12 Reasons to Love Living in Bryan-College Station, Texas

The twin cities of Bryan and College Station make up the metropolitan area centering in the Brazos Valley region of Texas. The area is affectionately known by locals as “Aggieland” after the nickname “Aggies” given to Texas A&M University’s sports team and students — and encompasses 2,123 sq miles of beautiful Texan territory.So, besides the weather, what makes Bryan–College Station, Tx a good place to live? We’ve got 12 terrific reasons to live in this part of Texas!

1. One of the Fastest Growing Cities in America

Each time the U.S. Census is updated, so too is the list of fastest-growing cities in America. In 2020 College Station earned recognition as the 20th fastest-growing city in the U.S., according to WalletHub. If more people are moving here, there has to be some good reasons — and we’re here to prove it!

2. Job Opportunities

There’s a reason College Station, Texas as ranked #2 on Forbes The Best Small Places For Business And Careers list. One of them is that the CS-Bryan area has a low unemployment rate of 4.4 as of December 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In fact, the Bryan and College Station Metro area had the third-lowest unemployment rate in the state.

3. Small Town Vibe in the Twin Cities 

Were you wondering, “how big is College Station-Bryan, Texas?” This area is home to a population of  ~280,000 people as of 2024 data from Census Reporter. Comparatively, Dallas hosts a population of 1.3 million and Austin has grown to 975,000 as of 2024. With College Station, you can experience the city energy without as many people!

Learn more about Relocating to Texas.

4. Access to Big Cities

College Station-Bryan Texas has close proximity to other major cities in the state! The region sits at the center of the Texas Triangle, making it an hour and a half from Houston, just under two hours from Austin, and a little less than two hours from Dallas, San Antonio and Houston.

5. Focus on Education

New residents are attracted by the university, distinguished school system, family-friendly community, and quality of life. Not only is Bryan/College Station home to Texas A&M University and Blinn College, but College Station ranks in the top 10 on Niche’s list of Cities with the Best Public Schools in America.

6. Lower Overall Cost of Living

While the median home value is higher than you would expect for a small town, the cost of living in College Station scores 13.4% less than the national average, according to BestPlaces. Comparatively, transportation costs are lower, as our groceries and health. 

7. Safety Ratings

You may be wondering, “Is College Station-Bryan safe?” If safety matters to you and your family, remember that certain parts of the area will be safer to move to than others. People consider the eastern part of the city the safest, according to Crimegrade.com. “Your chance of being a victim of crime in College Station may be as high as 1 in 9 in the northwest neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 59 in the northeast part of the city.”

8. Leading Healthcare Facilities

From Bryan's CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and beyond, there is no shortage of world-class healthcare in Bryan-College Station, Texas. Your family’s safety is in good hands.

9. A Great Place to Retire!

How nice would be it be to never move again? Texas has mild winters, low taxes, and affordable housing that makes it a nice place to retire. You will also love the great local restaurants!

10. Amenities for Active Lifestyles

Another reason to love this area is that there are so many fun things to do for those who like to get out and explore. If you like staying active, Bryan-College Station, Tx has indoor and outdoor activities to keep you moving. From golf courses and swimming pools to parks and lakes, your options are diverse. Some of our favorites include Lick Creek Trail and Spirit Ice Arena.

                   photo courtesy of Brittany Valentine

11. Diverse Culture & Entertainment

People from all over the world are attracted to Bryan-College Station, making it one of the most diverse and culturally-rich small towns you'll find. If you're looking for the best college football town around, you've found it! Watch the Texas A&M Aggies and learn about the legendary 12th Man statue! And… don't miss First Friday in Downtown Bryan, TX. 

This just skims the surface of all the great adventures to be had. From Century Square to prime shopping, this area has a lot to keep you busy. 

Looking for more fun things to do in College Station-Bryan, Texas? Check out Visit College Station’s website for the hottest attractions and entertainment.

12. Southern Hospitality

It only takes one visit to the College Station-Bryan area to discover how friendly the folks there truly are. You'll be saying, "Howdy," in no time!

Find the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Bryan-College Station, Texas

For those wondering, “is Texas a good place to move to?” we hope we answered some of your questions. With great schools, a prime location next to major cities, and a more intimate population, College Station-Bryan is a wonderful place to raise your children and settle down as a family.

Omega is proud to build in premier master-planned communities in College Station-Bryan, offering a range of choices when it comes to schools, amenities, location, and price.

As home builders for 55 years, Omega Builders has won numerous awards for home design & customer service, as well as established a reputation for quality construction with homes that are built to last. Omega has built hundreds of homes in Bryan-College Station since 2013. New homes are available in the best neighborhoods in College Station TX, offering a range of choices when it comes to schools, amenities, location, and price. Thinking about living in College Station, TX - Explore Communities in Bryan-College Station.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December 2019 and has been updated to reflect the most accurate information.