North Texas is a vibrant region primarily consisting of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, extending north to the Oklahoma border. Living in North Texas has picturesque views of the rolling plains, scenic lakes, and wooded areas. You can also embrace the Western heritage that helps define the region. If you’re considering buying a house in Texas, the median home sale price is $369,900. But, that price may not fit in your budget.
Redfin has rounded up a list of the most affordable places to live in North Texas this year. From Arlington to Wichita Falls, read on to find out which cities made the list.
1. Mesquite
Median home price: $295,000
Average sale price per square foot: $171
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,240
Median household income: $69,649
Mesquite, TX homes for sale
Mesquite, TX apartments for rent
The first spot on our list of most affordable places to live in North Texas is Mesquite. This vibrant city has a median home sale price of $295,000 and about 150,100 residents. Mesquite is a suburb of Dallas, meaning you’re pretty close to the bustling city center. In Mesquite, you’ll find various attractions, parks, and historic places, like Town East Park, Celebration Station Amusement Park, and Samuell Farm.
2. Garland
Median home price: $320,000
Average sale price per square foot: $180
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,226
Median household income: $71,044
Garland, TX homes for sale
Garland, TX apartments for rent
The second place on our list is Garland, home to about 246,0oo residents. Garland has a median home sale price of $320,000, about 49K less than the state’s average. You can explore the vibrant cultural scene in Garland by visiting the Granville Arts Center, which hosts various performances, art exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. Additionally, nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities at the Spring Creek Forest Preserve, featuring hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful picnicking spots.
3. Fort Worth
Median home price: $324,903
Average sale price per square foot: $173
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,382
Median household income: $72,726
Fort Worth, TX homes for sale
Fort Worth, TX apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $324,903, Fort Worth is an iconic North Texas city to consider living in. A big city – home to about 918,900 people – Fort Worth has plenty of iconic landmarks, attractions, and historic places without the price tag of many major metros. Make sure to immerse yourself in cowboy culture at the Fort Worth Stockyards with cattle drives, rodeos, shopping, dining, and live music, explore one of the Kimbell Art Museum, featuring a remarkable collection, and discover a world of wildlife at the Fort Worth Zoo, with over 7,000 animals representing 500 species in beautifully landscaped habitats.
4. Arlington
Median home price: $330,000
Average sale price per square foot: $180
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,223
Median household income: $71,736
Arlington, TX homes for sale
Arlington, TX apartments for rent
Just east of Fort Worth is Arlington, the fourth most affordable place to live in North Texas. Home to 394,300 people, Arlington’s median home sale price is about $330,000. Arlington is a great place to call home if you’re looking for a blend of city life and nature. Make sure to explore the hiking and biking trails at River Legacy Parks, see a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium or a Texas Rangers game at Globe Life Field, or check out the UTA Planetarium on the University of Texas at Arlington campus.
5. Grand Prairie
Median home price: $328,245
Average sale price per square foot: $170
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,417
Median household income: $76,626
Grand Prairie, TX homes for sale
Grand Prairie, TX apartments for rent
Another great city to consider living in is Grand Prairie. With a population of 196,100, Grand Prairie has a median home sale price of $328,245. In Grand Prairie, you can explore the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, which has slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. For a taste of nature, head to Joe Pool Lake for boating, fishing, and picnicking amidst scenic views. Finally, catch a live show at Texas Trust CU Theatre.
6. Irving
Median home price: $347,450
Average sale price per square foot: $206
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,341
Median household income: $76,686
Irving, TX homes for sale
Irving, TX apartments for rent
In sixth place is the city of Irving. Just outside of Dallas, Irving is home to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, making this an excellent city for those looking for affordability and easy traveling. There is plenty to do in Irving, such as checking out the Irving Arts Center and exploring the Mandalay Canal Walk at the Las Colinas, where you’ll find scenic strolls along the waterways lined with restaurants and shops. Take advantage of visiting the Campion Trail, which has miles of paved paths for walking, jogging, and biking along the Trinity River.
7. Wichita Falls
Median home price: $350,000
Average sale price per square foot: $129
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $830
Median household income: $55,584
Wichita Falls, TX homes for sale
Wichita Falls, TX apartments for rent
The northernmost city on our list is Wichita Falls. This area has a population of 102,300, giving it a big-city feel amongst the surrounding small towns. Wichita Falls has plenty of attractions and green spaces. For example, you can check out Lucy Park, where you can enjoy picnics, walking trails, and scenic views along the Wichita River, and visit the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum, which showcases the city’s railroad heritage.
8. Denton
Median home price: $383,500
Average sale price per square foot: $190
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,370
Median household income: $71,921
Denton, TX homes for sale
Denton, TX apartments for rent
The final city to make our list of the most affordable places to live in North Texas is Denton. While the median home sale price is slightly over Texas’ average, the median household income may offset the slightly higher home prices. In Denton, make sure to enjoy the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, visit the Bayless-Selby House Museum, a beautifully restored Victorian home offering insights into Denton’s past, and explore the Ray Roberts Lake State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the shores of the picturesque lake.
Methodology: All cities must have over 75,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median list price in Texas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
