So you’re ready to move to Texas.
That’s exciting! But like all long-distance moves, there are many things to consider before you pack up and plan your journey to your new home, including how to source moving services. As you think about moving to Texas, remember the following details about the Lone Star State:
- Texas offers great economic opportunity, generally pleasant weather, and lots of amazing culture.
- Texas does, however, see plenty of storms and hot summers.
- Texas is a big state with lots of ways of life. From rural areas to big cities, there’s something for everyone.
- Texas’s lower cost of living makes it a great fit for many families.
Let’s dig into why someone might want to move to Texas and how to tackle some of the basic administrative tasks, like getting a driver’s license, registering your vehicle, and using a moving broker to find movers.
Why Move to Texas? The Lone Star State’s Appeal
No matter your reasons, moving to the Lone Star State has plenty of perks. For one, the state offers outstanding economic opportunities, such as no state income taxes and a thriving job market. That, combined with its affordable cost of living — including lower housing costs and reasonable daily expenses — equals economic prosperity.
Moving to Texas is also an excellent way to enjoy cultural diversity. Major metro areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin are known for their diverse lifestyles, vibrant food scenes, festivals, and entertainment options. Life in these locales is never dull. In addition, the state’s excellent public and private schools and well-renowned universities ensure plenty of educational opportunities.
For those who prefer nature over city living, Texas’s high quality of life extends to outdoor activities. From beaches to mountains, the Lone Star state is home to sunny, mild winters and an extended warm season, so outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop in the middle of December or January.
Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Texas
While Texas does offer plenty of benefits to newcomers, taking the time to learn about the state’s unique qualities is important. Understanding the weather, cultural landscape, and transportation infrastructure will make moving to the Lone Star State significantly more enjoyable.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Texas is known for its diverse climate zones and varied weather patterns. It’s a big state, after all. That vast size means different parts of Texas experience different climate types. Many parts of the state, particularly the south and east, experience hot, humid summers. Because of this, Texas also has relatively mild winters. Northern areas can experience occasional snow and ice, and recent extreme weather has affected more parts of the state than in previous decades.
Cultural Landscape
Texas also boasts a unique, diverse cultural landscape thanks in part to cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. There’s a strong sense of state pride among Texans, but a unique blend of friendliness and Southern hospitality, too. Traditions like rodeos and state fairs are always exciting, as are Friday nights at high school football games. For those who love food, barbecue and “Tex-Mex” cuisine are deeply ingrained in the culture.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Depending on what part of the state you call home, you’ll have access to robust transportation systems. Texas boasts an extensive network of highways and interstates, making car travel — if not lengthy — at least convenient between cities. Moving to places like Dallas, Houston, and Austin gives you more transportation options. These cities have varying degrees of public transit, like buses and light rail.
Do you need to leave the state? Texas is home to several large international airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, George Bush International Airport in Houston, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Pros of Moving to Texas: Upsides of Lone Star Living
There are multiple pros of moving to Texas. Depending on what you prioritize and what part of the state you’re moving to, the following benefits may add to your reasons to move.
Strong Economy and Job Market
One of the most compelling reasons to move to Texas is its robust, diverse economy. The state is an economic powerhouse. If it were its own country, it would rank as the eighth-largest economy in the world. That’s largely due to diverse industries like energy, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Because of those industries, the state routinely ranks highly in job creation and offers opportunities for work at various skill levels. Many Fortune 500 companies call Texas home, including AT&T, ExxonMobil, and Dell Technologies.
No State Income Tax
One of Texas’s most talked about benefits is the lack of state income tax. This allows residents to keep more of their income and simplifies filing taxes. In Texas, retirees can stretch their savings further without concerns about state taxes on retirement income either.
Affordable Housing Options
Compared to many other popular states, Texas often offers a more affordable housing market. The median home price in Texas is generally lower than in states like California and New York, and the abundant land means you can often get larger properties for less money. Many areas in the Lone Star State are seeing significant new home construction that provides modern options.
Even if you’re not ready to buy, the rental market in Texas cities offers relatively affordable rental options compared to other major urban areas. Add the lower cost of living to these already lower housing prices, and the state is a great place to live.
Cons of Moving to Texas: Challenges to Consider
That said, moving to Texas does have some downsides, rare as they may be. Before you think about moving to the Lone Star State, consider the following details.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Texas’s warm, humid summers often mean borderline oppressive heat waves. The state is well-known for being hot in the summer, and failure to prepare for this could be dangerous. By that same token, the state also sees severe thunderstorms that could lead to tornadoes. Life along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico can be rewarding, but it also means being aware of hurricane potential.
Traffic Congestion in Major Cities
Texas’s sprawling network of highways — especially in its large urban areas — often leads to heavy traffic congestion. It’s common to get stuck on major highways like Houston’s 610 West Loop or Dallas’s Woodwall Rodgers Freeway. I-35, the major north-south artery in the state, also sees heavy traffic at various times.
Property Taxes
While Texas lacks income taxes, it makes up that revenue through higher property tax rates. Texans pay the seventh-highest property taxes in the United States. One of the biggest things to know before moving to Texas is how those higher taxes will impact your finances, especially if you plan on buying a home in the state.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Texas
According to recent data, Texans enjoy the 16th lowest cost of living in the US. That’s significantly lower than other southwestern states, like Arizona or Utah, the 40th and 36th most expensive states, respectively.
How does that break down for Lone Star residents or those planning to move to Texas?
According to data from Best Places, an average Texas family needs $4,470 per month. Single people, meanwhile, need around $3,567 per month. The state average for housing costs is $1,280, 10.5% cheaper than the national average for two-bedroom units. Recent data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis notes that the average annual costs for healthcare total $7,411, while gas and energy are as low as $1,500.
Essential Forms and Legal Documents for Your Texas Move
Establishing residency when moving to Texas is important and requires several pieces of information. It’s best to obtain the right documentation, vehicle registration, and voter registration as soon as possible to make a smooth transition.
Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
Texas driver’s licenses are good for up to eight years. The state has several offices where services are by appointment only. You must prove your US Citizenship (or evidence of lawful presence) and Texas residency. You must also prove registration for all owned vehicles.
Register your vehicle with Texas within 30 days of moving. Take it to a certified Vehicle Inspection station and obtain a passing inspection. Don’t forget your auto insurance card, as that’s also required. With these details in hand, you can visit the local county tax-assessor collector office and provide proof of title or registration from your previous state.
Change of Address and Voter Registration
While you should always try to change your address manually with important entities, one of the best ways to update your address (and update your voter registration simultaneously) is with the official USPS change of address form. It makes moving to Texas less complicated and allows you to move without missing important mail pieces.
Fastest Growing Areas in Texas
According to recent data, Texas is home to nine of the ten fastest-growing cities in the US. Cities like Celina and Royse near Dallas and Fulshear near Houston are seeing explosive growth. These cities offer the best of both worlds: relative proximity to major cities with thriving industries but more affordable suburban housing and lifestyle choices that facilitate balance.
Is Moving to Texas Right for You?
Moving to Texas is great for many reasons, including a generally pleasant climate (most of the time), many economic opportunities, and relatively low living costs. That said, moving to the Lone Star State is just like any other kind of long-distance move: It requires lots of planning to pull off, and choosing the right moving company can make all the difference.
One of the best ways to ensure your move goes smoothly is by investing in a moving broker. Brokers help shop for long-distance moving services, including packing, shipping, and loading or unloading. Moving brokers compare quotes from several companies at once to find the services that meet your budget and moving needs.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Texas?
Your salary needs largely depend on location. Cities like Houston or Dallas typically require higher earnings to offset the cost of living, especially for larger families. Smaller cities or rural areas generally require less. Housing costs, lifestyle, and personal financial goals are always important parts of the puzzle.
What is the #1 city to move to in Texas?
“Best” is subjective, but Austin routinely ranks high on lists of best cities in Texas. Thanks to its thriving job market, rich culture, and natural surroundings, it’s a popular — but increasingly expensive — option for urbanites moving to Texas. Houston is another great choice, while San Antonio offers a rich history and more affordable living costs.
Which part of Texas is not too hot?
The Texas Hill Country, including Austin, tends to have milder temperatures than other regions of Texas. Amarillo, part of the panhandle, can even experience snow. East Texas’s higher elevation and more frequent rainfall can also be cooler. However, it is important to note that most of Texas experiences hot summers. Cool is relative.
