Reasons for Moving to Texas:
It feels like everyone is moving to Texas these days!
Over the last few years, Texas has been the relocation destination for many Americans. In fact, in 2021, Texas had the largest cumulative and annual population gain of all 50 states, adding around 382,436 people to the roster. The only other state as popular was Florida, though Florida still came second with a population growth of 221,000 .
When looking at the amenities and benefits of Texan life, it’s no surprise that Texas is welcoming so many new residents every year.
The Lone Star State is home to a number of bustling metropolises like Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth and Houston. However, there are also plenty of other destinations for people looking for more peace and quiet, and of course, backyard space. So let’s discuss, why is everyone moving to Texas?
Bustling Economy
It’s no secret that Texas is a huge economic powerhouse. Dozens of companies have moved their headquarters from Silicon Valley to Texas including Oracle, Hewlett Packard and Tesla. In 2021, Elon Musk famously announced that he was moving the Tesla HQ from California to Austin, Texas due to a number of issues he found in California, and, more specifically, in the San Francisco bay area.
Texas is home to the second largest economy in the U.S (by GDP), behind California. With a $2.0 trillion GDP, Texas has an economy larger than Canada and South Korea. If Texas was an independent country, the state would be the 10th largest economy in the world. Moreover, there are 49 Fortune 500 companies based in Texas which is a good sign for the job market.
Austin is a big city in TX that has become a hub for tech companies including Adobe, SpaceX, Amazon, Apple and Google. The recent growth of the Austin economy means that there has become an abundance of employment opportunities especially in the tech and industrial manufacturing industries. In fact, Austin is the #1 fastest growing U.S job growth market in the U.S.
Education Opportunities
Moreover, there are numerous universities in Texas that attract young talent and potential such as Texas A&M University and the entire University of Texas system. Moreover, UT Austin is consistently ranked in the top 10 for public universities in the United States.
In addition to higher education, the public education system in Texas is also considered solid. Though educational attainment is rather low, the quality of education in Texas is considered high, ranking at 15 in the U.S.
No Income Tax
Texas is one of the 9 U.S states with no state income tax which can be a huge draw to anyone on the job hunt. With less money coming out of your annual paycheck, a move to Texas can be a major advantage for anyone saving up for a home or just looking for an easy way to increase their pocket money.
Affordable Cost of Living
Especially when compared to states like California or New York, the cost of living in Texas is relatively low. In fact, the cost of living in Texas is lower than the national average. Of course, the cost of living differs based on the city you live in. Currently, Austin is the most expensive city in Texas. Followed by Dallas.
The average price for a home is around $240,000 which means home ownership is a possibility.
Mild Winters
Though it does get cold in Texas, the winters are generally short and temperate. Texas is a large state, so the climate may differ depending on where you live. The North-West of the state is where the winters are coldest. Generally, January is the coldest month where you can experience average low temps of 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the cons of moving to Texas?
Reasons for not moving to Texas:
Texas is a great state for a number of reasons, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some disadvantages that come with living in Texas.
Though on paper, a move to Texas may sound like a dream, there are definitely reasons why life in Texas may not be for you.
Low minimum wage
While there are tons of jobs in high-paying industries, the minimum wage is still only at $7.25, which is lower than many U.S States. Therefore, depending on your employment sector you may actually take a pay cut.
Not walkable & traffic
Texas living generally means owning a car. This can be a drawback if you are moving to Texas from NYC or another walkable city. Of course the level of traffic depends on the city. But, given the rise of gasoline prices and general frustration that come with sitting in traffic, this may be something to consider before deciding to move to Texas.
Extreme Weather
Texas residents face certain natural disaster threats like hurricanes, heavy rainfall, flooding. A few years ago, a snowstorm famously shocked the electric power grid, leaving hundreds of thousands of Texas residents without electricity. Though Texas gets less rain than the national average, Texans do experience severe rainstorms and hail.
Surging Home Prices
Due to the increased popularity of Texas, some have noted that home prices in the state have gone up 16% in the last year alone. That being said, home prices in Texas are still more affordable than many places around the United States.
Ready to move to Texas?
If you are planning a move to Texas, be sure to reach out to USA Preferred Movers. With over 40 years of moving experience, we are the Texas Movers to get you moved into your new home. Request a free quote today.