When searching for your first home, there are numerous factors to consider beyond just the price tag. Our comprehensive ranking system evaluates Texas towns based on 8 key criteria: Overall First Time Home Buyers Score, Family Friendly Score, Vacation Home Score, Walkability, Car Friendly, Cycling-Friendly, Vibrancy Score, and Transit-Friendly. These metrics provide a holistic view of what each community offers to those entering the housing market for the first time.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Texas’s most suitable towns for first-time homebuyers. The Overall First Time Home Buyers Score incorporates multiple factors including affordability, growth potential, community resources, and more.
Here’s the list.
19. Karnes City
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 76.37
- Family Friendly Score: 40.13
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 17.76
- Car Friendly: 87.71
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 16.13
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Karnes City
Karnes City offers first-time homebuyers a solid overall score of 76.37. While its family-friendly rating is more modest at 40.13, the town excels in car accessibility with an impressive 87.71 score. Karnes City offers decent walkability at 17.76 and a moderate vibrancy score of 16.13, suggesting some community amenities and activities. What makes Karnes City stand out is its balanced profile across multiple factors that matter most to first-time buyers, creating an accessible, practical, and potentially growth-oriented environment for those entering the housing market. The median home price in Karnes City is currently unavailable in our dataset.
18. Manor
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 77.12
- Family Friendly Score: 72.81
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 12.09
- Car Friendly: 72.00
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 28.49
- Transit-Friendly: 0.82
About Manor
Manor scores a strong 77.12 overall with an excellent 72.81 family-friendly rating. The community offers a good vibrancy score of 28.49, suggesting a growing town with developing amenities and activities. While walkability is limited (12.09), Manor provides solid car accessibility at 72.00 and even some minimal transit options (0.82). This balanced profile makes Manor particularly attractive for young families and professionals seeking an affordable entry point into homeownership with community growth potential. The median home price in Manor is currently unavailable in our dataset.
17. Paige
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 77.26
- Family Friendly Score: 71.00
- Vacation Home Score: 91.31
- Walkability: 6.97
- Car Friendly: 78.87
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 11.26
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Paige
Paige presents a unique opportunity for first-time homebuyers with its 77.26 overall score and strong 71.00 family-friendly rating. What truly sets Paige apart is its exceptional 91.31 vacation home score, suggesting potential for both primary residence and future rental or investment opportunities. The town offers good car accessibility (78.87) with limited walkability (6.97). With a modest vibrancy score of 11.26, Paige provides a balance of peaceful living with some community amenities. The median home price in Paige is currently unavailable in our dataset.
16. Douglassville
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 77.35
- Family Friendly Score: 81.95
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 6.36
- Car Friendly: 98.20
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 0.54
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Douglassville
Douglassville offers first-time homebuyers a compelling score of 77.35 paired with an excellent family-friendly rating of 81.95. The town boasts the highest car-friendly score in our entire analysis at an impressive 98.20, making it perfect for commuters and those who rely on driving. With very limited walkability (6.36) and minimal vibrancy (0.54), Douglassville provides a quiet, spacious environment where residents can enjoy privacy and room to grow. This community is ideal for families who prioritize affordable housing and easy driving access. The median home price in Douglassville is currently unavailable in our dataset.
15. Chico
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 78.69
- Family Friendly Score: 88.05
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 7.82
- Car Friendly: 92.20
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 0.82
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Chico
Chico offers first-time homebuyers a strong combination with its 78.69 overall score and excellent 88.05 family-friendly rating. The town features exceptional car accessibility at 92.20, though walkability is limited (7.82). With a very low vibrancy score of 0.82, Chico provides a quiet, peaceful environment ideal for families seeking tranquility over urban amenities. This community emphasizes space, privacy, and family-oriented living with convenient driving access to necessities. The median home price in Chico is currently unavailable in our dataset.
14. San Isidro – Delmita
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 79.70
- Family Friendly Score: 89.91
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 4.63
- Car Friendly: 56.18
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 0.42
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About San Isidro – Delmita
San Isidro – Delmita combines a strong first-time homebuyer score of 79.70 with an exceptional family-friendly rating of 89.91, making it particularly appealing for young families. The area has very limited walkability (4.63) and moderate car access (56.18), suggesting a more isolated rural community. With an extremely low vibrancy score of 0.42, this location offers peaceful, quiet living away from commercial development—perfect for those prioritizing tranquility and child-friendly environments over convenience and amenities. The median home price in San Isidro – Delmita is currently unavailable in our dataset.
13. Oklaunion
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 80.31
- Family Friendly Score: 53.69
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 15.11
- Car Friendly: 94.27
- Cycling-Friendly: 6.36
- Vibrancy Score: 4.47
- Transit-Friendly: 9.68
About Oklaunion
Oklaunion offers first-time homebuyers a strong 80.31 score with a moderate 53.69 family-friendly rating. The town features one of the highest car-friendly scores in our analysis at 94.27, making it ideal for commuters. While walkability is limited (15.11), Oklaunion does provide some cycling options (6.36) and transit accessibility (9.68), offering more transportation variety than many rural communities. With low vibrancy (4.47), this town appeals to those seeking quiet living with excellent driving access. The median home price in Oklaunion is currently unavailable in our dataset.
12. Dimmitt
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 81.12
- Family Friendly Score: 53.36
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 27.02
- Car Friendly: 86.07
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 25.19
- Transit-Friendly: 17.77
About Dimmitt
Dimmitt offers first-time homebuyers a solid 81.12 score with a balanced 53.36 family-friendly rating. The town provides good walkability (27.02) and excellent car access (86.07), creating versatile transportation options. What distinguishes Dimmitt is its transit-friendly score of 17.77, one of the few towns in our rankings with public transportation options. With a respectable vibrancy score of 25.19, residents enjoy some community amenities while maintaining small-town affordability and accessibility. The median home price in Dimmitt is currently unavailable in our dataset.
11. Higgins – Follett
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 81.19
- Family Friendly Score: 95.34
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 13.31
- Car Friendly: 84.30
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 0.38
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Higgins – Follett
Higgins – Follett stands out with the highest family-friendly score in our entire analysis at an exceptional 95.34, complementing its strong 81.19 first-time homebuyer rating. This community offers excellent car accessibility (84.30) with limited walkability (13.31). The extremely low vibrancy score of 0.38 indicates a very quiet, rural setting perfect for families seeking tranquility and safety over urban amenities. This is an ideal location for those prioritizing child-friendly environments and peaceful living. The median home price in Higgins – Follett is currently unavailable in our dataset.
10. Anna
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 81.25
- Family Friendly Score: 81.58
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 22.59
- Car Friendly: 76.82
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 37.14
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Anna
Anna offers first-time homebuyers an excellent balance with its 81.25 overall score and outstanding 81.58 family-friendly rating. The town provides respectable walkability at 22.59 and strong car access with a 76.82 score. What makes Anna particularly appealing is its 37.14 vibrancy score, suggesting a community with good amenities and activities. This combination creates an appealing option for young families seeking community engagement with practical transportation options. The median home price in Anna is currently unavailable in our dataset.
9. Charlotte
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 81.37
- Family Friendly Score: 70.58
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 2.67
- Car Friendly: 72.30
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 3.29
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Charlotte
Charlotte provides first-time homebuyers with a strong entry point, scoring 81.37 overall and an impressive 70.58 for family-friendliness. This community features very low walkability (2.67) and vibrancy (3.29) scores, indicating a quiet, spread-out rural setting. With good car accessibility at 72.30, Charlotte appeals to those seeking a peaceful family environment away from urban bustle, where driving is the primary mode of transportation. The median home price in Charlotte is currently unavailable in our dataset.
8. Nolanville
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 81.60
- Family Friendly Score: 41.71
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 6.24
- Car Friendly: 67.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 30.35
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Nolanville
Nolanville offers first-time homebuyers a solid 81.60 score with a moderate family-friendly rating of 41.71. What makes this community noteworthy is its vibrancy score of 30.35, suggesting a good selection of amenities and activities despite its smaller size. With limited walkability (6.24) and reasonable car access (67.29), Nolanville represents a balanced option for those seeking some community engagement while maintaining a more affordable entry point into homeownership. The median home price in Nolanville is currently unavailable in our dataset.
7. Bells
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 84.23
- Family Friendly Score: 87.25
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 20.84
- Car Friendly: 91.34
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.75
- Vibrancy Score: 6.66
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Bells
Bells combines a strong first-time homebuyer score of 84.23 with an exceptional family-friendly rating of 87.25, making it especially attractive for young families. The town excels in car accessibility with a 91.34 score, while offering modest walkability at 20.84. Though it has limited cycling infrastructure (2.75) and low vibrancy (6.66), these qualities contribute to its peaceful, family-oriented character. Bells represents an excellent choice for those prioritizing child-friendly environments with convenient driving access. The median home price in Bells is currently unavailable in our dataset.
6. La Joya
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 84.30
- Family Friendly Score: 67.13
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 17.44
- Car Friendly: 82.03
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 42.57
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About La Joya
La Joya presents a well-rounded option for first-time homebuyers with its 84.30 score and solid 67.13 family-friendly rating. The community stands out with its impressive 42.57 vibrancy score—among the highest in our rankings—suggesting a lively town with amenities, events, and activities. While walkability is limited at 17.44, the excellent 82.03 car-friendly score ensures easy mobility. La Joya offers an appealing blend of community energy and practical accessibility for new homeowners. The median home price in La Joya is currently unavailable in our dataset.
5. Runge
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 84.54
- Family Friendly Score: 38.84
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 11.45
- Car Friendly: 92.49
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 8.59
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Runge
Runge offers first-time homebuyers an attractive score of 84.54, though its family-friendly rating is more modest at 38.84. The town excels in car accessibility with an impressive 92.49 score, making it ideal for commuters or those who prefer driving. With limited walkability (11.45) and low vibrancy (8.59), Runge presents a quiet, car-dependent community where residents can enjoy more space and privacy, appealing to those seeking a slower pace of life away from city centers. The median home price in Runge is currently unavailable in our dataset.
4. Edgecliff Village
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 87.65
- Family Friendly Score: 69.20
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 51.39
- Car Friendly: 80.11
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 28.52
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Edgecliff Village
Edgecliff Village offers first-time buyers an attractive package with its 87.65 overall score and balanced 69.20 family-friendly rating. What truly distinguishes this community is its exceptional walkability score of 51.39—the highest in our entire analysis. Coupled with strong car accessibility at 80.11, residents enjoy versatile transportation options. The town provides moderate vibrancy at 28.52, striking a pleasant balance between community activity and peaceful living, making it ideal for those who want some amenities within walking distance. The median home price in Edgecliff Village is currently unavailable in our dataset.
3. Gordonville
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 90.60
- Family Friendly Score: 62.41
- Vacation Home Score: 94.09
- Walkability: 3.00
- Car Friendly: 65.38
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 10.65
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Gordonville
Gordonville excels with a 90.60 first-time homebuyer score and stands out with its exceptional 94.09 vacation home score, the highest in our rankings. This dual strength indicates a community that’s both affordable for new buyers and attractive enough to serve as a potential vacation property investment. The town has limited walkability at just 3.00, suggesting a more spread-out, rural setting. With a modest vibrancy score of 10.65 and reasonable car access at 65.38, Gordonville offers a quieter lifestyle with recreational appeal. The median home price in Gordonville is currently unavailable in our dataset.
2. Sanderson
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 93.03
- Family Friendly Score: 80.35
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 19.22
- Car Friendly: 70.05
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 0.25
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sanderson
Sanderson scores impressively high for first-time homebuyers at 93.03, coupled with an excellent family-friendly rating of 80.35. While its walkability is somewhat limited at 19.22, the town provides reasonable car accessibility at 70.05. Notably, Sanderson has a very low vibrancy score of 0.25, suggesting a quiet, laid-back community rather than a bustling town center. This combination makes it ideal for families seeking a peaceful setting where children can grow up away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median home price in Sanderson is currently unavailable in our dataset.
1. Westworth Village
Here are the Home Scores:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: 93.57
- Family Friendly Score: 27.62
- Vacation Home Score: N/A
- Walkability: 29.28
- Car Friendly: 77.54
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Vibrancy Score: 68.21
- Transit-Friendly: 41.74
About Westworth Village
Our top-ranked town for first-time homebuyers, Westworth Village boasts the highest overall score in our analysis at 93.57, despite having a relatively modest family-friendly rating. It stands out for its excellent vibrancy score of 68.21, suggesting a lively community with amenities and activities. The town offers reasonable walkability at 29.28 and good car access with a 77.54 rating. What makes Westworth Village particularly special is its transit-friendly score of 41.74, one of the highest in our rankings, providing residents with transportation options beyond personal vehicles. The median home price in Westworth Village is currently unavailable in our dataset.
Definition of terms:
- Overall First Time Home Buyers Score: A comprehensive rating considering affordability, property value trends, community resources, safety, and economic stability—factors particularly relevant to those purchasing their first home. This score integrates multiple data points to provide a holistic assessment of a town’s suitability for new homeowners.
- Family Friendly Score: Measures a community’s appeal to families with children, considering factors like school quality, playground availability, family-oriented amenities, and safety metrics. This criterion is included because many first-time buyers are young families establishing roots.
- Vacation Home Score: Evaluates a location’s potential as a vacation destination or second home, considering natural amenities, recreational opportunities, and rental potential. This provides insight into possible investment value beyond primary residence use.
- Walkability: Assesses how feasible it is to accomplish daily tasks and access amenities without a car. Higher scores indicate pedestrian-friendly environments where stores, schools, and services are within walking distance, potentially reducing transportation costs for new homeowners.
- Car Friendly: Measures how easily residents can navigate and travel by car, considering road quality, parking availability, and traffic congestion. This is crucial since most Texas communities require car ownership for daily living.
- Cycling-Friendly: Evaluates bicycle infrastructure, including dedicated lanes, trails, and overall safety for cyclists. This provides alternative transportation options that can reduce costs and promote healthier lifestyles for new residents.
- Vibrancy Score: Quantifies the energy and activity level of a community, including entertainment options, dining, cultural activities, and social opportunities. This helps buyers understand the lifestyle and community engagement potential of each location.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses public transportation availability, reliability, and coverage. This criterion can significantly impact the total cost of living for first-time buyers, potentially offsetting higher home prices in areas with good transit options.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
