Moving to Texas? Before you consider the safest neighborhoods in Texas, or some of the safest cities in Texas as your new home, here are various frequently asked questions that may help you in your search.
What Is The Safest Area In Texas?
Texas residents consider the northeast part of the state to be the safest. Due to the northeast area’s smaller towns, there is a lower population density which correlates with lower crime rates. These northeast communities tend to be tight-knit- which is a crime deterrent. Police are familiar with their citizens, often leading to greater cooperation between police and public. The northeast area is less urbanized, has less substance abuse and poverty, and has reduced gang activity- all of which contributes to lower crime rates. Economic stability in the form of low unemployment and cost of living also lessen crime levels here.
Des Texas Have A Low Crime Rate?
Is Texas a safe state? The rate of crime in Texas is higher than the average US state. Texas safety is in the 43rd percentile for safety, meaning 57% of states are safer and 43% of states are more dangerous. This analysis applies to Texas’s proper boundaries only. The rate of crime in Texas is 48.56/1000 residents during an average year. This is roughly double the national average of 23-24 crimes per 1000 residents. This indicates a higher-than-average level of crime. But looking at the type of crime clarifies such data- is it higher violent crime rates (e.g.murder, assault) as opposed to property crime rates?
What Should I Consider When Choosing A Neighborhood In Texas?
Look for elements besides the crime levels (the crime maps don’t reveal everything!) There are other factors that will help you decide the safe areas in Texas to live:
Crime statistics and maps can show where crime is high or low, but you must consider the actual residential safety. For instance, the southeast part of TX has a high crime level, but the area actually consists of many retail establishments, not residential neighborhoods. Retail areas attract crime (like burglary and shoplifting) but are where few people actually reside.
Crime statistics are higher for airports, schools, and recreational areas, due to the numbers of people using them- but these are mostly low population areas as well. Texas has 14 major airports, and 3,360 designated parks/recreational areas. Any elevated crime stats for these areas do not necessarily impact residential safety. Understand what other factors contribute to an area’s crime statistics.
The safety in any neighborhood is improved with physical assets such as:
- Amply lit streets.
- Safe sidewalks and bike lanes.
- Accessible emergency and fire services.
- Easily available medical care.
- Engaged well-funded schools.
So certainly look at crime statistics- FBI Crime Data Explorer is an official government website good for state-wide research. But also research those harder-to-find facts about the physical assets that make a neighborhood safe to live in as well.
Where Is The Safest Place To Buy A House In Texas?
- DeCordova in north/central Texas is frequently mentioned as one of the top low-crime areas in Texas in which to purchase a home. This town has highly rated schools, a small population of only 3,035, and is rural with a population mix of families and retirees. Median price of a home is $239,500 and only 3% of residents here are renters. Its downsides are that it has little in the way of nightlife, diversity, or outdoor activities.
- Woodway is high on the list of safe suburbs in Texas. Woodway is a suburb of Waco, in the central section of Texas. This suburb has 9,399 residents- a mix of young professionals and retirees. There is more diversity, nightlife, health/ fitness, and outdoor activities, yet it still attracts families with its highly rated schools. Median home value is $304,200 and median rent is $1,720 (only 12% here are renters)
- Old River-Winfree is often mentioned among the safe places to live in Texas. It is a small town of 1,841 in east Texas near the Louisiana border, 35 miles east of Houston. 86% of the people own here, with median home values hovering at $115,700, and the 14% renters paying $1,294/mo. The suburban rural mix of Old River-Winfree has some outdoor activities, health and fitness options, diversity and well rated public schools.
Maybe you must work in a large Texas city. Or perhaps you are not interested in living in a very small town, or you simply prefer living by the amenities that a larger urban space can offer. There are still safe neighborhoods with secure places to live, located near urban areas. Some specific NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN LARGER URBAN AREAS stand out for their safety and livability. Many such neighborhoods also have gated communities or apartments with courtesy officers. Here are just a few of the top 15 safest neighborhoods to call home near major Texas cities:
NEAR HOUSTON
Kingwood (nicknamed “Livable Forest” in northeast Houston)
Memorial (west of downtown Houston, convenient commute, affluent forested neighborhoods)
West University Place (“West U” near Rice University, Texas Medical Center)
NEAR DALLAS
Highland Park (north of Dallas, dubbed “The Beverly Hills of Dallas”)
Lakewood (known for Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Lakewood Country Club)
University Park (home to Southern Methodist University)
NEAR AUSTIN
West Lake Hills (close to downtown, has country clubs, Barton Creek Mall, scenic forests)
Cedar Park (home to the Texas Stars hockey team and the Austin Spurs basketball team)
Rollingwood (downtown-close but has bike trails, green space, restaurants and shopping)
NEAR SAN ANTONIO
Alamo Heights (north of downtown with boutiques, upscale eateries, McNay Art Museum)
Stone Oak (master-planned community, with highly rated schools, parks and dining)
Helotes (northwest of San Antonio in beautiful hill country)
NEAR EL PASO
Westside (western El Paso, close to nature’s deserts and mountains, family-friendly)
Eastwood (10 miles east of downtown, walkable tree-lined streets)
Cielo Vista (close to the airport, A-rated schools, Cielo Vista Shopping Mall)
For Peace Of Mind In The Lone Star State: The 10 Safest Cities In Texas
Finally there are assorted lists of the top SAFEST CITIES IN TEXAS. This following list is based on the overall crime rate of these mostly mid-size cities (10,000 to 100,000 residents) compared to the TX state average.
- Trophy Club– This small town has a crime rate that is 89% below the state average. Health-conscious residents enjoy Trophy Club’s myriad assortment of athletic fields, nature trails, golf courses, basketball courts and more.
- Fulshear- Located near Houston, Fulshear has a crime rate that is 86% below the average. Foodie tours, a waterpark, and Fulshear Farmers’ Market make the place fun and family-friendly.
- Highland Village– This city near Dallas has a crime rate 81% below the TX average. Parks, shopping centers, and good schools give Highland Village a high livability score, especially with young families.
- Horizon City– This safe suburban city near El Paso has a crime rate 80% lower than the TX average. In 2023 the median home price was $227,000- popular with young families and professionals.
- Colleyville– Crime here in Colleyville is 78-79% lower than the TX average. With a central location near the DFW airport, it’s convenient for its young professionals.
- Flower Mound– A 73% lower crime rate, along with a Money magazine award for the 4th “Best Place to Live” for 2021-2022, highlight Flower Mound’s attractive features.
- Keller– Near Fort Worth, with a family-friendly vibe, Keller’s overall crime statistic is 71% better than the TX average. Keller is on several “Best Small Cities in America” lists too.
- Hutto– A 72% lower crime rate makes this place peaceful, along with amenities such as live music festivals and the Hutto Memorial Football Stadium.
- West University Place– This Houston area city boasts Rice University, along with entertainment opportunities for students and young professionals alike. Its low crime rate of 46% of the TX average is
- Frisco– Beyond its crime score of 55% below the state average, Frisco has acclaimed schools, assorted parks and a thriving arts scene- all located in metropolitan Dallas-Fort Worth.
This comprehensive guide is a summary of your top picks for safe living in Texas. They are just a sampling of the best secure communities to consider for any upcoming move to the Lone Star State.
