Top 10 Must-Know Tips For Moving to Texas

Top 10 Must-Know Tips for Moving to Texas

If you’re considering moving to Texas, there are ten things you should know first. From cost of living to customs and manners, weather, and hazards, along with some not-so-well-known tips that will help you fit in and acclimate to your new environment. Read on to discover facts and tidbits about life in Texas and whether it’s a good fit for your new home.

#1 Why Move to Texas? Low Cost of Living

High wages, affordable real estate, and a lower cost of living than many other states make Texas the perfect destination for those wanting their income to go the farthest.  

Many people from California are moving to Texas. In 2018 and 2019, there were about 80,000 relocations, and this amount is increasing. But the good thing about Texas is that there’s plenty of land and jobs. 

Of course, it depends what county you’re moving from in California to exactly where you’re moving to in Texas. But generally, you’ll notice savings, especially when it comes to real estate. And that's especially true if you're moving from Silicon Valley. 

Besides California, other top states where residents are leaving for Texas are Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Illinois. Keep in mind, if you’re relocating to the Lone Star State, and you’re wondering, “What is Texas like?” It’s Texas, and that’s the way the state wants to keep it. Texans are proud of their state, customs, and heritage.

#2 Why are Companies Moving to Texas? — No State Income Tax

If you’re also asking: “Why are people moving to Texas?” The answer is — major businesses and individuals alike are relocating because there’s no state income tax. If you’re coming from highly taxed states like California or New York, that can mean thousands of extra dollars in your pocket per year.  

And for companies both small and large, it’s a huge advantage. Business-friendly Texas can help an endeavor that’s been over-taxed and struggling turn a profit. And besides state tax savings, there are business incentives and financing for companies choosing to relocate. Texas is big on small business, and the Texas Economic Development offers services and resources for regulatory compliance, permitting, and licensing.

#3 Budget for Higher Property Taxes

Keep in mind, if you’re relocating to Texas and buying a home — the property taxes are higher. According to smartasset.com, homeowners in the Lone Star State pay some of the highest taxes in the country. The national average is 1.07%, with Texas property taxes at 1.69%

Keep those higher taxes in mind when you’re applying for a mortgage and figuring out how much home you can afford. 

#4 Advice for Anyone Moving to Texas – Check out the Schools

For families with school-aged children, the quality of schools is paramount when buying a home. Unfortunately, Texas doesn’t rank very high when it comes to public schools. According to USNews.com, in 2019, the state ranked #31 out of 50 states. So, you may need to add private schooling to your budget. 

GreatSchools.org is an excellent resource to see what’s available. In Texas alone, there are 20,564 public and private schools covering pre-kindergarten through high school. Another option is to consider living in a gated community. Often, they have new schools nearby that might fit your needs. Homeschooling is also popular in Texas. 

#5 Texas Weather & Climate

USClimateData.com has the climate for specific cities. Summer temperatures can get over 100, and the winters can be frigid.  

Flash-flooding is also an issue. The Texas Department of Transportation cautions drivers to Turn Around, Don’t Drown! And the other bit of extreme weather you might not be aware of is lightning. Texas tops the US in lightning strikes

Allergies are high in Texas, especially for mold and cedar. Unlike other locations with allergy season, mainly in spring, allergies can affect sufferers all year. Different trees bloom throughout the year. So, if you’re prone to allergies, you might want to visit first before you relocate to see if it’s an issue for you. 

#6 Why Move to Texas? Texans are Friendly 

If you’re a woman, expect men to tip their hat or touch the brim when passing on the street. 

You’ll hear a lot of “yes, sir” and “yes, ma’am.” That respect is taught at an early age. And it’s important to show personal interest and get to know someone before jumping into a business conversation. Always ask about the family and enjoy some small talk.

Keeping that in mind, you always need to show respect. That includes not cutting someone off on the road or jumping in front of them in line. And, of course, be respectful of their spouses and children. Otherwise, you’ll see the other side of the friendly Texan. 

#7 Moving to Texas? Have Great Manners

Here are a few tips to make great impressions and new friends. Perfect your grip for a strong handshake. That will give a good long-lasting impression. Texans take pride in their hats even if they’re bent and dirty — never make fun of someone’s hat. 

For weddings, ask if it’s formal or not. Some weddings are casual, so you don’t want to stick out in formal attire. Don’t be surprised by enthusiastic hugs and invites to dinner. 

And don’t complain about the weather — everyone knows it’s hot. Remember, it’s Texas!

#8 Relocating to Texas Lets You Enjoy the Outdoors

Do you love to fish? Then you’ll love Texas. Get ready to catch largemouth bass, catfish, Alabama bass, Crappie, and Walleye. The top-rated fishing lakes are Lake Conroe, Lake Fork, Lake Buchanan, O.H. Ivie Lake, Lake Palestine, Falcon International Reservoir, Lake Texoma, Alan Henry Reservoir, Granger Lake, and Meredith Reservoir. 

Besides fishing, BuzzFeed has some great suggestions of places to visit and explore the great outdoors. Here’s a great bucket list for once you move. 

• Big Bend National Park for hiking
• Guadalupe and Comal River for floating
• Big Thicket National Preserve for a fauna walk
• Hamilton Pool for a day of swimming
• Hueco Tanks State Park for rock climbing 
• South Padre Island for kiteboarding
• Enchanted Rock for spelunking (cave exploration)
• Santa Elena Canyon for rafting
• Palo Duro Canyon for horseback riding
• Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park for birding

#9 TX — Strong Job Market & Good Wages

There’s no shortage of opportunities for a good job and career opportunities. The main industries in Texas include:

• Aerospace
• Agriculture
• Education
• Engineering
• Entertainment
• Healthcare
• Oil & Petroleum
• Technology

In 2020, major companies relocated or expanded into Texas. Some of the tech companies included Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, CBRE, and Amazon.  In January 2021, big tech giant Digital Realty Trust announced they would move its headquarters from San Francisco to Austin.

To put the Texas economy in perspective, The Business Xpansion Journal states that in 2021, the Texas GDP is the world’s ninth-largest. Here’s how it measures up to the United States and other countries based on WorldPopulationReview.com.

1.     US GDP — $21.4 trillion

2.     China — $13.4 trillion

3.     Japan — $4.97 trillion

4.     Germany  — $4 trillion

5.     UK — $2.83 trillion

6.     France — $2.78 trillion

7.     India — $2.72 trillion

8.     Italy — 2.07 trillion

9.     Texas $1.9 trillion

#10 Why Live in Texas? — Affordable Homes 

Texas has long been known for having affordable housing. But over the last few years, prices have continued to climb. According to the Texas Quarterly Housing Report, for the second quarter in 2021, the median home price has climbed to $300,490. That’s up 19.1 compared to 2020. 

The thing to keep in mind, though, is that affordability is affected by supply and demand. For the second quarter in 2021, the active listings were down 42.2%. 

Fewer homes on the market can drive prices up and create a seller’s market.  In a seller’s market, prices go up. In a buyer’s market, prices are lower. 

Compared to other states, Texas is still affordable. Plus, if you take a look at what you can get in Texas for $300,000 to what you can get in California, you’ll be amazed. 

Is Texas a good state to live in?

Now that we’ve answered — What is it like to live in Texas? It should be easier for you to answer your question — “Should I move to Texas?” As you can see, there are many advantages to relocating, but also a few disadvantages to keep in mind—best of luck in your final decision.