Wylie, Texas

This lakeshore North Texas city is located in the outskirts of the Dallas and Plano area, making it a mecca for job opportunity. Wylie — nicknamed Wide Awake Wylie — was founded off of three major railroads and is one of the fastest growing communities in the country, according to the city's website. Money's data backs that up: Job growth in the county rose 33.6% between 2010 to 2018 and projected job growth by 2023 is a high 14.96%.

With a highly rated public school system and plenty of family-friendly activities, Wylie is perfect for growing families. Collin College is expected to open its newest campus in Wylie in 2020, bringing in an influx of students. The historic downtown has a wide variety of local shops and restaurants, plus popular community events held regularly. Children between the ages of two to five can participate in the Wylie 500 Pedal Car Races down Ballard Avenue. And it wouldn't be a true Texas town without a rodeo: Wylie's Championship Rodeo has been running for 25 years. Playing outside is no problem either, since Wylie skirts Lake Lavon, a near-22,000 acre oasis ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and other recreational activities. — Chloe Wilt