for easy conversation while preparing meals. With a little bit of vision and creativity, you can turn a good kitchen into a great one in your new Texas neighborhood.

• Cost of living – housing, transportation, healthcare.
• Security – crime rate, local authority, family-oriented culture.
• Job opportunities – thriving job market in any sector.
• Education – well-reputed schools, and colleges.
• Cultural richness – Diverse demographic, historical & natural attraction points.

Based on these factors, we can narrow down the preferable city or suburb area where you can lead a stable life with your family in Texas.

Top Family-Friendly Neighborhoods to Consider When Moving to Texas

After living in the state capital of Texas(Austin) with my family, I’ve fallen in love with the welcoming culture and stable lifestyle that these neighborhoods have offered. The same can be said for other Texan cities as well.

Considering all the previously described aspects, here are the best & safest places to live in Texas for families:

1. The Woodlands – Houston

Located in Houston, Texas, the Woodlands is a master-planned community that’s well-suited for both young and big families. It is the highest-ranked neighborhood for families due to its thriving job opportunities, an abundance of parks and green space, and a strong sense of community.

Not to mention, there are top-rated public and private schools in this area, along with a well-reputed university within driving distance.

• Public Schools:

The Woodlands High School, McCullough Junior High School, Buckalew Elementary School

• Private Schools:

The John Cooper School, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

• Colleges Nearby:

Lone Star College – Montgomery, Sam Houston State University (nearby)

From single-family homes to large apartments, the Woodlands also offers a variety of housing options. So you can choose your preferred destination according to your needs and budget.

• Average housing price: $400,000

Furthermore, it has numerous amenities, including shopping centers, entertainment venues, and outdoor recreational areas.

But what about crime rates?

Well, according to the US Crime Statistics from 2020, the violent crime rate in Woodlands Tx is 16.4, which is lower than the average US crime rate of 22.7. Regardless, it’s a much safer neighborhood compared to other suburbs and has excellent response time from the Police.

And for career opportunities, the Woodlands is home to several major corporations, including ExxonMobil, Anadarko Petroleum, and Huntsman Corporation. The area also has a thriving healthcare sector, with Memorial Hermann and St. Luke’s Health and Medical Center.

2. Westcliff – Fort Worth

Westcliff is a well-established, quiet neighborhood in Fort Worth. Located in Tarrant County, this area is mostly known for its mature trees, friendly community, and proximity to amenities. Thus, making it a suitable neighborhood to raise your family in peace.

• Median home cost: $250,000

It also boasts well-maintained sidewalks and bike paths. This makes it easy to get around and a safe commute for children.

Speaking of safety, the neighborhood also has a very low crime rate of only 14%, which is 30% lower on average than other Texas cities.

The Westcliff has a suburban vibe to it while being close to downtown Fort Worth. As a result, you have access to a wide range of job opportunities in finance, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.

The presence of Texas Christian University (TCU) also contributes to local employment. This university is also good news for families hoping to keep older children close to home.

As for other educational institutes, the neighborhood has both top-rated public and private schools nearby.

• Public Schools:

Paschal High School, McLean Middle School, Westcliff Elementary School

• Private Schools:

Fort Worth Academy, Trinity Valley School

3. Coppell – Dallas

Coppell is another great choice for a family-friendly neighborhood in Texas. Its suburban nature is not only suitable for kids, but it also offers a better commute if you work in the Fort Worth area.

The main attractions of this area are the two large lakes- Grapevine & Lewisville Lake. As a result, it’s one of the best places to live in Texas for families near water.

You can also find many well-reviewed barbeque restaurants and several parks for recreational activities for children. For their education, you also get a roster of well-established nearby schools such as:

• Lakeside Elementary
• Coppell Middle East
• Universal Academy Coppell

Unfortunately, the housing cost is a bit on the high side, around $450,000.

Despite a slightly higher cost of living, the thriving job opportunities and a much lower crime rate(around 15%) more than make things up.

4. Cedar Park – Austin

Since Cedar Park is a suburb of the Texas capital(Austin), its residents can enjoy easy access to the city’s amenities. To be frank, most of the benefits of living in this neighborhood come from its proximity to Austin.

For example, you can easily get a job in manufacturing or retail within driving distance as companies like Apple, Dell, and IBM host their services in Austin. As a result, it opens a career path for young families or people with STEM backgrounds.

It will also allow your children to get a proper education as Cedar Park offers great schools nearby. Some of the top-rated schools and colleges are:

• Public Schools:

Vista Ridge High School, Cedar Park High School

• Private Schools:

Summit Christian Academy, Holy Family Catholic School

• Colleges Nearby:

Austin Community College – Cypress Creek Campus, University of Texas at Austin

However, this proximity also makes the house prices slightly higher than usual.

• Average home cost: $400,000

Although it might not have the lowest crime rate among the Texas cities, it is still quite safe for young families as the violent crime & property crime in these areas is less than 17%.  There is an airport nearby, which is a great option for those who travel a lot.

5. Sugar Land – Houston

For those who are considering Houston for relocation, the Sugar Land would be the most ideal choice to raise your family in a secure neighborhood. It only has a 13% crime rate, which is the lowest among other family-friendly Texas counties.

The average housing is quite decent, considering the suburban nature and available amenities in the area.

• Median home cost: $350,000

Not only that, its economy is growing rapidly. Several global companies have their headquarters or significant operations here. This will offer business growth and diverse career paths to choose from.

The top schools and colleges nearby are well-suited to pursue higher education as well.

• Public Schools:

Clements High School, Dulles High School, Austin Parkway Elementary School

• Private Schools:

Fort Bend Christian Academy, St. Laurence Catholic School

• Colleges Nearby:

University of Houston – Sugar Land, Wharton County Junior College – Sugar Land Campus

Ending Remarks

Before you decide to move to a Texas neighborhood, you need to understand what the state has to offer and what your family needs. Since different areas have different pros and cons, following this guide should help you decide which neighborhood is perfect for your family.