Thinking of making the Lone Star State your new home? Texas offers residents diverse natural landscapes, lively urban centers, and a booming tech industry, making it a top destination for newcomers. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Austin, considering renting in Dallas, or exploring houses for rent in Houston, here’s what you need to know before moving to Texas.
Texas at a glance
Texas offers a blend of natural splendor and urban vitality. From the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park to the pristine beaches of South Padre Island, the state caters to outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers alike. The largest cities in Texas, Houston, Dallas, and Austin, are vibrant hubs of cultural activities and economic opportunities. Texas’s economy thrives on sectors such as energy, technology, aerospace, and healthcare, with major companies like ExxonMobil, Dell, and Texas Instruments headquartered here.
The state’s cultural scene is rich, featuring world-class museums, renowned music festivals like Austin City Limits, and a diverse culinary heritage with Tex-Mex and barbecue cuisine. Educational excellence is anchored by institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and Rice University, complemented by a robust job market. Affordable living options can be found in cities such as Amarillo and Lubbock, making Texas an enticing choice for those seeking quality of life and economic opportunity. Whether exploring the Texas Hill Country, hiking in Palo Duro Canyon, or experiencing the local culture, Texas offers a dynamic and rewarding lifestyle.
1. Texas is full of southern hospitality
In Texas, you’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality and friendliness. The phrase “Southern hospitality” rings true here, where it’s common for neighbors to welcome newcomers with homemade treats and invitations to local events. In small towns like Fredericksburg and Tuscola, and big cities like Houston and Dallas, people often greet each other with a warm “howdy” or “y’all.” This sense of community is especially evident during events like neighborhood BBQs and community fairs, such as Houston’s annual BBQ Festival and Dallas’s State Fair of Texas.
2. The Texan sports culture is thriving
Texas is a sports lover’s paradise, with a deep-rooted passion for football, both at the high school and college levels. High school football games draw massive crowds, with towns shutting down on Friday nights to support their local teams. College football is equally fervent, with teams like the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies boasting dedicated followings. In addition to football, Texas is home to professional sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Texas Rangers (MLB), providing year-round excitement for sports fans.
3. Texas is known for its Tex-Mex and BBQ
Texas cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, with Tex-Mex and BBQ being standout favorites. Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos are staples, with places like Matt’s El Rancho in Austin offering iconic plates. Texas BBQ is renowned for its smoky, slow-cooked meats, particularly brisket. Renowned BBQ joints such as Franklin Barbecue in Austin and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington attract long lines of eager diners. The state’s diverse culinary scene also includes influences from German, Czech, and Vietnamese immigrants, adding to the rich food culture.
Insider scoop: When dining at Matt’s El Rancho in Austin, be sure to indulge in their legendary Bob Armstrong dip—you’ll be glad you did.
4. Texas is prone to weather extremes
Texas is prone to a variety of natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe flooding. The Gulf Coast, particularly cities like Houston and Galveston, frequently faces the brunt of hurricanes, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused catastrophic flooding and extensive damage. Tornadoes are common in North Texas, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area experiencing significant tornado activity, while central Texas often deals with flash floods, as seen in the devastating floods of the Blanco River in 2015.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living in Texas to fully understand the potential downsides of residing in the state.
5. The cost of living is generally lower than other states
The cost of living in Texas is generally lower compared to many other states, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. For instance, the median home prices in cities like San Antonio, El Paso, and Fort Worth are significantly lower than in major cities like New York or San Francisco. Specifically, the median sale prices for homes are $269,900 in San Antonio, $256,000 in El Paso, and $339,945 in Fort Worth. Additionally, while property taxes can be higher in Texas due to the absence of a state income tax, overall expenses such as groceries, transportation, and utilities tend to be more budget-friendly.
The average rent prices also reflect this affordability, with rents averaging around $1,080 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in these cities. The state’s diverse economy and job market further contribute to a favorable balance between income and living expenses, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain seen in other high-cost areas.
For those looking for the best places to live in Texas, you’ll want to consider factors such as affordability, amenities, and lifestyle.
6. Traffic in larger cities can be daunting
Traffic congestion is a notable issue in Texas’s larger cities, with Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin being particularly notorious. Austin’s I-35 and Houston’s I-610 are well-known bottlenecks, where traffic jams are common. Despite ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and expand public transit, driving remains the primary mode of transportation, and patience is essential for daily commuters.
Travel tip: In Dallas, take advantage of the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system, which covers a wide area and provides a reliable alternative to driving.
7. You’ll experience urban sprawl
Urban sprawl is a defining characteristic of many Texan metropolitan areas, where cities expand into surrounding suburbs and rural land. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, for example, covers a vast area with numerous suburbs, resulting in long commutes and a reliance on cars. Houston’s growth extends outward with sprawling suburbs like Sugar Land and The Woodlands. While this expansion offers affordable housing options and larger properties, it also means that amenities and workplaces can be spread out, requiring significant travel.
8. There is no state income tax
One of the financial pros of living in Texas is the absence of a state income tax, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings. This can be particularly beneficial for high-income earners and those moving from states with high income taxes. However, Texas offsets this advantage with higher property taxes and sales taxes. In fact, many Texas cities rank among the top 50 most expensive places for property taxes nationwide.
9. Texan summers are generally hot across the state
Summers in Texas are characterized by intense heat, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F across much of the state. Cities like San Antonio and Dallas regularly experience scorching temperatures from June to September. The heat can be particularly challenging in areas with high humidity, such as Houston, where the heat index makes it feel even hotter. Many residents adapt by enjoying water-based activities like swimming at places such as Barton Springs Pool in Austin or Galveston Island beaches. They also frequent local rivers like the Guadalupe River for tubing and water recreation, or spend time at indoor, air-conditioned venues to escape the heat.
To combat the heat, here are ways to beat the heat in your apartment.
10. The economy in Texas is thriving
Texas has a diverse and robust economy, with significant contributions from industries such as oil and gas, technology, healthcare, and agriculture. Cities like Houston are global leaders in energy, while Austin has earned the nickname “Silicon Hills” due to its booming tech industry. Major companies, including ExxonMobil, Dell Technologies, and AT&T, have headquarters or significant operations in Texas. The state’s favorable business climate, with no corporate income tax and a skilled workforce, attracts companies and entrepreneurs from around the world.
11. There are plenty of rodeos to explore
Rodeos are an integral part of Texan culture, celebrating the state’s rich ranching and cowboy heritage. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest in the world, attracts millions of visitors annually with its thrilling rodeo competitions, livestock exhibits, and concerts. Smaller towns also host their own rodeos, such as the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, offering a glimpse into traditional Texan life. These events feature bull riding, barrel racing, and roping, providing entertainment and a connection to Texas’s past.
Insider scoop: For a unique twist, check out the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which combines rodeo events with a Texas-size fair, featuring a wide array of food vendors, shopping, and live music.
12. Cowboy culture is iconic here
Cowboy culture is synonymous with Texas, where the image of the rugged, independent cowboy is deeply ingrained in the state’s identity. Visitors can experience this culture firsthand by attending rodeos, visiting working ranches, or exploring Western-themed museums like the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. The annual Fort Worth Stockyards’ cattle drive is a living testament to the state’s cowboy traditions, attracting tourists and locals.
Methodology
Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau, while median home sale prices, average monthly rent, and data on affordable and largest cities are sourced from Redfin.
Source: rent.com