Texas is known for many things besides being the second-largest state by area and population in the US. The Lone Star State is the proud bearer of the greatest battle to be fought in the US, The Battle of The Alamo. Embers of this bruising battle linger within the walls of The Alamo, a fortress that attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year.
Besides its history, Texas prides itself in its food, longhorns, sports, space program, and heat. Not only are Texans proud, but they are also very friendly.
If Texas is one of your bucket list destinations, this read will come in handy. Read on as we share the five best tips when moving to Texas.
1. Texas is Hot
Texas is blazing hot. The scorching sun, rough winds, and tumbleweeds you see in Wild West movies are no further from reality. The weather in Texas is very hot, especially in the months of June, July, August, and September with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees. The rest of the year experiences moderately cool temperatures.
If you hail from a cold region, it will take you some time to adjust to the weather. This means you will have to spend more on heating bills.
However, the weather will slightly vary across Texas. If you cannot entirely cope with high temperatures it’s advisable to settle in areas with moderate temperatures.
2. Low Cost of Living
You will be glad to know that Texas ranks highly among the cheapest states to live in. This makes much sense given the state’s lack of income taxation and booming employment rates.
Not only that, you can find neighborhoods that are very cheap to live in. Places such as Breckenridge, Vernon, Odessa and Pecos offer amazing value for money.
Here you will find apartments for as low as $800 per month. Housing in major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, etc, and the living costs are comparatively cheaper than equivalents in other US cities.
Despite an increased cost of heating due to the hot weather, you will pay less for electricity in Texas than you would in other states. This is because users are allowed to choose an electricity provider that fits their bill. You can also switch providers with minimal interruptions should the need arise.
3. Low Taxes and Huge Job Opportunities
Texas is one of the few states that does not impose an income tax while its sales tax is also pretty low. So, if you are moving to Texas for work expect slightly better remuneration.
If you work in sales, your fortunes may vary depending on the city you are in. Some cities and counties levy separate sales tax on top of the state rate meaning you may end up paying more.
Coupled with a strong job creation sector, Texas is a great place for anyone seeking work. The energy-reliant market has seen Texas record one of the lowest unemployment rates at 4.7%.
If you work in the energy sector Texas might just be a dream move. However, this doesn’t mean other sectors are not doing well. The city of El Passo for instance is home to some of the leading financial advisory firms.
In the same breadth, the service, health, and education sectors are also huge players in the employment market.
4. Property Rates Are Manageable
If you have been dreaming of owning a house, Texas might be the place for you. Unlike in many places across the US, homes are very affordable across all the cities in Texas.
The median home price for a home in the US is $300,000 compared to $190,000 in Texas. Even with the rise in property rates by over 7% in the last year, Texas still boasts rates far lower than the national average.
Better yet, these rates are even across all of Texas. It is expected that property situated in or near major cities will be high, however, it is still lower compared to other states. For instance, the median price for a home in San Antonio is $245,000, and in Houston $289,000. Considering these two cities are some of the biggest in Texas, it’s safe to say home prices are a bargain here.
5. Lots of Safe Cities and Suburbs
If you are heartily concerned about your safety, you will be glad to know some cities and towns are very safe and family-friendly. Don’t fall for the narrative that Texans are a gun-toting wild lot.
On the contrary, you will find the folks here to be extra friendly. Georgetown, Mansfield, Allen, and Cedar Park are some of the safest places to live in. But as with anywhere else, it’s important to understand that your safety starts with you!
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new place is never easy but you can save yourself a lot of hassle by planning diligently. This means researching as much as you can about the place to try and know what to expect once you get there.
Texas is a great place to live in. Overall, the state offers a great quality of life, ample job offerings, and bearable weather. And with an expansive area to choose from, you will never fall short of options.
We hope you enjoy your stay here!
