The Pros and Cons of Moving to Texas

For those seeking sunshine, job opportunities, affordable living, and a touch of Southern hospitality, Texas will tick all those boxes and more.

In recent years, the state has seen a dramatic increase in people migrating from California, New York, and other high-cost states.

But is the Lone Star State the right move for you? Read on to discover all you need to know about moving to the state of Texas.

You may also like to read: The Benefits of Moving to a New City. In this guide, we highlight 10 life-changing benefits of moving to a new city.

Pros of Moving to Texas

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to coastal states like California or New York, Texas offers a significantly lower cost of living. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in major Texas cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston is 8-15% lower than the national average.

Key savings include:

• No state income tax: Texas is one of only nine states that doesn’t collect a state income tax.
• Lower housing costs: The average home price in Texas is approximately $325,000, considerably less than the national average of $400,000.
• Cheaper utilities and groceries: Thanks to local energy production and farmland, essential goods and services tend to be cheaper.

To discover how the cost of living in Texas compares with your current hometown, visit www.numbeo.com   

You may also like to read: Moving to Dallas. In this guide, you will find out all you need to know about moving to Dallas, including the cost of living, the best schools, and the best neighborhoods in which to live.

2. Strong Job Market and Economic Growth

Texas boasts the second-largest economy in the United States, behind only California. In 2024, the state added over 600,000 new jobs, particularly in sectors like tech, energy, healthcare, and logistics.

Top industries hiring in Texas:

• Technology: Austin is known as “Silicon Hills” for its booming tech sector.
• Energy: Texas leads the U.S. in both oil production and renewable energy (especially wind).
• Healthcare: Major medical centers in Houston and Dallas offer thousands of jobs.
• Logistics & Trade: The central location and proximity to Mexico make Texas a key hub.

Many Fortune 500 companies, including Tesla, Oracle, ExxonMobil, Dell, and American Airlines, have headquarters or major operations in Texas.

To view the latest job opportunities in Texas, visit www.indeed.com

You may also like to read: Moving for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving state for a new job.

3. Business-Friendly Environment

Texas consistently ranks as one of the best states for business for these reasons:

• No corporate income tax
• Few regulations
• Skilled, diverse workforce
• Plentiful land and resources

Entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers also find the state appealing for its affordability and infrastructure.

4. Diverse Culture and Lifestyle Options

Texas is incredibly diverse, both demographically and culturally.

Whether you’re into big-city nightlife, country living, coastal life, or suburban communities, Texas has something to offer.

Major cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas offer diverse and exciting food scenes, music festivals, museums, and professional sports teams.

Meanwhile, smaller cities and towns provide quiet living with a strong community feeling.

You may also like to read: Moving to San Antonio. In this guide, you will find out about the cost of living, best schools, best neighborhoods, and job opportunities in San Antonio.

5. Best Cities to Move to in Texas

My experience has always been that Texans are quick to show you their southern hospitality, and they are genuinely friendly, so no matter where you choose to live in Texas, you are sure of a warm welcome.

Here are some of the top-rated places to live in Texas this year:

• Austin: Tech hub with a creative vibe. Great for young professionals and remote workers.
• Frisco: A fast-growing Dallas suburb with top-rated schools and amenities.
• San Antonio: Affordable with a rich history and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Houston: Diverse, economic powerhouse, and a leader in healthcare and energy.
• The Woodlands: Master-planned community with nature, schools, and luxury homes.
• Georgetown: A small-town feel with fast-growing amenities near Austin.

Discover more about the best places to live in Texas at www.livability.com   

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood in Which to Live. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new neighborhood to call home.

Cons of Moving to Texas

1. Rising Housing Demand in Popular Cities

While Texas is generally affordable, cities like Austin and Dallas have seen home prices rise 30-50% over the last five years. This trend is partly driven by:

• Out-of-state migration
• Limited housing inventory
• Rising construction costs
• Renters also face challenges, especially in areas with a tight supply.

You may also like to read: Is it Better to Rent or Buy When Moving to a New City? In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of both buying and renting a home when moving to a new city.

2. High Property Taxes

Although there’s no state income tax, property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the U.S.

Texas property tax facts:

• Average effective rate: 1.8% (compared to the national average of 1.1%)
• Rates vary by county and school district
• Property tax burdens can offset income tax savings

3. Extreme Weather and Climate Change Risks

Texas can suffer from extreme weather, from hurricanes on the Gulf Coast to winter storms and wildfires.

How climate change is affecting Texas:

• Hotter summers: More days above 100°F, especially in Central and South Texas.
• Droughts and water stress: Long dry spells impact agriculture and water supplies.
• Severe weather: Increasing frequency of hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes.
• Energy reliability: Events like Winter Storm Uri in 2021 showed vulnerabilities in the power grid.

If you’re moving to Texas, consider home insurance, energy backups, and particularly how climate change is expected to affect the area you plan on moving to, and what plans you can put in place to offset those risks.

It is also worth mentioning that with hot climates usually come mosquitoes. Texas has 84 species of mosquitoes, and they can be a real nuisance, so if you hate bugs or are allergic to mosquito bites, then consider moving to Texas carefully.

You may also like to read: Moving to a Warmer Climate. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to a hot state.

4. Crime Rates Vary Widely

Texas ranks around the national average for overall crime, but urban areas may have higher crime rates, particularly property crime.

Cities with higher crime rates:

• Houston (certain neighborhoods)
• Dallas (varies by area)
• San Antonio

Safer areas include:

• Frisco
• Plano
• Round Rock
• The Woodlands

Always research neighborhood-specific crime statistics before choosing where to live.

Search the safest places to live in Texas at www.neighborhoodscout.com 

5. Transportation and Traffic

Public transportation in Texas is limited compared to places like NYC or San Francisco. Most people rely on cars, which often means:

• Longer commutes (especially in DFW and Houston)
• Traffic congestion during peak hours
• Limited walkability in many areas

However, cities like Austin and Dallas are investing in light rail, bike lanes, and EV infrastructure.

Discover the most walkable cities in Texas at www.walkscore.com 

You may also like to read: How to Ship a Car to Another State. If you are planning on shipping your car to Texas, then you will find the tips in this guide invaluable.

Additional Considerations for Newcomers

Education Quality

Texas has excellent public and private schools, but quality can vary by district.

Suburbs like Southlake, Coppell, Katy, and Eanes ISD (Austin area) have some of the top-rated public schools in the state.

Higher education is also strong, with world-class institutions such as:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Rice University (Houston)
• Texas A&M University

Discover the top-rated schools in Texas at www.niche.com

You may also like to read: How to Choose a New School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school after moving home.

Cultural and Political Diversity

Texas is politically diverse and evolving. While it has traditionally leaned conservative, urban areas are increasingly progressive. This mix can be refreshing for some and frustrating for others, depending on your point of view.

Social norms can vary, so it’s wise to visit and get a feel for different areas before deciding where to put down roots.

Healthcare

If you have a preexisting medical condition or are thinking of retiring to Texas, then healthcare will be of importance to you. Here are just a couple of things to be aware of:

• Texas does struggle with healthcare despite having a strong healthcare industry.
• There are few doctors or medical facilities in rural areas.
• Healthcare is among the most expensive in the country.
• Medicaid and CHIP are available to low-income families.

Find out more about health services and insurance in Texas by visiting www.texas.gov

You may also like to read: Moving Home in Retirement. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving home after retirement.

How Will Climate Change Affect Texas?

If you’re thinking long-term, consider how climate change may impact Texas over the next 10–20 years.

According to climate models:

• Coastal cities like Galveston and Corpus Christi may face rising sea levels and more hurricane damage.
• Central Texas will see higher drought risk and water shortages.
• Heatwaves will become more frequent, impacting energy use and health.
• Wildfire risk is increasing in West and North Texas.

Communities are beginning to adapt through updated building codes, energy reforms, and infrastructure investment. Still, you should be aware of potential risks.

Read what climate change means for Texas at www.epa.gov  

You may also like to read: Where to Move to Avoid Climate Change. In this guide, we look at which states are being most affected by climate change, what the future holds, and what to consider when choosing where to live next.

Is Texas Right for You?

Texas is a land of opportunity, but also contrasts.

It offers no state income tax, robust job markets, cultural variety, and a lower cost of living. However, it also comes with high property taxes, extreme weather, and infrastructure challenges in some regions.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Factor	Pros	Cons
Cost of Living	Affordable housing, no income tax	High property taxes
Job Market	Diverse, high-growth industries	Competitive in popular fields
Climate	Mild winters, lots of sunshine	Hot summers, climate risks
Lifestyle	Diverse cities and cultures	Limited public transit
Crime	Safe suburbs	Higher rates in some cities

Best for:

• Remote workers and entrepreneurs
• Families seeking space and affordability
• Professionals in tech, healthcare, and energy
• Anyone ready for a fresh start in a diverse and dynamic state

Before making your move, visit several cities, explore neighborhoods, join online forums and groups, and talk to locals. Texas is big enough to fulfill your needs and dreams, no matter how big they are.

Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog for guides on how to make every aspect of your home move safer, cheaper, and easier.