Cedar Park, Texas, isn’t just growing; it’s earning national attention for how it grows. The Austin suburb ranks No. 23 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best places to live in the United States, recognized for quality of life and job market strength.
The report evaluates communities across housing, economy, education and overall livability. Of the 250 cities evaluated, Cedar Park ranks in the top 5% for quality of life and top 10% for career-related metrics.
Cedar Park counts 83,000 residents, but still feels like a place where people wave to their neighbors. Growth hasn’t drowned out its small-town roots and families, professionals and business owners cite the same draw: well-ranked schools, space to grow and a community that plans with purpose.
Arthur Jackson, chief economic development officer for the city of Cedar Park, sees those qualities as key drivers behind the community’s upward trajectory. “Cedar Park offers the perfect mix of suburban ease and urban opportunity. Minutes from downtown Austin, yet free from the congestion.”
Jackson attributes the city’s top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods and access to major employers as a large part of what draws new residents. “That same access plays a key role in keeping the Austin region the number one destination for recent college grads in 2025, according to Realtor.com.”
This level of recognition doesn’t happen by chance. Years of planning, investment and a clear focus on quality-of-life improvements continue to shape how this Texas town grows. It’s also why more people choose to call it home.
Room to roam, space to grow in the Texas Hill Country
The Central Texas community owes its high ranking in part to the city’s commitment to outdoor spaces that invite people to get outside. With more than 1,000 acres of parks across the town, it’s easy for residents to enjoy nature close to home. These parks go beyond being plentiful and include features like a skate park, bike park, sports fields and a dedicated dog park, all designed to fit into the community’s lifestyle.
Locals take full advantage by hiking trails, kayaking Brushy Creek and attending outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals. Staying active and connected shapes the rhythm of everyday life for people living here.
Smart growth, strong jobs
Cedar Park’s strong local economy and proximity to Austin’s technology and healthcare industries make it a solid choice for professionals. Many locals trade long commutes for shorter drives and enjoy the perks of a quieter, more affordable suburban lifestyle.
That mix of access and affordability fuels both population growth and economic development. The city continues to expand its business base and invest in infrastructure, guided by long-term plans designed to keep growth moving in the right direction.
The new heart of the community: Cedar Park Public Library
At the center of Cedar Park’s community identity stands the newly opened Cedar Park Public Library. More than a place to borrow books, the 47,000-square-foot facility serves as the city’s front porch. It’s a welcoming space for gathering, learning and connecting. Designed by renowned Lake Flato Architects, the library anchors the city’s $750 million Bell District development.
Features include indoor and outdoor programming areas, makerspaces, dedicated teen and children’s spaces, a cafe and rooms for community events. With its blend of modern design and inclusive programming, the library reflects Cedar Park’s ongoing investment in lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.
Julia Mitschke, library director at the Cedar Park Public Library, sums up the library’s role: “I love it when I hear people say ‘meet me at the library’ because it lets me know we’ve succeeded in creating a welcoming central gathering space, a place where connections and hands-on experiences are just as important to the learning process as books and media.”
The Bell District and its library draw residents and visitors alike, but Cedar Park’s lifestyle stretches well beyond reading rooms. Just down the road, sports venues and entertainment options add energy and variety to the mix.
Sports and entertainment, close to home
Residents don’t need to travel far for big-league entertainment. The H-E-B Center at Cedar Park serves as home to the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League and the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League, along with concerts, family shows and special events throughout the year.
When Nazer Alzer launched Alzer’s Barbeque in 2017, he chose to stay close to home. “We knew we would get the support we needed as we navigated through our new venture,” he said. “We were happy not only for getting the support from our community, but also from the guidance and support we received from the city.”
The city’s entertainment landscape also includes locally owned venues like Spare Birdie, which combines upscale bowling, live music and a full-service bar. Nearby, The Crossover offers indoor sports, turf fields and community gathering spaces in a large multi-use complex. Add in a growing restaurant scene and seasonal events like live music nights and farmers’ markets, and Cedar Park delivers a well-rounded lifestyle that blends small-town charm with big-city energy.
A suburban gem with urban access
Cedar Park offers the best of both worlds with quick access to Austin’s amenities alongside tree-lined streets and family-friendly neighborhoods that create a strong sense of community. Growth in Cedar Park follows a clear plan, focused on preserving the city’s welcoming atmosphere even as new neighborhoods and businesses arrive. That thoughtful approach proves more than good policy; it explains why Cedar Park continues to stand out on the national stage.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
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