Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Big-time football, walkable campuses, live music, and no state income tax statewide.
1. Austin: Best overall
2. College Station: Best classic college town
3. Lubbock: Best for value
4. Denton: Best music-and-college town
5. Waco: Best for growth and access
6. San Marcos: Best river college town
7. Huntsville: Best small-town value
Texas does college towns at full scale, with massive football culture, lively downtowns, and no state income tax. From the live-music capital to classic small university towns, they offer energy and value for students, faculty, and fans alike. Here are the 7 best college towns in Texas, ranked.