Texas is one of the most popular places for people to move to in recent years, thanks to the low cost of living, lack of income tax, and access to a growing job market. While that may sound appealing, that doesn’t mean it’s always the right move for your family.
The good news is that we’re here to help you determine if Texas is the right state for you. Read on to learn more about moving to Texas.
Factors to Consider When Moving to Texas
When moving to Texas, there are a handful of factors you need to consider. These range from the cost of living to the number of housing options available. While this list can quickly become overwhelming, to make the process a breeze, we take you through the most important factors to consider when moving to Texas below.
Cost of Living
A big one is always the cost of living. In Texas, the cost of living varies based on where you live, with more rural areas costing less than bigger cities like Austin or Houston. For more context, the average cost of a home in Texas ranges from $375,000 to upwards of $725,000, depending on the area.
This also applies to rent prices, with median rent prices in cities like Houston costing around $1,500, but that figure is likely lower in rural areas. Also, rent prices vary based on the size of the apartment, so keep that in mind as well.
It’s also important to note that Texas doesn’t have state taxes, so that makes the state even more appealing.
The Climate
Texas has a unique climate because it tends to have a lot of heat in the summer months, with a chance of freezing temperatures in the winter. With houses designed for maximum airflow to cool you off, you’ll want to make sure you have the essentials you need in the winter, just in case.
That said, make sure you can handle the heat before you make the move, especially if you’re someone who loves the spring, fall, and winter seasons.
Job Opportunities
Texas is also unique when it comes to job opportunities, with cities like Austin and Houston being hubs for technology and innovation. In fact, a lot of companies from Silicon Valley have moved to these cities due to lower costs.
However, Texas also has a lot of rural work, blue-collar work, and a growing energy industry with plenty of jobs available. Therefore, ranchers, oil workers, and just about anyone else who works with their hands can make an honest living in Texas.
Preparing for Your Move to Texas
There are a few steps you need to take before you move to Texas. Learn more about the process below.
1. Settle On a Location
The first thing you need to do is settle on a location. If you’re a fan of city life, we recommend looking at major metropolitan hubs like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. These cities also have great suburbs, so they work well for individuals and families.
Prefer a more rural lifestyle or small-town vibes? Texas has plenty of quaint towns available as well.
2. Choose a Home
Whether you’re renting or buying, you should close on a property or place a deposit on an apartment before you move. Sure, you can stay in a hotel if it’s urgent, but that will end up draining your wallet without too many benefits.
Make sure you have a down payment ready or first and last month’s rent available as a security deposit for any leases you sign.
3. Plan Your Move
Before you head down to Texas, make sure you plan your move. Choose the best moving companies to ensure that your belongings make it to your new home safely (you can start with this guide), and coordinate with friends, family, and anyone who will help you with your move. Also, come up with a timeline and do your best to stick with it.
4. Update Your Paperwork
Last but not least, don’t forget about the paperwork once you get settled. Register your vehicle with the Texas DMV, change your address with the United States Postal Service, and obtain a Texas driver’s license.
Move to Texas With Confidence
Whenever you’re moving somewhere new, it’s important to have a plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re coming from across the United States or a state over, moving to Texas poses some big challenges – no pun intended.
Make sure you consider all of the factors we presented in this article to ensure that Texas is the right place for you and your family. Then, follow the necessary steps to complete your move and always choose the right moving company for the job.