As work environments shift in the post-pandemic era, many households are navigating a balance between remote and in-office work. While some professionals are returning to the office full-time, others continue to opt for hybrid or fully remote arrangements. This evolving landscape makes cities that support both work-from-home (WFH) and office-based work (WFO) increasingly valuable.
Accordingly, Texas has become a prime destination for remote workers (particularly after the pandemic accelerated the shift to WFH) due to its appealing lifestyle and affordability. Simultaneously, corporate relocations to Texas have surged with 171 companies moving to the state between 2020 and January 2024 and bringing a variety of work models from fully in-office to remote-friendly.
So, to identify which Texas cities best meet the needs of households juggling different work styles, we developed a ranking system that evaluates remote work and in-office capabilities. Specifically, each city with a population of more than 100,000 residents received a score out of 50 points in both categories. We then combined these scores to create a ranking and provide a clear picture of which locations are most equipped to support professionals across both work environments:
Best Cities in Texas for Mixing WFH & WFO: Suburban Spots Lead the Rankings With Sugar Land & Plano on Top
Texas’ smaller, fast-growing cities took the lead in the rankings for the best infrastructures that are supporting both remote and on-site work. Dominating the top 10 were five cities from the Dallas area and two near Houston, which shows the strength of suburban areas for hybrid work setups. Namely, Sugar Land claims the #1 spot, thanks to its strong mix of WFH and WFO amenities, while Conroe (just north of Houston) stands out for its emphasis on in-office work.
To the north of Dallas, the cities of Plano, Frisco, Allen and McKinney offer a strong concentration of remote-friendly amenities, making them ideal for hybrid work setups. In contrast, Irving, located to the west of Dallas, scores slightly higher in the WFO category. Notably, Austin joined the top ranks with its blend of tech-driven culture and lifestyle appeal, whereas Dallas and Houston missed the top 10 due to lower remote worker shares and higher rent-to-income ratios.
WFH:
Sugar Land secures the fourth spot for remote workers by balancing affordability, living space and coworking flexibility. With an average apartment size of 954 square feet — the largest among the top 10 cities — residents have ample room to work from home comfortably. To that end, rent takes just 16.2% of the average household income, offering a strong balance between cost and living space. Sugar Land also ranks first in coworking space density with 11 spaces per 100,000 residents to provide plenty of alternatives for those needing a change of scenery. Plus, the city’s outdoor spaces — including Cullinan and Oyster Creek parks — add to its appeal, although high-speed internet coverage below 50% may cause occasional inconveniences for remote workers.
WFO:
Thanks to its strong coworking infrastructure and abundant outdoor spaces, Plano ranks second overall for remote work in the study. And, with 8.3 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents, remote workers have a variety of options to change their environment — from trendy spots, like Common Desk, to local favorites tucked into Legacy West. Outdoor enthusiasts are also well-served as Plano ranks second in parks density with 184 parks spread across 4,700 acres, while places like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve provide quiet spots for breaks during the day. Moreover, the city’s location within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area also contributes to its strong ranking for remote-friendly industries and enhances Plano’s appeal to telecommuters
WFH:
Thanks to its strong coworking infrastructure and abundant outdoor spaces, Plano ranked 2nd overall for remote work in the study. With 8.3 coworking spaces per 100,000 residents, remote workers have a variety of options to change their environment, from trendy spots like Common Desk to local favorites tucked into Legacy West. Outdoor enthusiasts are also well-served, as Plano ranked 2nd in parks density, with 184 parks spread across 4,700 acres—places like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve providing quiet spots for breaks during the day. Its location within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area also contributed to its strong ranking for remote-friendly industries, enhancing Plano’s appeal to telecommuters
WFO:
For office-based professionals, Plano offers high-quality workspaces with around 70% of its office spaces rated Class A or A+ to ensure modern and comfortable environments. Parking is another perk as the city ranks third for availability around office spaces — a valuable asset in busy areas. Although Plano lands in eighth out of 10 for mixed-use office buildings, it still features ample urban amenities near its office properties to provide convenience for office workers looking to enjoy their day without the stress of a downtown commute.
WFH:
For those seeking the ideal remote work environment, Frisco tops the list by boasting the highest share of telecommuters — nearly 40% of its workforce. Residents here also enjoy the ease of maintaining a home office as rent accounts for just 15.2% of median household incomes. Furthermore, spacious apartments (ranking third in the study for size) provide plenty of room for a comfortable setup, while 87.3% of the city is covered by high-speed internet to ensure reliable connectivity. However, outdoor and public workspaces are somewhat limited with the city ranking ninth for parks and 10th for free Wi-Fi hotspots, which may be less appealing for those who crave a change of scenery.
WFO:
Frisco also offers a mix of pros and cons for office-based work. For example, it excels in high-quality office spaces with nearly three-quarters of all office buildings classified as Class A and A+ — the highest share among cities in the study. In particular, Frisco Station is home to many of these premier office buildings and more are in development, while the large-scale Fields West project is set to bring additional Class A space to the city’s north side. However, Frisco ranks ninth in the percentage of on-site workers, demonstrating a notable preference for remote work (at least for now). Commutes also remain challenging with longer travel times and housing affordability near job centers posing difficulties. Nevertheless, Frisco’s modern facilities and robust business environment continue to attract professionals, whether working remotely or in-office.
WFH:
Austin is well-known for its tech-savvy, forward-thinking vibe, making it a top choice for remote workers. In fact, nearly 30.7% of the workforce in the Austin metro area telecommutes — and with innovative companies like Apricot Solar, FLASH, Dell and Indeed, the city scores top points for remote-friendly businesses, as measured at the metropolitan statistical area level. Otherwise, for those who enjoy working outside of their home office, Austin leads all Texas cities with more than 100,000 residents in its Wi-Fi hotspot availability with 170.6 hotspots per 100,000 people. And, with its third-place ranking in coworking space density, Austin has plenty of spots to collaborate and stay productive.
WFO:
Austin’s top-ranked mixed-use office spaces blend work, retail, and dining to create a seamless “live/work/play” experience — especially in the bustling downtown and tech corridors. As such, commute times here are shorter than in many other Texas cities, but housing affordability near job centers remains an issue in Austin, and parking can be scarce. And, while public transit is available, it’s pricier compared to other cities. Despite these minor drawbacks, Austin’s dynamic atmosphere, strong tech culture and vibrant work/life balance make it a hotspot for professionals.
WFH:
Allen ranks third among Texas cities in the study for remote work by offering a great blend of high-speed internet, spacious homes and affordability. More precisely, with nearly 90% of the city covered by high-speed internet, remote workers have some of the best connectivity options in the state. What’s more, the city’s large apartments — second only to Sugar Land — give professionals plenty of room to set up their home office. And, with median rent taking up just 17.4% of household income, Allen strikes a balance between comfort and cost. Otherwise, for those who like to spend time outdoors, Allen ranks third for parks density with Celebration Park and Bethany Lakes providing ideal spots for a midday break.
WFO:
When it comes to in-office work, Allen offers a mixed experience: The city ranks 10th overall, partly due to lower scores for public transit and mixed-use office developments. Similarly, public transit affordability ranks ninth and the city places eighth for commute times, meaning the trip to the office can take longer than in other Texas cities. Even so, Allen does excel in one area — parking: The city has the highest office parking ratio, making it easier for workers to find a spot in this car-friendly town. Although Allen leans more toward remote work, commuters can still enjoy a high quality of life, even if some urban conveniences are harder to come by.
WFH:
Conroe may not lead the list for remote work, but it offers unique advantages for professionals seeking flexibility. Tying with Austin, Conroe has the highest density of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the top 10 with 170.6 hotspots per 100,000 residents. Notably, many of these are clustered around cafes near the intersection of I-45 and North Loop 336, providing convenient options for remote workers looking to step out of their home offices. However, affordability remains a challenge: Conroe ranks last for median rent as a percentage of household income. It also falls short in green spaces, ranking 10th for parks density. At least for now, the city lacks a strong remote work culture with fewer coworking spaces and a lower percentage of residents working from home.
WFO:
In contrast, Conroe provides a more favorable setup for in-office work, ranking third overall. More precisely, the city thrives on its high share of on-site workers, supported by industries like health care and manufacturing that lean toward in-person roles. Meanwhile, with nearly 15% of total office properties incorporating retail, dining, or other commercial space, mixed-use office spaces add convenience and allow employees to manage errands or grab meals without leaving the area. Although most of Conroe’s office properties are mid-range (with only 29% rated as Class A), its affordable public transit and accessible amenities make it a solid choice for those in traditional office environments.
WFH:
McKinney strikes a balance for remote workers by offering spacious living accommodations and strong internet connectivity, although it could benefit from more public Wi-Fi hotspots. To that end, the city’s high-speed internet availability ensures a smooth work-from-home experience, while the larger-than-average apartment sizes provide ample space for setting up home offices. On top of that, McKinney stands out as a stable choice for remote professionals with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Texas. In addition to job security, the city’s abundant parks — including Bonnie Wenk Park and Towne Lake — offer a natural respite to promote a healthy work/life balance.
WFO:
In-office work in McKinney is equally appealing, especially for those seeking high-quality workspaces. Here, more than half of the city’s office properties are rated Class A or A+, reflecting a clear shift toward modern, comfortable environments that may entice workers back to the office. For instance, Skyline Tower — the tallest building in McKinney with eight floors — is a prime example of this premium space. Of course, as the city grows, mixed-use developments are becoming more common with projects like the Historic Cotton Mill District slated for redevelopment and integrating office spaces with lifestyle amenities to enhance the overall workday experience. Yet, McKinney falls short in supplementary services, like daycare and other amenities, which could be less convenient for office-based workers.
WFH:
McAllen faces its fair share of obstacles in establishing itself as a remote work hub with its economy heavily skewed toward in-person industries, like health care, which accounts for nearly 20% of the local workforce. This reliance on physical presence is reflected in the city’s low rankings for coworking space density and remote-friendly businesses, making it less appealing for professionals seeking flexible, work-from-home options. Additionally, the smaller apartment sizes and limited number of remote workers further solidify McAllen as a more traditional, office-centered city.
WFO:
Conversely, McAllen shines when it comes to in-office work, topping the rankings for office-based professionals. The city also boasts the lowest public transit fares in Texas — a benefit further enhanced by metro McAllen’s recent announcement to expand new routes and operating hours. Plus, its housing market is also highly accessible: McAllen ranks second for housing affordability, making it an attractive option for professionals who prefer to live close to their workplace. Meanwhile, although only about 28.9% of the city’s office spaces are Class A, McAllen’s affordability and efficient commute times make it a prime destination for professionals in industries like health care, education and logistics.
WFH:
Boasting an impressive 88.7% high-speed internet coverage, Irving ensures that remote workers benefit from some of the best connectivity in Texas. Whether working from home, cafes, or coworking spaces, professionals in the city can rely on fast upload and download speeds thanks to major providers like Google, Quantum Fiber and Xfinity. However, the city’s apartment sizes fall on the smaller side with an average of just 853 square feet, thereby leaving less room for dedicated home office spaces compared to other cities in the top 10. Along the same lines, rent in Irving claims a higher portion of household income, placing it eighth in this category.
WFO:
For office-based professionals, Irving excels in parking availability, leading in the ratio of office parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of office space and making it highly convenient for commuters. That said, the city ranks ninth in mixed-use office buildings, which limits access to on-site amenities like restaurants, retail spaces and other conveniences during the workday. Public transit fares and general amenities also rank lower, potentially affecting office-goers who rely on city services. Despite these factors, Irving’s strong base of on-site workers — including those at Citi and Verizon — maintains its status as a reliable in-office hub with its WFO score slightly outperforming its WFH score.
WFH:
When it comes to remote work, Lubbock offers a few bright spots, but also faces challenges. For example, the city’s public Wi-Fi network stands out with 160 free hotspots per 100,000 residents, making it easier to stay connected outside of the home. However, coworking spaces are fewer in number, and outdoor options are limited with fewer parks than other Texas cities. Affordability might be a concern for remote workers here, as well, with rent consuming a higher share of income. Plus, Lubbock’s remote work culture is still developing, and, when combined with a higher unemployment rate, the city offers fewer incentives for telecommuters.
WFO:
On the other hand, Lubbock excels when it comes to in-office work. With strong representation in key industries like education and health care (thanks to major employers like Texas Tech University and Covenant Health), the city ranks second overall for office-based professionals. What’s more, commute times are among the shortest on this list, averaging just more than 16 minutes, while affordable public transit and housing costs further boost the city’s appeal for office workers. The only drawbacks are fewer Class A office spaces (just 18.4%) and limited parking options, which might take some of the shine off the daily commute.
Our ranking includes all cities in Texas with more than 100,000 residents and with complete data across all metrics. Compare the WFH, WFO and total scores of any two cities in our ranking with the following interactive tool:
Note: Due to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and American Public Transportation Association being measured at the metro level, cities like Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and Irving (Dallas), as well as Sugar Land and Conroe (Houston), share the same scores for remote-business density and transit fare metrics.
Methodology
Our analysis included 28 cities across Texas with at least 100,000 residents and complete data across all metrics.
We awarded each city two separate scores:
- Work-From-Home (WFH) score: Evaluation of conditions and infrastructure for remote work.
- Work-From-Office (WFO) score: Evaluation of conditions and infrastructure for on-site work.
Each city could earn up to 50 points in either category based on its performance across our metrics. The cities were then ranked based on the sum of their WFH and WFO scores.
WFH score metrics included:
- Share of remote workers: Up to 10 WFH points were awarded for the percentage of a city’s population listed as working remote, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. A city’s WFH score for its share of remote workers and its WFO score for its share of on-site workers are inversely proportional and always add up to 10. For example, Frisco — the city with the highest remote worker share across all 28 cities — received 10 points for its share of remote workers and zero points for its share of on-site workers. Allen — the city with the next-highest remote worker share — received 8.1 points and 1.9 points, respectively, and so on.
- Rent as % of household income: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded inversely proportional with the percentage of a city’s median household income that was taken up by that city’s gross median rent, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gross rent is defined as contract-listed rent plus the estimated average monthly cost of utilities and fuels.
- Average apartment size: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded for a city’s average apartment size, according to proprietary data provided by Yardi Matrix. This only includes apartments in multifamily units encompassing 50 units or more that were completed as of the end of 2023.
- Coworking density: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded for the number of coworking spaces located in a city per 100,000 residents. Data was provided by CommercialEdge.
- High-speed internet coverage: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded for the percentage of locations in a city that are serviced by broadband internet with speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps, or fixed wireless networks with speeds of at least 10 Mbps. Data source: FCC.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspot density: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded for the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots per 100,000 residents. Data source: WiFi Map.
- Park density: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded for the number of parks with public access within a city’s limits per 100,000 residents. Data source: Trust for Public Land.
- Remote work-friendly businesses: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded for the number of businesses that are likely to offer remote jobs based on their industry per 100,000 residents. Data source: U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Dynamics Statistics. Because data is only available at a metro level, all cities in the same metro received the same score in this metric. Remote work-friendly industries were defined as:
- NAICS Code 51: Information
- NAICS Code 52: Finance and insurance
- NAICS Code 54: Professional, scientific and technical services
- Unemployment rate: Up to 5 WFH points were awarded inversely proportional with a city’s unemployment rate as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Note: A city’s unemployment rate awarded it the same points in both the WFH and WFO scores.
WFO score metrics included:
- Share of on-site workers: Up to 10 WFO points were awarded for the percentage of a city’s population listed as working on-site, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. A city’s WFO score for its share of on-site workers and its WFH score for its share of remote workers are inversely proportional and always add up to 10. For example, Corpus Christi — the city with the highest on-site worker share across all 28 cities — received 10 points for its share of on-site workers and zero points for its share of remote workers. Lubbock — the city with the next-highest on-site worker share — received 9.6 points and 0.4 points, respectively, and so on.
- Housing value to household income ratio: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded inversely proportional with the ratio between median housing value in a city and that city’s median household income for owner-occupied units. Data source: U.S. Census Bureau.
- Quality office space (Class A/A+): Up to 5 WFO points were awarded for the share of office space listed as Class A or A+ out of the city’s total office inventory. This metric only includes properties larger than 25,000 square feet completed by the end of 2023 and with a primary use type listed as office. Data source: CommercialEdge.
- Mixed-use office buildings: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded for the share of mixed-use office properties out of the total number of office properties in a city. Mixed-use office buildings also contain a different class of commercial real estate, most commonly retail space. This metric only includes properties larger than 25,000 square feet completed by the end of 2023 and with a primary use type listed as office. Data source: CommercialEdge.
- Office parking availability: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded for the ratio of total office parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of office space in a city. This metric only includes properties larger than 25,000 square feet completed by the end of 2023 and with a primary use type listed as office. Data source: CommercialEdge.
- Commute time: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded inversely proportional with the mean one-way commute time for on-site workers in the city. Data source: U.S. Census Bureau.
- Average public transit fare: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded inversely proportional with the minimum cost of a one-way public transportation trip with no deductions or surcharges. Data source: American Public Transportation Association.
- City amenities & establishments: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded for the number of amenities, venues, and establishments in a city that can encourage or support working from the office, rather than from home, per 100,000 residents. Data source: U.S. Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns. Amenities and establishments supporting or encouraging on-site work were defined as:
- NAICS code 4451: Grocery and convenience retailers
- NAICS code 4452: Specialty food retailers
- NAICS code 4561: Health and personal care retailers
- NAICS code 6111: Elementary and secondary schools
- NAICS code 6244: Child care services
- NAICS code 7121: Museums, historical sites and similar institutions
- NAICS code 7131: Amusement parks and arcades
- NAICS code 7139: Other amusement and recreation industries
- NAICS code 7225: Restaurants and other eating places
- Unemployment rate: Up to 5 WFO points were awarded inversely proportional with a city’s unemployment rate as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Note: A city’s unemployment rate awarded it the same points in both the WFH and WFO scores.
