10 Small Texas Towns That Are Cheap, Quiet, And So Simple
Texas holds secret treasures beyond its big cities – small towns where life moves at a gentler pace and your dollars stretch further. These wonderful places offer a simpler way of living without sacrificing comfort or community.
If you’re looking to escape the noise and expense of urban areas, these ten affordable Texas towns might be exactly what you need.
1. Albany: Historic Charm on a Budget
Nestled in north-central Texas, Albany wraps you in courthouse-square tranquility without emptying your wallet. The typical home here costs around $156,000, making it an affordable option for those seeking small-town rhythms.
Fort Griffin State Historic Site sits nearby, offering peaceful outdoor adventures without the crowds you’d find in more touristy spots. The town’s 1,800 residents enjoy a close-knit community where neighbors know each other by name.
2. Anson: Ranch Life with City Convenience
Ranch fences stretch alongside modest homes in Anson, where the average house costs just $129,000. This Jones County seat balances rural charm with practical amenities, all while keeping Abilene’s larger offerings just a short drive away.
Morning fog rolls across cattle pastures while locals chat at the corner store. With fewer than 2,300 residents, traffic jams don’t exist here – just the occasional tractor slowing things down on Main Street.
3. Canadian: The Panhandle’s Hidden Valley Oasis
They call it the “Oasis of the High Plains” for good reason. Canadian sits beautifully in its river valley, offering visual relief from the flat Panhandle landscape. Homes average $167,000, reasonable for such a picturesque setting.
I stumbled upon Canadian during a cross-country drive years ago, stopping for lunch and nearly staying forever.
The town’s 2,300 residents enjoy remarkable peace here – no traffic noise, just wind rustling through cottonwoods and the occasional train whistle in the distance.
4. Coleman: Main Street Revival at Bargain Prices
Budget-conscious buyers take note – Coleman offers some of the most affordable homes on our list at just $103,000 on average. This west-central Texas town embraces a revitalizing Main Street while maintaining its unhurried county-seat atmosphere.
Local fishing spots rarely see crowds, and hunting culture runs deep here. Morning coffee at downtown diners comes with friendly conversation included at no extra charge.
Nearly 4,000 residents enjoy this simple life where rush hour means three cars at the four-way stop.
5. Jacksboro: Rural Comfort with Outdoor Bonuses
Jacksboro maintains its country feel despite sitting northwest of Fort Worth. Homes typically run around $203,000, providing good value in a town that balances basic services with rural character.
My cousin moved here five years ago for the slower pace and never looked back. She walks to the grocery store where cashiers know her by name.
Fort Richardson State Park provides trails and history lessons without the crowds, making weekend adventures simple and stress-free.
6. Knox City: Plains Living at Rock-Bottom Prices
Few places in America offer homes for around $79,000, but Knox City delivers exactly that. This humble farm and ranch hub sits quietly in the north-central Texas plains, providing basic necessities without frills or fuss.
Just over 1,000 residents share this uncomplicated community. Wind farms dot the horizon while pickup trucks outnumber sedans ten to one.
The Friday night lights of high school football bring everyone together in a town where your dollar stretches remarkably far.
7. Memphis: Caprock Bargains with Courthouse Grace
Perched on the eastern edge of the Panhandle’s Caprock, Memphis offers some of Texas’ most affordable housing at around $68,000. This Hall County seat centers life around its classic courthouse square, where time seems to move more slowly.
I spent a weekend here visiting a friend who relocated from Dallas. The quiet was so profound it took me a night to adjust.
The town’s 2,000 residents enjoy remarkably low costs of living in a place where simplicity isn’t just a lifestyle – it’s the foundation of everything.
8. Quanah: Undiscovered Border Country Gem
Named for the last chief of the Comanche, Quanah sits in Red River country offering astonishing home values around $57,000. This undiscovered county seat provides a base for exploring Copper Breaks State Park without tourist crowds.
The night skies here remain gloriously dark, perfect for stargazing. Nearly 2,300 residents share this frontier-feeling town where property taxes won’t break your budget.
Local diners serve hearty meals at prices that seem transported from decades past.
9. San Saba: Pecan Paradise in the Northern Hill Country
The self-proclaimed “Pecan Capital of the World” offers more than nuts – San Saba delivers Hill Country charm at reasonable prices. Homes average around $192,000 in this riverside town where pecan orchards create natural green spaces.
When I visited during harvest season, locals shared fresh pecans and stories in equal measure. The downtown area moves at an unhurried pace while the San Saba River provides natural recreation.
Around 3,100 residents enjoy this sweet spot that balances affordability with natural beauty.
10. Van Horn: Desert Solitude with Mountain Views
Far West Texas offers spectacular landscapes and Van Horn provides an affordable base to enjoy them. Homes typically cost around $156,000 in this desert town where fewer than 2,000 residents share vast open spaces and endless horizons.
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits just 62 miles north, offering uncrowded hiking trails and dramatic vistas. Van Horn embraces its remote location with a relaxed pace where desert quiet becomes the soundtrack to daily life.
Sunsets here paint the mountains in colors that defy description.