Downtown Tyler is pictured on Nov. 17, 2022. USA Today ranked the city as the No. 1 best city to move to in Texas.

Tyler tops the list of USA Today’s 5 Best Cities in Texas.

The media group recently released a story breaking down the best cities to move to in Texas. The story included why residents should move to Texas, the top cities, relocation tips, and more.

Tyler ranked No. 1 on the list.

“Named for John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, Tyler is our pick for the best Texas city to live in,” the article states. “Low unemployment (3.3%), access to healthcare (nine providers for every 1,000 residents) and the lowest risk of damage from severe weather all hoist Tyler to the top of our list.”

The article points out the Rose City’s location in East Texas, just an hour from the Louisiana border. It also notes Tyler’s national designation as the Rose Capital of America, “with several million roses distributed by local companies,” according to the article.

Tyler’s Municipal Rose Garden is the largest in the nation at 14 acres with over 38,000 rose bushes and over 600 varieties, according to the City of Tyler.

While the rose garden is a key attraction for the city, USA Today notes there is “plenty” to do in the city.

“Once you’re done smelling the roses, there are plenty of other things to see and do: Tyler boasts 3.3 restaurants and 1.2 activities per 1,000 residents,” the article states.

USA Today reports Tyler’s life expectancy averages 77.4 years old, and the average median income is $60,811. Rent costs $1,481 on average, and the typical home value is $245,750. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, according to the article. USA Today used U.S. Census American Community Survey, Zillow, the University of Wisconsin Health Institute and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to source this data.

Ultimately, USA Today determined Tyler is a place with low unemployment, top medical access and low risk for natural hazards.

“Overall, Texas has plenty to offer: barbecue galore, no state income tax and diverse geography that spans beaches, deserts and mountains,” USA Today writer Rachel Newcomb said in the article.

Ranked No. 2 on the list is Laredo, followed by No. 3 New Braunfels, No. 4 Cedar Park and No. 5 Temple. Houston (No. 50) and Fort Worth (No. 49) rank lower due to crime rates, higher risk of hurricanes and more expensive living costs, according to USA Today.

Newcomb reports the state gained more than 120,000 new adult residents in 2022, making it the state with the second-highest net gain in 2022.

“The allure of Texas is often its climate — mild winters are certainly a plus. Texas is second only to Florida as the top state people are moving to, according to U.S. Census Bureau data,” the article states. “More than 120,000 adults moved to Texas in 2022. Even more surprising: the Texas population bump — over 9 million new residents since 2000 — is nearly 3 million more than Florida.”

Newcomb reports Texas has the “largest rural population of any state but it also has the second highest urban population, with over 24 million people in such areas.”

For those considering moving to Tyler or another city in Texas, USA Today recommends looking for a job in any of the state’s major industries including oil, aerospace, manufacturing and information technology; registering for new services such as schools or registering vehicles; getting ready for hot weather, as Texas summer heat can easily surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit which “can be a big shock if you’re moving from a northern state”; and saving money on the move by budgeting and calling at least three moving companies for quotes.

Read the full article and learn more about USA Today’s methodology for crafting this list at www.usatoday.com/money/homefront/moving/best-cities-in-texas. USA Today is a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, and the article was produced by a USA Today Homefront journalist.

”The USA TODAY Homefront team boasts trusted journalists from both USA TODAY and our service journalism partner, Home Solutions,” according to its website.