10 Healthiest Cities in Texas

It’s true that everything is bigger in Texas! From the sunny beaches on the Gulf Coast to the mountains out west, and even the Great Plains in the Panhandle, the great outdoors of Texas know how to go big. But when you think of Tex-Mex and barbeque, you probably don’t think healthy.

These 10 cities have found the perfect balance of Texas culture and are keeping it fit in the Lone Star State.

10. San Antonio

Niche fitness score: B-

Smoking rate: 11.6

Physical inactivity rate: 23.8

Air quality rate: 33

San Antonio straddles the Central – South Texas line and sits within the “Texas Triangle” of big cities. It is best known for its rich state history and Hispanic influence. The city was named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community in 2015 and has about 136 miles of bike lanes, routes, and off-road paths that cross into Brackenridge Park and McAllister Park. Brackenridge Park has several trails and a picnic area, and is home to popular destinations like the San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Garden. McAllister Park is a bit bigger and has five miles of paved trails and over 10 miles of natural trails. It also has a dog park that features its own walking trail, exercise equipment, benches, and a covered picnic area. All of San Antonio’s exciting nightlife, diverse culture, and Texas influence can be experienced on the River Walk. The largest urban ecosystem in the nation, the 15-mile River Walk is a hotspot for regional cuisine and local shops.        

9. Friendswood

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 11.1

Physical inactivity rate: 16.9

Air quality rate: 26

Friendswood is a small town on the outskirts of Houston. It is about 30 minutes from the big city and is the perfect rural escape. There are 10 parks throughout Friendswood including Stevenson Park which has a public pool, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, three playgrounds, and an outdoor basketball court. Stevenson Park also has a pedestrian bridge that crosses Cowards Creek right into Old City Park, which has more playgrounds, a concrete ping pong table, walking trails, and the city dog park with its own doggy splash pad! If you don’t want to make the 40-minute drive down to Galveston for some time by the water, visit Lake Friendswood. There are fishing docks, picnic tables, small barbeque pits around the lake, and multiple workout stations along the mile-long trail.  

8. Coppell

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.1

Physical inactivity rate: 16.7

Air quality rate: 17

In the Northeast region of Texas sits Coppell. This small commuter town is about 25 minutes from Dallas and 30 minutes from Fort Worth. Coppell has been recognized by Tree City USA for over 25 years for its dedication to keeping the community healthy. The city works to build close-knit relationships with residents through things like free environmental education classes and fitness programs. Coppell also has over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a mile-long soft running trail, five miles of preserved nature trails, and 17 city parks including the Waggin’ Tails Dog Park! In addition to getting outdoors and enjoying nature, Coppell residents share their handmade treats and fresh produce every weekend at the Coppell Farmers Market. You can find plants and flowers, homemade baked goods, and a variety of locally made products.  

7. McKinney

Niche fitness score: B+

Smoking rate: 12.3

Physical inactivity rate: 22.7

Air quality rate: 17

Just a little farther into North Texas is McKinney. This historic community prides itself on its tight-knit relationships, friendly atmosphere, and its tree-lined streets! Keeping residents active is easy with 80 miles of trails for hiking and biking, and 15 city parks throughout the city. These parks range from small playgrounds to big sports complexes, and some, like Finch Park, are access points to the trailheads. McKinney Parks and Recreation partners with the McKinney Public Library to get more families out on the trails with the Story Trail in Finch Park. Story stations are posted along the trail containing pages from the showcased book of the month.   

6. Corpus Christi

Niche fitness score: C+

Smoking rate: 11.9

Physical inactivity rate: 27.5

Air quality rate: 37

Corpus Christi is the self-proclaimed capital of the Gulf Coast region. Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, this city thrives on sunny beaches and outdoor adventure. Corpus Christi has over 100 parks throughout the city, ranging from simple neighborhood playgrounds to busy beachside attractions. In The Water’s Edge region of the city, you can find McCaughan Park with a playground, fitness area, food truck lots, and the Vishal Bhagat Dog Park. You can also explore Corpus Christi Bay along the Seawall or walk the Corpus Christi Bay Trail. Across the bay is Padre Balli Park, where you can set up camp, in an RV or  tent, and cast your line out on Bob Hall Pier which has some of the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. Corpus Christi’s nightlife combines seafaring life and South Texas hospitality into a unique experience. The Marina Arts District is the place for live entertainment, local cuisine, and one-of-a-kind art.      

5. Allen

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 11.6

Physical inactivity rate: 21.0

Air quality rate: 34

Like its fellow Dallas area cities, Allen is a small community with big character. It is about 25 minutes from the big city and acts as an urban retreat. Allen has over 50 natural and man-made parks including The Meadow, a 72-acre nature preservation, and The Edge, one of Texas’ largest skate parks. Throughout town, Allen has 78 miles of multi-use trails that travel between parks and recreation facilities. These facilities include the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, which has an indoor aquatic park and swimming pool, a rock climbing wall, and a fitness center. Every year Allen residents get a jumpstart on 4^th of July festivities the Allen USA Celebration, which is held the last weekend of June. This event has live music, car shows, food trucks, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state!        

4. Plano

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.2

Physical inactivity rate: 22.3

Air quality rate: 19

Plano is the principal city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. The mix of urban and suburban living gives it a small-town, family-friendly feel despite being right outside Dallas. Plano residents embrace the great outdoors they are surrounded by and work hard to respect it through natural parks and preservations. The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve lets residents explore 200 acres of natural beauty with 6 miles of hiking trails, and a 2.8-mile off-road bike trail.  The Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve has a pond for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. There are nearly eight miles of paved trails and five miles of soft surface trails that connect Oak Point to Bob Woodruff Park, where you can find Plano’s pride and joy, the Quincentennial Bur Oak Tree, estimated to be over 500 years old! Families in particular enjoy the Liberty Playground at Windhaven Meadows Park. This playground is over 20,000 square feet of engaging activities including a water feature and is ADA accessible. 

3. Sugar Land

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.2

Physical inactivity rate: 23.6

Air quality rate: 17

Sugar Land is part of the Greater Houston area, but it is a world of its own! Getting outdoors is easy in Sugar Land with over 35 miles of multi-use trails and a variety of parks ranging from city playgrounds to big regional parks. Sugar Land sits along the Brazos River which provides the green space for two regional parks: the Brazos River Park and Sugar Land Memorial Park. The Brazos River Park is 67 acres and has over three miles of trails right along the river and a 9-hole disc golf course within the park. Sugar Land Memorial Park is 150 acres and has 2.5 miles of trails including the Justin P. Brindley Mountain Bike Trail.  Brazos River provides fishing, kayaking, and canoeing for parkgoers visiting either park. Bring your four-legged friend to enjoy the Pawm Springs Dog Park with its own pond, agility equipment, and small dog area. To get the full Sugar Land experience, stop by the Town Square. This hub for Sugar Land entertainment has over 50 shops and restaurants, as well as special events like free fitness classes and pop-up vintage markets.     

2. Lewisville

Niche fitness score: B

Smoking rate: 10.7

Physical inactivity rate: 20.6

Air quality rate: 24

Lewisville is in the heart of North Texas. It is an energetic destination that likes to keep it casual. Lewisville’s popularity comes from the Lewisville Lake and its surrounding park. The lake has 233 miles of shoreline and is open for fishing, boating, and various water sports. The park includes a swimming beach, a playground, a picnic pavilion, and a golf  and disc golf course. The park also partners with local food trucks for Food Truck in Parks, a program designed to bridge the gap between the community and its parks. Lewisville is also known for its incredible birding community. Over 270 bird species can be found in Lewisville throughout the year, including some that have rarely been seen in other parts of the state. There are  monthly bird walks guided by local bird watchers; there’s always a chance to see your favorite bird! Lewisville’s “Old Town” is the spot for all things entertainment. The authentic historic buildings, two theaters, an urban park, public art pieces, and Southern comfort food are all part of what gives Lewisville its hometown feel. 

1. Austin

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 9.6

Physical inactivity rate: 15.7

Air quality rate: 19

Topping our list is the capital city. Austin is nestled in Texas Hill Country and is surrounded by natural and man-made outdoor entertainment. Branching off the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake provides nearly six miles of fun. Get out on the water in kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats, or take in the view while walking the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that forms a complete circuit around the lake. For the more adventurous, Barton Creek Greenbelt has rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking on the trails, and cliff diving, tubing, and swimming in the swimming holes along the creek. Living up to its title as The Live Music Capital of the World, Austin has a multitude of venues, clubs, and stages. From nightly gigs to world-famous music festivals, there is always somewhere to catch a live show.

Want to know more about living in Texas? Check out the best tiny home builders in the state, and the most affordable cities. When you’re ready, see new home listings daily at NewHomeSource.