10 Best Places to Live in Texas with Land – Wide-Open Spaces

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We analyzed all the data and found the best places to live in Texas with land for those looking for large pieces of real estate that they can call home. Whether you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, a small-town feel, or a peaceful retreat, Texas offers plenty of options for those seeking land and a great place to call home.

best-places-to-live-in-texas-with-land

Each location has its own charm, unique points of interest, and land availability. If you’re thinking about making a move to the Lone Star State, keep reading to discover the top choices around Texas that offer plenty of land.

Methodology

To create this list, we considered several factors:

  1. Affordability: We looked at the average cost per acre to make sure these locations are within reach for most people.
  2. Charm and Lifestyle: We chose towns that offer a good quality of life, with nearby attractions and natural beauty.
  3. Location: Proximity to major cities and highways was important, as living on land shouldn’t mean being too far from necessities.
  4. Local Amenities: We factored in schools, healthcare, and shopping to ensure the locations are practical for everyday living.

The 10 Best Places to Live in Texas with Land

10. Elgin

Elgin, known as the “Sausage Capital of Texas,” is located just 25 miles east of Austin. It offers the charm of a small town with easy access to the hustle and bustle of the city. Elgin is a great option if you’re looking for land with a balance of rural and suburban living. The town has a rich history, lovely historic buildings, and a friendly community atmosphere. Plus, Bastrop State Park is nearby, offering hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

9. Hunt

Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Hunt is perfect for those seeking natural beauty and peace. This small town along the Guadalupe River is famous for its summer camps, historic lodges, and outdoor activities like kayaking and tubing. The rolling hills and sparkling rivers make it one of the best places to live in Texas with land. With proximity to Kerrville and Fredericksburg, you’ll have access to shopping, wineries, and excellent dining.

8. Wimberley

Wimberley is another gem located in the Texas Hill Country, just 45 miles from Austin. It’s known for its artistic community, charming downtown, and stunning natural attractions like Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well. Wimberley offers a laid-back lifestyle where you can enjoy nature while being part of a vibrant local culture. The land here tends to be pricier, but it’s worth it for the beauty and community spirit.

7. La Grange

La Grange is a small town with a big personality, situated halfway between Austin and Houston. Known for its historic courthouse and connection to Texas’ Czech heritage, La Grange is a great place to buy land if you’re looking for rural charm with easy access to urban amenities. The Colorado River runs through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. Plus, Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites offer fascinating local history and hiking trails.

6. Gainesville, TX

Located near the Oklahoma border, Gainesville is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for affordable land, with easy access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Gainesville is home to Frank Buck Zoo, Leonard Park, and nearby Lake Ray Roberts, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its small-town charm and excellent local amenities make it one of the best places to live in Texas with land.

5. Weatherford

Weatherford, located just west of Fort Worth, is known for its historic downtown, annual peach festival, and western heritage. If you’re seeking land in North Texas, Weatherford offers a mix of rural and suburban living with easy access to the big city. The town has plenty of parks, lakes, and horse ranches, making it ideal for those who love the outdoors. Plus, the Parker County Courthouse is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture.

4. Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is often called the “Gateway to the Hill Country” and is located just 25 miles west of Austin. Known for its wineries, distilleries, and beautiful landscapes, Dripping Springs is a fantastic option for those seeking land with a mix of luxury and rustic charm. You’ll find gorgeous views, creeks, and access to outdoor adventures like Pedernales Falls State Park. Though the land can be more expensive here, the lifestyle and location make it a serious contender to consider.

3. College Station

Home to Texas A&M University, College Station is a lively town with a strong sense of community. It’s a great place to buy land if you’re looking for a mix of rural living with access to excellent educational and healthcare facilities. College Station offers plenty of parks, shops, and restaurants, along with cultural attractions like the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. The combination of affordability, amenities, and vibrant college-town energy makes it a great choice for those who want to stay young.

2. Canton

Canton, located about an hour east of Dallas, is known for its famous First Monday Trade Days, one of the largest flea markets in the country. If you’re looking for affordable land and a small-town feel, Canton could be the perfect spot. The town has a charming historic downtown, friendly locals, and access to plenty of outdoor activities like fishing at nearby Purtis Creek State Park. The affordable land prices and proximity to Dallas make Canton a great choice for those looking for an expansive (and inexpensive) piece of land.

1. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg tops our list of the best places to live in Texas with land. Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this German-influenced town is known for its wineries, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes. Main Street is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and bakeries offering delicious German treats. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located nearby, is a popular spot for hiking and stargazing. Although land prices are higher here, the combination of culture, beauty, and community spirit makes Fredericksburg a top choice for those seeking a great place to live with land in Texas.

Summary

Texas is a vast state with so much to offer, from rolling hills and rivers to charming small towns and big-city amenities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or easy access to urban conveniences, these small towns and cities provide something for everyone. From the scenic beauty of Fredericksburg to the affordability of Canton, Texas is the perfect place to find your dream property with plenty of space to roam.

How is the Cost of Land in Texas Determined?

It’s important to understand the factors that determine the cost of land across the state. The price per acre can vary widely based on several key factors, including location, topography, and market demand. Let’s break down the most significant factors that influence land prices in Texas.

1. Location

Location is one of the most important factors in determining land prices. Land closer to major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio tends to be more expensive due to higher demand for both residential and commercial development. For example, land near Austin in areas like Dripping Springs or Wimberley is much pricier than land in more rural areas like Gainesville or Canton. Proximity to highways, schools, and amenities like shopping centers also increases the value of land.

On the other hand, land in more remote areas of Texas, such as the Texas Panhandle or the western parts of the state, tends to be more affordable. While these areas may offer more land for your money, they also come with the trade-off of being farther from urban conveniences.

2. Topography and Land Features

The physical characteristics of the land play a significant role in its price. Land with desirable features like rolling hills, rivers, lakes, or mature trees often commands higher prices. For example, land in the Texas Hill Country, known for its scenic beauty and rolling hills, tends to be more expensive than flat land in East Texas.

The usability of the land is also a factor. Flat, cleared land that is ready for building or farming will usually be more expensive than land that requires significant clearing or development. Agricultural land that is fertile and well-suited for farming or ranching will typically cost more than less-productive land.

3. Utilities and Infrastructure

Land that is already equipped with utilities, such as electricity, water, and sewage systems, will often be more expensive than undeveloped land. The cost of bringing utilities to a rural property can be significant, so land that already has these services in place is considered more valuable.

Similarly, accessibility to roads and infrastructure will impact the price. If land is located close to paved roads and transportation networks, it is often more expensive than land that is more difficult to access.

4. Zoning and Permits

Zoning laws and the potential for future development can also affect land prices. Land that is zoned for residential or commercial use tends to be more expensive than land zoned for agricultural or conservation purposes. Additionally, if a piece of land has already been approved for subdivision or development, it can increase the price significantly, as much of the legal work has already been completed.

5. Market Demand

The real estate market in Texas, like anywhere else, is subject to supply and demand. When the demand for land is high—whether from home-builders, developers, or individuals seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle—prices rise. Recently, as more people move to Texas and seek larger properties due to remote work opportunities or a desire for more space, the demand for land has increased in many areas of the state.

Economic factors such as interest rates, job growth, and migration trends also influence land prices. As Texas continues to experience population growth, especially in areas around major cities, the competition for land increases, pushing prices up.

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