Texas used to feel like the place where buyers could still stretch their money, find a bigger home, and maybe even get a piece of land without surrendering every dollar to the mortgage. That version of Texas still exists, but not in its most expensive cities.
In the state’s wealthiest housing markets, prices have climbed into territory that feels out of reach for many everyday families. Based on April 2026 Zillow data, the top 10 most expensive cities in Texas now range from more than $1.2 million to over $3.1 million in typical home value.
That is why rural Texas towns are starting to look better. We are not just talking about cheaper homes. We are talking about more space, quieter roads, lower pressure, and a version of Texas living that feels closer to what many people wanted in the first place.
Westlake
Westlake tops the list with a typical home value of $3,118,677. This Dallas-Fort Worth area city is known for luxury estates, privacy, strong schools, and access to one of the most powerful job markets in Texas…