Texas is not a destination for everyone. That's just how it seems. Among the top relocation destinations in the country, Texas ranks second to Florida. Are you thinking of moving long distance to Texas?
Is Everyone Moving to Texas? No, but it sure seems that way.
It is no wonder that more and more people are flocking to the Lone Star State. Texas ranks among the largest and fastest-growing states in the United States. It is also the second-most populated state in the country. A thriving Texas economy may be what draws you to Texas, but there is plenty more to love. In Texas, there are plenty of cities to meet everyone's unique lifestyle and budget.
There's more to Texas than ranches, oil, and desert locations, but you don't have to know how to ride a horse like a cowboy to enjoy it all. There are a number of reasons why Texas is the second biggest state in the country, and its status as that position is not likely to get stripped away anytime soon.
Texas will be an exciting place to live, but it will have some new challenges. We have put together a quick and complete Texas moving guide to help you with your transition to Texas!
Texas has the highest percentage of Californians among relocators coming from other states. Texas is the number one destination for Californians looking to move to the Gulf Coast with over 63,000 people moving there in 2017.
Why do people want to move to Texas from places like Virginia? What are the top reasons why people choose Texas? The most common reasons include:
- Opportunities for employment.
- The cost of living is low.
- Housing is affordable.
- There is no state income tax.
Population of Texas
More than 259,857 more people moved to San Antonio from 2010 to 2019 than left the city.
For the past decade, the population of Texas has continued to grow rapidly, and millions of people are moving there from other parts of the country.
Frisco, which is located in the Northeast, is a good example: almost half of its population has moved in, in the past decade.
Over the last nine years, the population of Texas has swelled from nearly 26 million to 29 million.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, previously announced that he moved from California to Texas in 2019. According to recent demographic data, Texas' population has grown by 3.8 million. In total, this is nearly 29 million residents more than lives in Australia as a whole.
The next Silicon Valley may be in Texas
Texas has become the new home for the company that literally started Silicon Valley. The origin of Hewlett-Packard can be traced back to 1938, when Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard rented a garage in Palo Alto, California. Today, HP Enterprises, a descendant of HP, is moving to Texas. A new campus is currently under construction in Houston by Hewlett-Packard Enterprises, which is currently their largest employer.
The agriculture sector, energy sector, defense industry and healthcare sector make up Texas's larger economy. But, as more and more young professionals are moving to the state, an interesting and refreshing spark of innovation has begun to take hold –– particularly in Austin.
It has been said that Austin could become the next Silicon Valley, according to Forbes magazine. A statement like that is obviously quite bold, and we don't have a position on either side. But, you get the idea. Something is happening there. How does this impact someone like you?
Texas-based startups like AppSumo, Onnit, Rollick Outdoor, and Senseye have become wildly successful. Once they were ideas, they have grown to innovators and businesses, employing thousands. These innovations mean more jobs for people moving to Texas. It is especially vital that you continue immersion in a culture that nurtures entrepreneurship if you have any aspirations of starting your own business. Austin is a great place to live whether you are an employer or entrepreneur.
If you want to cover your bases before moving to Austin and you're looking for tech job opportunities, AngelList is a good resource. It's definitely worth checking out!
Texas is undergoing changes
The Texas economy is growing, attracting new residents from countries worldwide and from other U.S. states. A rapidly growing Hispanic population in the state will soon return the state to its earlier Hispanic roots. Researchers predict three-fifths of the state's population will be Hispanic by 2050.
No State Income Tax, Low Sales Tax & Tax Incentives for Businesses
No income tax is levied in Texas, one of only seven states with no state income tax. The state sales tax is also very low. A number of tax incentives are also available for businesses.
Texas promotes business ownership through lower taxes and fewer burdensome regulations, according to Forbes. Visit https://businessintexas.com/ to learn more about Texas' competitive tax climate and its advantages.
Affordable Housing in Texas
The state of Texas is well known for being one of the most affordable places in the nation for residents to live, which is amazing given that it's also a booming economic, education, and cultural hub. In contrast to the national median income of $60,336, the median income in the region is $59,206.
Home ownership is very important to Texans. Zillow.com states the median home value for homes for sale in Texas is $184,700. Despite rising home values in Texas over the past year of 6.7 percent and a rise expected in the next 12 months, it is still far below the national average.
One reason Texas has attracted so many new residents is its relatively affordable housing market. That is what can happen when there is so much empty space. You shouldn't have to put your money away for too long to make your Texas dream of owning a home a reality.
Despite the huge increase in population, it remains an affordable place to buy or rent a home. It is estimated that a California million-dollar home will ring up at roughly $400,000 in Texas. Furthermore, the home value is steadily increasing, so make the most of this opportunity before it gets hotter. It is likely that you will find a competitive electricity market when it comes to your electric bills. In Texas, renewable energy is used efficiently and resold, leading to more options and less cost to you.
Where to live in Texas for the lowest cost
Homesnacks.net states that some of the cheapest places to live in Texas include Progreso, Pecos, Breckenridge, Vernon, Sweetwater, and La Feria. Livability.com highlights the low living costs in Odessa, Cedar Park, Pearland, and Frisco.
Strong Job & Economy Growth
While recent slowdown in the oil and gas sector has led to some layoffs and a slowed job growth rate, Texas is generally a good place for job growth. According to a recent article in the Texas Tribune, the state grew by 345 new residents per day between 2005 and 2013.
Some of Texas' biggest employers come from the energy sector. The economy of the state fluctuates with energy prices. Nevertheless, that does not diminish the importance of the universities, hospitals and service sector in Texas' economy.
Texas has money. There are approximately 46 billionaires living in Texas, which was reported by Texas Monthly. That's a lot of people with a lot of money, but how do they get all that money? So in essence, half of the wealthy political elite amassed their wealth in oil and gas pipelines, which have historically been the state's largest source of revenue.
However, let's not assume that is the only way Texas billionaires make their money. The billionaire Michael Dell made his millions from... you guessed it... Dell. The food industry has been kind to Tilman Ferrtita, starting restaurant giants like Bubba Gump Shrimp. Also, Mark Cuban, the father of everything entrepreneurial resides in Dallas.
Some are referring to one Texan city as the Silicon Valley of the South as innovations are beginning to emerge in the great state.
Texas is the Hottest State
It's hot in Texas. As a matter of fact, Texas Monthly dubbed Texas the hottest state in the United States. Days and nights average 102 degrees Fahrenheit along the Rio Grande, which is the hottest spot in Texas. The average summer temperature in both San Antonio and Dallas is around 100 degrees. And it is something you should seriously consider before you make a move there. A person who cannot handle hot weather will definitely not want to move to Texas. A pool might prove worthwhile. Summertime is the ideal time to take cold showers.
Texas Weather & Natural Disasters
The weather in Texas might be a bit more unpredictable than you initially thought. Winters in some regions are severe, with cold snaps and glaring cold fronts. Some parts of Texas stay below freezing all winter, while others get above 90 degrees as early as January. It is more humid in the southeast of Texas, while the mountainous west is much drier.
Texas has experienced temperatures that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, droughts, blizzards, thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Thunderstorms, hail damage, and flash flooding are all possible. Make sure you are prepared for tornadoes and hurricanes, and stock up on food and supplies; if you are stuck in a storm, you will need somewhere safe to go.
The Great Outdoors of Texas
Texans have a lot to do no matter what the season. Texas offers people who love the outdoors clear blue skies, abundant sunshine, and a diverse adventure-packed landscape. The great outdoors is abundant in Texas, they have everything you need to have a great time in the outdoors, from birdwatching to scuba diving, and everything in between.
A common attraction along the coast and inland waterways is water sports. With over 600 miles of crystal-clear coastline, Texas does not disappoint visitors looking to get into the warm Gulf waters and enjoy different activities. The area is home to some of the best water sports spots because it offers plenty of sunshine, pristine beaches, and bays. The deep-sea fishing trips take enthusiasts to the marshes along the serene bays, and they can catch fresh seafood such as red snapper, grouper, marlin and more. Visitors can enjoy surfing, parasailing, kiteboarding and bodyboarding at South Padre Island, Galveston Bay and surrounding areas.
Texans are lucky to have nearly as many state and national parks as any other state. Camping, hiking and boating are popular activities in Texas, but Hueco Tanks State Historic Site and Padre Island National Seashore have their own attractions, as well, like ancient pictographs and rare sea turtles.
Texans and visitors can enjoy summer afternoons basking in the sun on the banks of the 15 crystal clear rivers and an abundance of large man-made lakes. Accessible public boat ramps provide an array of activities and activities like canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing. Discover endless possibilities and fun-filled events during your stay. Texas Paddling Trails are located across the state in coastal and inland areas, offering unique, mapped out experiences. Texas Parks and Wildlife provides paddlers with mapping and signage that directs them through rough to calm waters and through scenic landscapes, accommodating paddlers of every skill level.ll level.
Texas is Full of History
Dinosaurs once roamed Texas, which you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Texas' Dinosaur Valley State Park. A long history exists in the state. Approximately 11,000 years ago, the Caddo, Apache, and Comanche tribes had been living on the land before European settlers arrived. Another feature of Texas' history is its Spanish and Mexican heritage, as well as its famous struggle for independence. Texas is the perfect state for history lovers.
Guns in Texas are a fact of life.
It is not uncommon for there to be more than one gun per household in Texas. In Texas, you'll find some controversial things going on, and before you show up, you ought to know about them. After moving to Texas, if you want to apply for a permit and get a gun, you must follow the rules for gun storage at home and safety during the hunting season.
Texans are warm & friendly huggers
People in Texas are known for being warm and friendly. You might have a hard time adjusting to Texas life if you don't like huddling, back-slapping or y'all-ing. It might take you a while to break the ice since you may come off as standoffish to longtime Texans, but we suspect it won't be that long.
The slogan "Don't mess with Texas" isn't just an ad campaign for a successful anti-littering campaign. Generally speaking, it is wise to abide by that rule. Texas residents are very proud of their state and may react strongly if it is criticized. It may be wise to steer clear of negative topics when talking to long-term Texans if you're moving to Texas.
Music Scene in Texas
Although Austin is the most famous live music city in Texas, other Texas cities also have thriving live music scenes. The state has a vibrant musical culture, whatever it is – blues, country, Tejano, hip hop or whatever else you can think of. Beyoncé, Selena, Scott Joplin and Miranda Lambert are all famous Texas musicians.
Texas tends to be filled with famous characters, both in the arts and politics, and you might find some of these characters near your home or at your local supermarket after moving to Texas. For some, the Texas way of life may seem bizarre if you are accustomed to, for instance, the down-to-earth style of the Northeast or the laid-back vibe of the Northwest.
Texas Barbecue
Texas is a barbecue mecca. Get ready for beef brisket sandwiches you'll never forget. Still, vegetarians don't have to despair. There have never been a greater variety of meat-free options available in Texas. Even though it still might result in some criticism if you don't eat meat, it's much more common these days.
Living in Austin, Texas
It is not easy to describe Austin, the city that is as eclectic as you are. There are many great events and activities in Austin year round, including live music, excellent food and great nightlife. Austin became internationally recognized for its often offbeat culture thanks to their slogan “Keep Austin Weird” which was used as a promotion for local businesses.
Do you enjoy music? How about live events? Are you interested in having a good time?
Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World." The sound varies from country to indie rock to jazz, so there is something for everyone.
Austin's cost of living is significantly lower compared to other major cities in the United States. People who want a feeling of being in a big city without the expenses of living in one are attracted to it. We all like maximizing our money's worth.
Living in San Marco, Texas
Despite being smaller than Austin and more affordable, San Marco has a similar vibe to Austin. Being named by the US Bureau as the fastest growing city from 2013-2015, you'd be in good company.
College students make up more than half the population, so it has a youthful, vibrant community.
College students aren't the only ones in town; the city has also been attracting individuals from the cultural scene alongside younger professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.
Living in Denton, Texas
Music is a big deal in Denton. Throughout the year, the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is a highlight, with well-known headliners and local musicians coming together for a weekend of music.
The University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University are located in Denton, a college town similar to San Marco. UNT produces some of the most acclaimed jazz and music artists in the world, such as Norah Jones, Don Henley, and Pat Boone.
In addition to having highly regarded public schools and an active nightlife, Denton has a suburban yet inner-city feel. In a town with a median age of about 28, the housing market is affordable, so it has a younger and more professional demographic of working professionals.
Living in Plano, Texas
Located in northern Texas, Plano is an affluent suburban metropolis among Fortune 1000 headquarters. It is home to chains like Cinemark Theaters, Rent-A-Center and J.C. Penney. Plano's concentration of big businesses makes it the perfect place for business and draws many people, perhaps even more than Dallas, because of employment opportunities.
The real estate market is experiencing a considerable growth since the employment rate has increased. People continue to settle into Plano, resulting in more development of schools, parks, libraries, and other facilities.
Living in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas, behind Houston, and is cheaper than Texas' other bigger cities, such as Dallas and Austin. San Antonio is one of the best locations for families looking for more room on a budget due to its low housing costs.
It's a multi-cultural city with a large concentration of Hispanics. When it comes to events, San Antonio has plenty to offer. Various cultural events, such as Fiesta San Antonio, the Texas Folklife Festival, and Diwali are great family activities as they promote the diversity of the area's ethnicities.
Do you enjoy spending time outside? Are you a runner or a cyclist? There are many streets and paths throughout the downtown area where you can walk or bike. Traffic is generally not as bad as either Houston or Dallas during peak hours, although it can be congested during peak hours.
What to Do When You First Get to Texas
Make sure you are familiar with all pertinent laws affecting your new resident status once you have moved to Texas.
Some examples:
- Getting your vehicles inspected and registered
- Your automobile insurance policy needs to be updated
- Informing all creditors that your address has changed
Getting to know the culture and history of your new home is more than just establishing a new address. In addition to understanding how the change will impact your budget, it's also a good idea to assess how you'll do it. Then you can still enjoy all there is to do in Texas.
Some final thoughts on moving to Texas.
People moving thousands of miles to Texas every day make it obvious that there is something special about the Lone Star State. Providing you can handle the Texas heat, we are pretty sure you'll feel right at home. So, if you need any help moving long distance, you know who to call. Contact My Pro Movers & Storage at (703) 310-7333 today for your free Texas moving quote.
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