Life in Texas is more than the cowboy boots or desert cactuses you have probably seen on screen. In fact, aside from being the largest state, it’s slowly making its way up as a major destination for big companies.
With population growth almost double the nation’s average, at 16%, and a continuous job market expansion of 5%, it’s little wonder everyone seems to be coming here.
If the southern states have long been on your radar, moving to Texas might be the best option — it’s affordable, diverse, and low on taxes.
But, enough of the tease about the Lone Star State. There are a lot more intriguing facts to know before you make that first step into the state.
Let’s get to it!
The Proud, Diverse Texan Population
First, you need to know that Texans love their red and blue colors — you might not get it yet, but Texas is pretty amazing! Next, you probably need to get the old-western desert-feeling idea of Texas out of your head.
The thriving metro city of Dallas might be the first big surprise, followed by the obvious diverse population. It’s no longer just filled with cowboys with their hats and boots as you thought; you even start to hear a lot of Spanish and maybe see a community of Blacks and Asians.
- Population: 30,503,301
- White: 61.6%
- Hispanics: 18.7%%
- Blacks: 12.4%
- Asian: 6%
If you try to trace the root cause of this unique state’s diversity, it often comes down to the abundant premier universities, its perfect location as a travel hub, or perhaps, its affordable living costs.
Basically, everyone who has stayed in Texas and chosen to enjoy its offerings loves it here!
Cost of Living is Affordable: More Than You Know
Enough hints have already suggested that living in Texas will definitely go easy in your pocket. But, to what extent depends solely on where you’re coming from.
On average, the cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than in all the other states in the U.S., with housing being ridiculously cheap.
- Average House Rent: $1,553
- Median Home Value: $306,841
- 1-year Value Change: +0.2%
Sure, prices have gone up these past few years, specifically utilities, but it’s still an allure, even for Californians looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their state.
| Living Cost | Compared to National Average |
| Housing (buy and rent) | 17% lower |
| Utilities (monthly) | 3% higher |
| Healthcare | 5% lower |
| Food | 6% lower |
| Transportation | 3% lower |
| Goods & Services | 4% lower |
Then, there’s the rumor about no state income and property taxes — it’s true! However, you’ll still have to contend with sales tax collected at county, town, and city levels.
Prepare For The Warmth
A lot of non-Texans might never understand it but the Lone Star State’s warm weather is a top reason on many people moving to Texas checklist.
Texas is a big state — emphasis on big — with varying microclimates and seasonal temperatures across the cities.
While it gets downright hot, especially in the summer, you quickly adapt to the temperature after some time—or maybe not. The peak temperature in the state goes above 100°F annually, but that doesn’t tell the full story.
- Average Annual Temperature Range: 39°F to 96°F
- Extreme Temperature: below 26°F to above 102°F
Northern Texas experiences the most heat and humidity in the summer. Winter snow is rarely seen but mostly occurs west or in the Panhandle, with temperatures in the low 30s.
Finding A Job is Easy
You can’t deny the booming economy currently being experienced by Texans in Texas — in fact, you have most likely heard good tales about it!
With 50+ Fortune 500 companies based in the state, anyone can carve out an ambitious career path in any of the leading employment industries. Healthcare, tech, engineering, education, business — it’s all there for your choosing.
- Median Household Income: $73,035
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
- Poverty Rate: 14%
Note:
The best cities to start your job search should be Houston for finance and aerospace, Dallas for manufacturing, hospitality, and IT services, Austin’s “Silicon Hills” area for tech jobs, and Plano for everything in between.
Bring A Car Along With You
If no one had told you this before, it’s good that you heard it here before moving to Texas.
While there are public transport systems in Texas, they aren’t a popular choice for movement. In fact, most rail and bus systems only serve minor parts of the state, like Dallas and Austin.
Those early morning hops on the train to work you probably get in New York will be absent, requiring the need for a personal ride. Now, when you do bring your car along, there’s still a bit of a hitch — traffic!
“Everything is bigger in Texas,” including the traffic! Because almost every resident in the state owns a car, you could spend hours on the road in cities like Dallas.
Average Commute Time: 26.6 minutes
Then, your final worry would be the fear of getting lost — you’ll need GPS. Getting around can be tricky, especially if you plan on avoiding toll roads.
Home to the Largest Light-Rail System
Yes, while your list of moving to Texas things to know should include being aware of the lack of public transportation, there’s a glimmer of hope for those without personal cars.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light-rail system, which spans 85 miles and has 61 stations, is your little beacon of hope. It’s the longest light-rail system in the country and offers a unique experience while riding in it.
Sure, it won’t take you everywhere across Texas, but it will get you around a bit of most places without the traffic, including the suburbs.
Top Food Culture: Try Tex-Mex and BBQ
Kudos to all chefs, cooks, and caterers in Texas; they win the hearts of Texans with every toss of their pans and the heat on their grills.
Whether you’re a foodie or not, Texas steak, Tex-Mex, and BBQ will keep your mouth watering for days. Even vegetarians aren’t left out of the BBQ madness—there are plenty of options for you, too!
Austin is the place to be for unmatched BBQ, but if you truly want a slice of heaven and a diverse food experience, visit San Antonio—the Culinary Capital of Texas.
The Sports Love Creeps Up On You
Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans draw the largest crowds in Texas when it comes to sports. The NFL causes a frenzy more than even some locals would like to agree—it’s the biggest sport.
But don’t forget there’s the MLB’s Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets, or the NHL’s Dallas Stars and WBNA’s Dallas Wings.
Even college sports — football — still pack a lot of fans and support!
Of course, not to ever leave out the good ol’ rodeo. It forever holds a place in the hearts of many locals, especially when it’s time for the annual rodeo competition in Houston.
Key Takeaway — The Best of Texas
Diversity, affordability, abundant career paths, and mouth-watering cuisines — that’s what Texas is offering!
Aside from the heat and poor intra-city transportation system, moving to Texas is not such a bad idea. Sure, a lot of things would be shocking, like maybe the open wielding of firearms on belts, but life in the state is really pleasant.
Just pick a city that offers you the best of what you want, then find a neighborhood that complements your lifestyle, and every moment in the Lone Star State will feel like a dream come true.
