13 Pros and Cons of Living in Texas
If you are planning on moving to Texas but are still deciding, we are here to help you make the final decision.
Do you want to know why this state has had more than 500 000 new residents yearly for 7 years in a row? Why 90,000 of them always come from California?
What makes it unique, and what new life qualities can it bring you and your family?
When we think about Texas, many visuals come through our minds – lonely deserts, the Texas sun that hits you on your forehead, juicy BBQ on the grill, loud, proud people, and their own set of rules. It all sounds poetic, but Texas has a lot of practical things that will help you enjoy your adulthood, especially in this economic crisis!
In Texas, you will live a totally opposite kind of life than you did before. What about a house with a backyard? Significant savings you get to spend on whatever you want? Casual BBQs with friendly new people? Balanced work and private life?
Let’s dive into it!
Quick state facts:
- Texas is home to three out of the ten most populous cities in the U.S.
- Texas is the second biggest state by area (after Alaska) and second biggest by population (after California).
- Multiple climate zones are meeting in this big state. It is hot and humid most of the year, but all four seasons remain.
- It is one out of the nine states that don’t have an income tax.
PROS of living in Texas
1. Cost of living
The Lone Star State is definitely a smart place to move to in this economic crisis.
Without an income tax and with the lowest prices in the U.S., you get a lot of bang for your buck here!
This is one of the biggest reasons people from California move here.
In December 2022, the cost of living in Los Angeles is 31% higher than in Houston. Food is cheaper in Texas by 21%.
Utilities, electricity, groceries, insurance, and gas are all cheaper than in most states.
With two yearly incomes of around $80k, you and your 5 member family can live in a 2,800 sqft home with an acre of land.
For around $1,232, you can find a solid 480sqft apartment in a good neighborhood.
The home price average is $247,000 compared to the $600,00 West coast average.
2. Fresh food for everyone
In Texas, there is more farmed land than in any other state. Agriculture is vital for this state’s economy, and it has a lot of fresh produce to share among the people.
Sunday Farmer’s markets are a place to be. If you are moving with your kids, they will get used to a balanced diet and fresh products from day one.
3. Job opportunities!
Texas is in the momentum of job opportunities right now.
Many big companies are moving here, including Amazon in Austin. Besides tech, there is something for every kind of talent here.
This is the best time for you to find a job. There are more jobs than people who work, and the demand is also affecting the raise of salaries!
Texas is a big state, and it is spreading its urban area quite fast. This only means more jobs in the future, so you can be sure to have a safety net here in years to come.
Also, starting your own business here is much smoother than in any other state. There are fewer barriers to entry and small licensing fees.
4. It’s green!
Contrary to popular belief, Texas is not mainly a desert. Actually, less than ten percent of Texas is covered in desert.
It is primarily full of prairies, forests, and meadows.
People who move here are always surprised by the greenery. Texas is home to a broad range of environments. Ranches, mountains, hills, and lakes are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and rowing.
For sea lovers, there are 367 miles of coastline in the South!
When you don’t feel like driving, you can always find a lake or a park in your city.
5. Family-friendly environment
Texas is more than a stereotype of tumbleweeds, cowboys, and hillbillies.
It is actually a perfect state to live in with your family.
It has a quality range of all steps of education, a slower life pace, nature, and extensive opportunities at the same time.
You will find a lot of activities for your kids here. You can go to sports and art events, as well as picnics. Be ready to create your new weekend tradition!
Depending on your chosen city, your life quality will glow up, and the kids will feel it too!
6. Big cities, big fun
Texas is a big state, and it has a lot of big cities too. If you are not sure which one is for you, we will help you:
- Houston, we’ve had a problem.
Houston is the first word ever said on the Moon. Houston is also the most diverse city in the U.S.! So, Houston is the place for you if you want energetic, culturally and politically diverse surroundings. It is a fast-growing city with a lot of job opportunities. - Dallas
The commercial and cultural core of the region is a perfect place for young people who want to get involved in the contemporary art and marketing scene. - San Antonio
First thing- San Antonio is safe from hurricanes and earthquakes. It is perfect for families with children, with lots of outdoor activities and tasty food. - Austin
If you are looking for an enormous range of successful huge companies to work in or, on the contrary, rich art and music scene, Austin is a place for you! It is maximalists’ heaven and is also known as the world’s Live music capital.
7. Friendly community
Even though people from Texas are often talked about as closed and unfriendly, in big cities, there are a lot of friendly people.
Locals say that spontaneous BBQ In the backyard is their favorite thing about living in Texas.
The overall atmosphere of the place is relaxed compared to other big areas, so don’t be scared of feeling isolated. These people won’t let that happen!
8. A diverse range of cuisines
If you are a foodie, you will enjoy the Texas range of flavors.
Everything from chain restaurants to local mom-and-dad-owned places, you will always be satisfied.
Tex Mex is a symbol of the mixture of Texas and Mexico, and here you will find all kinds of it, layering history and cultures.
BBQ is one of the most popular meals that will not leave you indifferent. Once you try it out in Texas, you will never be able to eat it elsewhere.
Chili queens made the chili tradition holly in Texas. Chili con queso, chili con carne, vegetarian chili- the range is infinite!
CONS of living in Texas
1. Hot weather and humidity
Yes, you will get used to it, but at first, the weather in Texas could be nauseous.
High humidity and boiling hot summers that last four months can be a pain in the neck.
On the other side, all four seasons officially exist, so you will get some rest and even some snow during wintertime.
A breeze is always there to keep your side, even in the middle of summer!
2. Natural disasters are often
Texas is ranked in the top 5 states with the most tornadoes in the U.S.
Also, Texas faces exposure to hurricanes every year. The eastern section of the state is the most vulnerable, so while choosing your next home, research the numbers concerning your chosen area.
3. Traffic and traveling
Being the second biggest state in the U.S., Texas has a lot of empty space. Driving through the land can be exhausting once you get used to everything being near.
Also, big cities are fastly getting overpopulated, and it affects traffic. Be sure to learn about the less busy roads and less crowded hours of the day.
A car is a must, but they are working on new transportation ways.
4. Property taxes can be high
Income taxes are nonexistent, so property tax can be high to replace that loss.
Texas has one of the highest property taxes in the nation.
5. Gun laws
Depending on your opinion, this can be a con.
If you feel unsafe knowing people can carry guns around you daily, maybe this country is not for you.
Moving to Texas?
If you want a change of pace for yourself and your family or move to the countryside and have an upsize in your pension years, you will not regret moving to Texas!
Slow down, take a deep breath, and prepare to enjoy little things again. Texas is calling you.
Roadway moving is in your favor for all things moving-related. Do not worry about your stuff being lost or the stress of moving with your family. Our experience is there to cover it all!