by Leander, TX – A new statewide analysis has placed the Austin-area suburb of Leander among the top destinations for Texans planning a move in 2025, earning a spot as the No. 5 best city to relocate to. Several other Austin neighbors also landed in the top rankings.
The report, released by ConsumerAffairs, examined the 50 most populated cities in Texas and scored them across key categories including affordability, safety, economy, health care, education and overall quality of life. Each city received a score out of 100 points, with Leander standing out for its exceptionally strong safety rating and economic growth.
Leander Earns the No. 1 Safety Ranking in Texas
According to the analysis, Leander ranked No. 1 statewide for safety, helping boost its overall placement in the top five. The suburb also secured the No. 2 spot for its rapidly expanding economy, supported by strong job growth and business development.
The report noted a significant factor behind Leander’s rise:
“Nowhere among Texas’ largest cities is violent crime less common, and over the past five years, no metro area has experienced faster job growth.”
Moderate Rankings in Affordability and Quality of Life
While Leander excelled in safety and economic strength, the suburb earned more modest placements in other categories. It ranked:
- No. 12 in health care and education
- No. 32 in affordability
- No. 40 in overall quality of life
These lower scores suggest that, although the city is thriving economically, rising costs and lifestyle factors remain challenges for families evaluating long-term relocation.
A Growing City With Historic Roots
The report also highlighted Leander’s history, noting that its origins trace back to the late 1800s when a rail line was constructed between Austin and Abilene. Today, the suburb has grown into a vibrant community with a population of around 78,000 residents.
Its rising appeal isn’t new. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Leander among the top ten places to live in the United States for 2025–2026, adding national recognition to its growing list of accolades.
Other Top Cities to Move to in Texas
ConsumerAffairs’ ranking placed four Dallas-Fort Worth cities in the top positions, followed by Leander at No. 5 and Round Rock at No. 9. Here are the top cities highlighted in the statewide list:
- Allen
- Frisco
- Plano
- McKinney
- Leander
- Mansfield
- Sugar Land
- League City
- Round Rock
- Richardson
- Pearland
- Carrollton
- Lewisville
- New Braunfels
- Georgetown
- McAllen
- Midland
- Odessa
- Missouri City
- Temple
These rankings reflect statewide trends showing strong economic growth in suburban regions, particularly around Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.
What This Means for Potential Movers
Leander’s strong safety record and booming economy continue to make it a top contender for families and professionals seeking stability and growth opportunities. While affordability may present challenges, the city’s rapid development and increasing national visibility suggest it will remain a popular destination in 2025.
If you live in Leander or have recently moved to one of the cities on the list, share your experience in the comments below.
