Here are some of the pros and cons of moving to Texas. Being unbiased is hard, but we’ll try. Some people may find Texas welcoming, while others will hate it. This article can be used for anyone thinking about moving to Texas.
If you already live in the Lone Star State, use this as a reference point when someone asks you why you live in such a place.
You decide which are pros and which are cons.
Since each person has their own opinions on what they value in a state, the reasons why someone would want to move here will vary from person to person.
So we will let you decide if the following are reasons to relocate or not.
Texas weather
Texas has incredible weather, at least for those living in the south or central parts. The average high is 66.2 degrees from October through April, and the average low is 46.5 degrees.
The summer months, May through September, have an average high of 91.4 degrees and an average of 72!
Unless you live in the panhandle or other northern areas of Texas, your summers will be hot but not unbearable. The coldest recorded temperature was -23 degrees in the panhandle way back in 1933.
Food
Food is another perk people enjoy when moving to Texas. Of course, there are Mexican restaurants (Tex-Mex) everywhere, but Texas is also well known for its beef and BBQ.
Texans take their breakfast foods seriously, with many people moving to Texas to enjoy a ‘true’ Texas breakfast.
There’s a saying in Texas that goes something like this: “If you want to experience real Texas, then go eat breakfast.” Texans take their daily meal pretty seriously, and it shows in restaurants across the Lone Star State.
With biscuits, sausage gravy, eggs (any style), smothered potatoes, and bacon, if you can’t find something to eat for breakfast in Texas, then you’re not looking hard enough.
There are also some great restaurants across the Lone Star State, with Texas Monthly magazine having an annual list of top 50 places to eat. There are plenty of other lists equally as popular, but since this is a pro/con article, we’ll stick with one.
Home prices
As of December 2021, Texas’s median home sale price is $272,000. This is a lot more affordable than many other places across America. With this low sale price comes an incredible amount of space for you to enjoy!
If you’re moving out of state with smaller homes, then your jaw will drop when walking into one of these Texas mansions. You can have just as much space in Texas then you ever could with a smaller home in another state.
The sales prices for these homes are typically meager compared to what you would pay in other states like California, New York, and even Colorado. Of course, some people will argue that Texas is expensive, but it’s probably more affordable than they expected.
There are areas you should avoid when buying a house, but there are plenty of great options across the Lone Star State, such as:
- Austin
- Houston
- Dallas-Fort Worth area
- San Antonio
Employment opportunities
Texas offers some incredible employment opportunities for its residents. With companies like Dell, Apple, and Lockheed Martin calling Texas home, it’s not hard to find a job here if you want one.
There are countless other companies located across the state that will provide you with plenty of employment opportunities.
When moving to Texas, it’s also important to note that most people do not have a problem finding work in the service industry if their desired profession doesn’t pan out.
This is one reason why so many people move here to wait on tables and tend bars as a second source of income.
Texas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but most people make more than this working in the service industry. With Texas being a right-to-work state, you can find plenty of opportunities for employment across the Lone Star State.
Taxes
Texas has no income tax, so your paychecks will go much further than they would in other states. The lack of a state income tax makes a living here less expensive and doesn’t take away from the quality of life as much as one might think.
Of course, you’ll still have to pay taxes of some sort regardless of where you live.
Most people will face the most extensive fees are property taxes, but these costs are typically meager compared to many other states across America. The amount that people pay in property taxes is entirely dependent on where they live and what kind of home they own.
Cost of living
Texas has a cost of living index slightly under the national average, but it’s still reasonable. Gasoline prices are lower here than most other states, in addition to groceries and day-to-day expenses being more affordable as well.
Roads
The roads in Texas are very well-maintained. Texans take great pride in their transportation infrastructure, and because of this, you’ll be able to drive across the Lone Star State without having to worry about potholes or poorly marked lanes.
Texas has one of the largest highway systems in America, which helps make getting around a breeze. If you’re commuting to work, then there are plenty of opportunities for high-paying jobs that will let you live in the city of your choice.
Education system
The quality of the education system in Texas is typically dependent on where you live. Some school districts provide low quality of education while other districts are among the best in the country.
The type of school district typically depends on where you live and what part of Texas you’re in.
The education system in Texas is more than just textbooks and classrooms. It has also worked with third-party providers to help achieve maximum impact on the children’s health living within this state.
The USAID has also provided assistance with the implementation process by helping to monitor its effectiveness.
Access to health care
We all know that the good life requires access to quality health care. Many people are surprised when they find out just how affordable this service is in Texas.
Healthcare costs are kept low in Texas by being an excellent place to live, both physically and economically. Texans have created a state that provides easy access to health care through many different methods.
Crime rates
The amount of crime that occurs in Texas is a bit overstated. While it’s true, some cities across the state struggle with this; you’ll find others, such as Laredo and Lewisville, which have almost no problems whatsoever.
Of course, like every other state in America, there are locations where more crime will occur than others. Many great cities have low crime rates, and this is why they’re among the best places to live in Texas.
Texas sport teams
If you’re into college sports, then Texas is your Mecca! The entire state lives and breathes for their Aggies, Cowboys, Spurs, Mavericks, and Rockets.
Of course, there are plenty of people who love the Texans and Longhorns as well. If you’re looking for a place where sports are taken very seriously, then Texas is the place for you!
Entertainment
There are some great places to enjoy entertainment throughout the Lone Star State. Whether it’s football or baseball or concerts, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get their fill.
Most of the stadiums across Texas are state-of-the-art and provide an excellent experience for fans of all ages. Most cities also have several different theaters and places to enjoy music so you’ll never be bored when leaving your home.
Outdoor activities
Texans love to spend as much time outdoors, and for a good reason. The warm climate lends itself well to all kinds of outdoor activities, so you’ll find yourself enjoying these events almost every weekend.
The Texas state parks system is also one of the best in the world, with over 120 different locations that offer recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and hiking.
With over 50 million visitors a year, it’s easy to see why this state is so popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Comparing Denver, CO, to Austin, TX
You can’t talk about Texas without a comparison to another city. In this case, we’ll be looking at one of our favorite cities in America: Denver, Colorado.
Climate
Texas is known for its hot weather, while Denver is renowned for its cold climate. Of course, this depends on the time of year you’re traveling and where you visit.
Therefore, it’s difficult to say one has a better climate than the other. Instead of focusing on weather, let’s compare some additional features that each city offers its residents and tourists.
Housing costs
In many cases, housing costs in Denver are higher than they are in Texas. Before looking for a place to live and work, remember that the average salary is different between these two cities.
The median home prices are also different, so it’s likely to be more expensive in Denver if you’re buying a home. Of course, both cities share some of the hottest housing markets right now.
- Austin median home price is 576,000
- Denver median home price is 651,000
Of course, if you’re willing to move outside of Denver and into nearby cities such as Colorado Springs or Aurora, you’ll find housing costs are much more reasonable. The same applies to Austin’s surrounding towns.
Salaries
We’ve priced out homes to reflect this difference in salaries. You’ll generally make more working in Denver, and the cost of living is a bit higher as well.
- Austin median household gross income is $81,000
- Denver median household gross income is $99,200
Schools
Both cities have some of the best public school systems in America, so you’ll be able to educate your children at a reasonable price. Of course, there are also top-tier private schools if that’s what you prefer.
Moving to Texas? Get a Free Moving Estimate from Green Planet Movers!
If you’re looking to move from Colorado to Texas, then be sure to get in touch with Green Planet Movers. Our movers in Denver can help you make the process as smooth as possible and quickly provide you with a free quote to move your belongings.
To get started, take a few moments to fill out our form, and we’ll call you to set up a free in-home or video estimate! You can also contact us at (303) 309-0099.
