Why is Everyone Moving to Texas?

You’ve probably heard the buzz around Texas for a while now, but you’re probably wondering, “What’s so special about Texas?”

Well here’s your ultimate guide if you want to move to Texas or just want to read up on why it’s one of the hottest states in the country, figuratively and literally.

1. Warm Weather

Texas is famous for its warm weather. Actually, let’s be honest, it's often downright hot. 

That’s a big reason why folks move here. But don't worry, it’s not just one big oven. Texas is huge, and its weather varies, with milder winters and different microclimates depending on where you are.

Expect summers to sizzle around 94°F and winters to chill down to about 36°F. And hey, a little heads-up: Texas can throw some wild weather parties, so it’s smart to learn a few hurricane and tornado safety tips just in case.

2. Low Taxes

Texas is one of the few states without a state income tax, and state sales taxes are also relatively low around 6.25%. 

3. Affordable Living

Why pack up and move to Texas? Well, it starts with saving some serious dough on taxes, but that’s just the appetizer. The real main course? A cost of living that’s often much lower than many other parts of the country. Imagine paying less for pretty much everything—housing, food, healthcare, you name it.

Let's take a mini-tour:

• Harker Heights: Living here is like finding a sale every day, with costs about 11% below the national average, thanks to super affordable housing.
• Pearland: A stone's throw from Houston, this little gem is about 5% cheaper than the national average. It’s still close to the action without the hefty price tag.
• Little Elm: Nestled near Dallas, it's only 3.7% cheaper than the national average. But get this—it’s a whopping 59% cheaper than living in New York City, and nearly 130% less than San Francisco. Talk about a bargain.
• Austin: The cost of living in this buzzing state capital and college town is just 3% below the national average. But Austin is more than affordable; it's full of life, music, and Longhorns.
• Dallas: Big city, small price tag. Dallas boasts a living cost that’s 2.7% below the national average, making it a steal among the top ten largest U.S. cities.
• San Antonio: Bigger than Dallas and even easier on your wallet, San Antonio offers a living cost about 10% lower than the national average. It's big-city life without the big-city bills.

So, if your wallet’s in need of a little weight loss, moving to Texas could be just the slimming plan you need.

4. Booming Job Market

Texas has always been big on oil and energy, and let's just say it isn't running out of gas anytime soon. But now, Texas is catching the green wave too, with wind and solar jobs sprouting up all over the state. 

And it's not just energy—education, healthcare, and technology are booming faster than a Houston freeway at 5 PM. Whether you're into old-school oil rigs or cutting-edge tech, the Lone Star State has a job with your name on it.

5. Food Lovers Paradise

Calling all food enthusiasts! If you love steak, BBQ, or Tex-Mex, Texas is your dream destination. But there's more than just those staples here. Texas is a culinary melting pot, offering everything from upscale dining and innovative fusion dishes to traditional flavors from around the globe, especially in its big cities.

Not only is Texas known for its food, but it's also a pioneer in drinks. Dallas's Mariano's Mexican Cuisine is the birthplace of the world's first margarita machine, an innovative twist on an ice cream machine to meet the high demand for this popular cocktail. Whether it’s a massive meal or a crafty cocktail, Texas goes big in every way.

6. Scenery

Texas has some of the best scenery in the U.S., being home to several mountain ranges, including the Guadalupe Mountains, the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park, and the Davis Mountains. These mountains offer stunning views, challenging hiking trails, and other activities like camping, fishing, and hunting.

The Guadalupe Mountain National Park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Visitors can hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains.

If mountains and hiking aren’t your thing, head over to the beaches of Texas. Some of the most popular beaches include South Padre Island, Galveston Island, and Mustang Island.

Visitors can swim, tan, fish, and do all sorts of fun stuff at these beaches. Specifically, South Padre Island is known for its white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can also enjoy swimming with dolphins, fishing, and shopping there.

7. Education

Texas isn't just big on size; it's big on education too, boasting some of the largest and best universities in the U.S. Whether you're eyeing the storied halls of the University of Texas - Austin or the Aggie pride of Texas A&M, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. And if big schools aren't your thing, Texas has a selection of stellar mid-sized private colleges too.

But the learning doesn't stop with higher education. Texas is super family-friendly, offering a buffet of top-quality public and private K-12 schools. No matter what your kiddos are into, the Lone Star State has a school that’ll help them shine. 

8. Sports Scene

Texas doesn't just go big; it goes colossal, especially when it comes to sports. Take the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans for example. These teams don't just play football; they ignite state pride and draw massive crowds. Football isn't just a sport here; it's a religion, and the fervor is contagious. 

But the sports craze doesn't stop in Dallas or Houston. Head over to San Antonio, and you'll find the Spurs basketball team capturing hearts, while in Austin, the University of Texas Longhorns are practically a way of life. Whether it's football, basketball, or any game in between, Texas fans are in it with passion and pride.

9. Traffic

Get ready to meet our other big resident: traffic. Texas cities like their space and everything is spread out, so a car isn't just nice to have; it's essential. Even around Dallas, with its pretty solid public transport, you'll find yourself needing those four wheels.

But hey, if you’re a remote worker, consider yourself lucky. You can skip the daily grind of traffic jams. Austin, in particular, is a haven for the home office crowd, earning top marks as one of the best cities for remote workers.

For those who aren't as lucky to dodge the daily commute, think of traffic as your new hobby time. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into that audiobook series you’ve been eyeing or catch up on the latest podcasts. Consider it your personal 'me time', courtesy of Texas roads. So, crank up that playlist or podcast to make the most of your time.

10. Live Music

Texas isn't just big hats and barbecue – it's also brimming with live music. Austin may wear the crown as the "Live Music Capital of the World," but the tunes don't stop at its city limits. Sure, Austin's known for mega events like South By Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, not to mention iconic spots like The Continental Club. 

But in this city, live music is as common as coffee. Seriously, you might find yourself grooving to a band with your morning latte or enjoying a side of jazz with your brunch.

Let's take a musical road trip beyond Austin. Down in San Antonio, there’s a buzzing live music scene waiting in its vibrant entertainment district. Head over to New Braunfels for a dose of blues and Americana that feels like stepping into a different era.

If you're in the mood for a night out, Dallas has you covered with nightclubs like Candleroom and Townhouse, where live music and DJs keep the party going until the morning hours. And don't forget Houston—places like Axelrod and the Continental Club will have you tapping your feet all night long.

If you're dreaming of a place where your budget stretches further under the warm sun, where job opportunities in booming industries like energy and tech await, and where education is top-tier from K-12 to university, Texas is calling your name. 

Here, life is big and full—filled with diverse culinary delights, vibrant live music scenes across multiple cities, and a sporting culture that turns games into events. Whether you're hiking through breathtaking parks, enjoying the beach, or navigating the dynamic urban landscapes, Texas offers a grand setting for your next big adventure in life.