3 Texas Cities That Are Great for Raising a Family

Each of the seven regions of the Lone Star State holds its own brand of unique appeal. When it comes to great weather, cowboy culture, Native American history and impressive natural beauty that spans mountains, prairies, the Rio Grande, Big Bend Country, the Panhandle Plains and 624 miles of sparkling coastline, most other states just can't mess with Texas! A thriving, diverse economy, outstanding public schools, a well-respected college and university system, plus cutting edge high-tech industry make the 28th state tough to beat. If you're ready to saddle up and move your wagon train "Deep in the Heart of Texas", here are three great places to consider!

McKinney
Settled in 1845 and named for Collin McKinney, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, this TX town is in the Prairies and Lakes region. 30 miles north of Dallas, and home to over 131,000 residents, in 2010 McKinney ranked #5 on CNN's Money Magazine list, "The Best Places to Live in the US".

There are many outstanding residential developments that offer a variety of amenities. Homes are quite affordable, with a median home price of $175,000. Most residential neighborhoods in McKinney have a small-town, old fashioned feel. Wide, tree-lined sidewalks, citywide parks, and trails encourage families to get out and enjoy all that McKinney has to offer.

McKinney's thriving economy is due in part to the city's largest employer, American defense contractor, Raytheon. The city is also home to numerous eco-conscious manufacturers, med tech businesses, financial institutions, one of only two worldwide environmentally sustainable Wal-Mart stores, and the 1st "Green" elementary school in the state. McKinney is a leader when it comes to encouraging businesses and manufactures to incorporate LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

In addition to its charming downtown, which contains many examples of turn of the century architecture, plus over 100 shops and restaurants, residents take pride in their newly renovated 1875 courthouse which houses the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The city's motto, "Unique by Nature" is no exaggeration as 30 miles of trails, lush parks, lakes, and greenways make it possible to enjoy some of the best weather in the state, year round. You also won't have a problem finding a venue for your favorite sport. From baseball to ice hockey to tennis, the fields and facilities are all here. Equestrians love to explore the McKinney's rolling hills or walk their pony through the paces at Myers Park Show Barn and Arena.

Austin
When you think about moving to Austin, do not be intimidated by the fact that this capital city is home to almost 2 million residents. Instead consider the fact that Austin has a booming economy, some of the highest rated schools in the nation, world-class recreational and cultural amenities, plus its most outstanding attribute, its proud citizens! As cities go, Austin has many claims to fame. It has been named, "The Live Music Capital of the World", "The Greenest City in America", ranked #2 as the "Best Big City in Which to Live" and was voted one of the "Most Walkable US Cities".

Situated along the northern banks of the Colorado River, Austin combines the stunning beauty of the Texas Hill Country with countless opportunities for natural discovery and big city adventure. Also known as "where the South ends and the West begins", Austin's culture is a study in diversity and its motto, "Keep Austin Weird" exemplifies the positive way its residents embrace their uniqueness.

A Clean Air City that enforces a strict no smoking ordinance, Austin is also where the Whole Foods franchise began. Today it is a high tech center and home to several Fortune 500 companies along with Google, Samsung, Dell, and Intel. What is available in Austin in terms of music, theater, dance, and art could easily rival any of the Big Apple's offerings. Combine that with the shops of SoCo, outdoor fun at Lady Bird Lake Hiking and Biking trails, Zilker Park, and Lake Austin, and it's easy to see why "it's better in (Austin) Texas!"

Corpus Christi
You'll begin to realize how special this coastal Texas city in when you breeze into town over the Harbor Bridge. Nicknamed "Sparkling by the Sea" and "The Real Windy City", Corpus Christi is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. A coastal lifestyle combined with a strong economy based on local interests such as petrochemical manufacturing, military installations, and tourism, have made Corpus Christi a rising star among Texas destinations.

For families, Corpus Christi offers the promise of year round fun from fact finding history tours to a variety of recreational options and of course, 113 miles of pristine coastline. Tourists and residents alike enjoy visits to the aircraft carrier USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. Fishing, surfing, and sailing are popular, along with kite boarding and windsurfing. Acres of unspoiled trails and parkland make it possible to offer kids a taste of what a truly natural childhood is all about.

Preserved historical areas, including charming shops and restaurants wind through the downtown area. An ample number of affordable homes in established neighborhoods like Calallen and Flour Bluff make house hunting here a pleasant experience. You'll definitely need to shop for a jumbo mortgage if you set your sights on anything comparable to the famed King Ranch-a local landmark, to say the least. It covers 825,000 acres and is larger than Rhode Island.

That old Texas slogan is still true: "It's Like a Whole Other Country", so allow yourself plenty of time to explore The Lone Star State to find your ideal destination!

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About the Author:
Lisa Andree is a marketing professional who helps mortgage companies promote their brands and products such as fha loans and 10 year mortgage rates online.