Denton, Texas (Dallas)

Standard Home Value: $261,619

Denton is often described as an innovative, creative, diverse, and unique place. This lively college town boasts two state universities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, as well as numerous cultural, sports, and entertainment options.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Denton, from listening to a concert by world-class musicians such as Norah Jones and Don Henley (lead singer of The Eagles) and attending the variety of spectacular musical festivals to savoring a local brew at Denton County Brewing Company or going on the exciting North Texas Horse Country Tour.

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Pasadena, Texas (Houston)

Standard Home Value: $172,562

Houston, we’ve got a problem! There are simply too many things to choose from in terms of what to do in Pasadena! Located about 15 miles southeast of Houston, Pasadena is minutes away from the famous Johnson Space Center aka the Houston that astronauts talk to in Hollywood movies.

Apart from admiring the counting capsules and command modules used by astronauts in their space missions, you can cruise along the impressive Port of Houston and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants offering Italian, American, Tex-Mex and Cajun dishes. Pasadena is home to one of the largest wildlife preserves in the country, the Armand Bayou Nature Center, sheltering 370 animal species and 2,500 acres of woods and marshland.

Frederick, Maryland (Washington, D.C.)

Standard Home Value: $335,542

Rich in history and heritage, and abounding in impressive landscapes, Frederick is less than an hour away from Washington D.C. The small city offers plenty of city-like amenities from excellent museums, like the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums, to galleries, theaters and innovative cuisine.

If you prefer outdoor activities, you’re in for a treat. Frederick is perfect for hiking, biking, camping, fishing and many other things you can do either alone or with your whole family.