Texas Cities Dominate the 'Top 100 Best Cities In America!' List

Abilene ranked #63 in the nation, praised for its affordability, strong community values, and great cost of housing.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:49pm

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A bold, graphic silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of the Texas state flag icon in a grid, rendered in a high-contrast, neon color palette that captures the celebratory spirit of Texas cities dominating national livability rankings.The vibrant Texas flag motif reflects the state's growing prominence on national 'best places to live' rankings.Abilene Today

A new report from Livability has named the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States for 2026, and nine cities in Texas made the list, including Abilene at #63. The author, a long-time Abilene resident, highlights the city's strong military presence, educational institutions, faith-based values, and affordability as key factors behind its high ranking.

Why it matters

The report shows that Texas cities are increasingly being recognized as attractive places to live, with factors like cost of living, community values, and quality of life playing a major role. Abilene's inclusion on the list shines a spotlight on a mid-sized Texas city that has maintained its small-town charm and affordability even as the state experiences rapid growth.

The details

Livability analyzed over 2,000 U.S. cities and more than 100 data points to determine the Top 100 Best Places to Live, with a focus on factors like housing, economy, safety, healthcare, education, and quality of life. Abilene ranked #13 in the nation for housing and cost of living, making it an affordable option for families. The city's strong military presence, educational institutions, and faith-based values were also cited as key assets.

  • Livability released the Top 100 Best Places to Live report for 2026.

The players

Livability

A company that analyzes data to determine the best places to live in the United States.

Abilene, Texas

A mid-sized city in West Texas that was ranked #63 on the list of Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States for 2026.

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What they’re saying

“There's something special about this place. And now, the rest of the country is starting to notice.”

— Rudy Fernandez, Long-time Abilene resident

“Abilene isn't just a good place to live, it's a great place to build a life. We may not be the biggest city in Texas, but we've got something a lot of bigger cities don't: Faith Heart Community.”

— Rudy Fernandez, Long-time Abilene resident

What’s next

The report from Livability will likely generate increased interest in Abilene as a desirable place to live, potentially leading to an influx of new residents and investment in the city.

The takeaway

Abilene's high ranking on the list of Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States showcases the appeal of mid-sized Texas cities that offer a combination of affordability, strong community values, and a high quality of life. As the state continues to experience rapid growth, Abilene's inclusion on the list suggests that it may become an increasingly attractive destination for families and businesses looking for a more affordable and community-oriented alternative to larger metropolitan areas.