Advantages and Challenges to Living in Texas

Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. – second to Alaska – and you have 268,820 square miles of land to figure out where you'd like to reside. With such a large area, choosing the right spot can be confusing. Weighing the advantages and challenges can often help narrow down your search. Before you move anywhere, there are several factors you should consider before making a decision. Some of these essential determinants are housing costs, crime statistics, job opportunities, and transportation issues.

The Lone Star State is rather affordable, especially if you have a family and want to purchase a large home. Plus, there isn't any income tax, but the state is known for its high property taxes and unbearable heat and humidity. Like all regions, there are advantages and challenges to living in Texas and it's always best to prepare yourself before making the big move.

This guide will help you to weigh the benefits and concerns and make the best decision for your well-being. To determine the advantages and challenges of living in Texas, 24/7 Tempo consulted various moving sites, including Apartment Guide and Redfin, as well as Texas state websites to verify the demographics. If you decide to move and would like to fit in with the culture, check out this list of the Texas expressions that only Texans understand.

You've likely heard about southern charm and people in Texas have that in spades. You'll walk down the streets in many Texas towns and be greeted with a smile and a wave. There's also truth to the fact that neighbors will offer to help people on their street with their yard work. You'll hear a lot of "please" and "thank you" in Texas, and it can often be a refreshing change. This is good for families who are looking for a nice, safe place to live, and it's great if you're new to the area.

Texas is a great place to live if you're looking to continue your education. They have a good number of highly-rated schools, including Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Rice University, and Trinity University, among others. Some colleges specialize in specific topics, from computer science to business. The high schools and middle schools are also pretty good in most places, so there's a lot for those who are looking to continue their education to get excited about.

Texas is a huge state, so if you want to drive to another city, you may have to drive for several hours to get there. With that said, there are plenty of places to visit, so you have many options for vacations. The other downside of travel is that once you do get into the city, you'll likely have to deal with a lot of traffic. Many people are living in those cities so there are plenty of cars to contend with during your commute. Once you get used to the flow of traffic, it gets much easier, but it may take time.

One of the greatest benefits of living in Texas is the money you'll save on homes and everyday conveniences. When compared to Los Angeles, where the cost of living is quite high, Texas is a dream. Recent numbers show that the cost of living in Los Angeles is over 30% higher than in Houston and other major cities in Texas. Food is also cheaper than it is in California. The average home price in Texas is about $245,000 compared to over $600,000 on the West Coast.

On one hand, Texas weather is pleasing because there are four seasons so you get the best of all worlds. However, during the summer, most of Texas is often boiling, and to make things worse, it's also very humid. It's not unusual to have a 90-degree day and to also have a 70% humidity tacked onto it. Over time, you may get used to it, but it's pretty intense. If you do move to Texas, consider buying a dehumidifier for your home because it can make a world of difference and make life much more comfortable.

Texas is a massive state. You can drive hundreds of miles in almost any direction and see many different companies and places to work. If you're looking for a job, you'll find one in Texas. In addition to the jobs that most states provide, like accountants, grocery store workers, and bankers, there are also some huge companies in Texas, including Amazon in Austin, ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, Tesla, and more. There are opportunities for every interest and experience level. Because the state has fewer taxes, companies move to Texas from around the country, so the job landscape is quite amazing.

Depending on where you live, there's a significant chance that you could face some sort of natural disaster during your time spent in Texas. Hurricanes are common here. The most famous was the Galveston hurricane in 1900, which is considered to be one of the worst natural disasters in United States history. Texas is also one of the five states that have the most tornadoes, so that's a concern as well. Some areas, like San Antonio, are generally disaster-free, but you take your chances in other places.

A major benefit of living in Texas is that there's nature all across the country. Many people think of Texas and imagine desert planes, but that's a very small part of the state. There are many places to visit for hiking, biking, exploring, and more. There's a reason many experts say everyone in the world could fit inside Texas. It's because there's a lot of land, and much of it is covered with trees. A few of the national parks in Texas include Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Big Thicket National Preserve, among others.

While people who love nature will likely be thrilled about all of the greenery in the state, that lush vegetation combined with warm temperatures means that you have the perfect recipe for pests and insects. Common insects include (large) mosquitos, ants, bees, spiders, and roaches. Dealing with files will also likely become a way of life. You'll likely also need to deal with a fair share of snakes, so if that bothers you, then you may have a big decision to make before you move.

While every state has its bad spots, Texas is generally family-friendly and offers a lot for kids, including many good school districts and great arts programs. There are also many opportunities for fun. Sports are a way of life in Texas, so there's always a game to watch and a team to root for. Texas also has a warm and sunny climate, which creates the perfect environment for playing outdoors. Most of the towns are also very safe, with relatively low crime, so there are fewer concerns in that regard.

Though living in Texas is generally less expensive than other places, you'll likely need to pay a lot in property taxes if you own a home. Texas has some of the highest property tax costs in the entire country. It can get so bad that homeowners often have to dispute the value of their property during tax time so they can pay a fair amount. Use a tax calculator to see how much you may need to pay before buying a home.

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of living in Texas is that there is no state income tax. That means that the residents save a bundle of cash that can be used for other things, like savings, emergency funds, investments, and leisure activities. The only other states without an income tax are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. They are all nice places to live and you can save a pretty penny, especially if you have a strong budget and use your money wisely.

While there are many buses and trains in the cities, if you're thinking of living in Texas, you're still going to need a car. The state has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to public transportation. If you don't have a car, especially in a big city, you could be in trouble. The state is getting better over time, but this should be a serious consideration before you make the move to the Lone Star State.

One perk of living in Texas, especially if you're a foodie, is the diverse culinary treats. Of course, the state is famous for its huge BBQ scene. You can't throw a stone without hitting a BBQ restaurant. However, it's much more than that. Every city offers the best high-end restaurants alongside tasty Asian delicacies, amazing desserts, and awesome Mexican food. If you're really into food, live in either Houston or San Antonio because there's something there for everyone.

While you're fine living in Texas if you live in a smaller town or a more wide-open area, the air quality can be a bit more challenging if you live in a city. This is especially true in places like Dallas, where there's more traffic congestion, industrial centers, and weather patterns that add to the risks. The air is not so bad that you'll have to wear a mask everywhere you go, but it's something to pay attention to for the safety of you and your family, especially if you have existing conditions like asthma.

The great thing about living in Texas is that everyone fits in. The state is very large and there are people from all backgrounds and cultures. Texas really doesn't have an ethnic or racial majority. As of 2023 figures, Hispanic Texans make up over 40% of the state's population. Other growing populations include people from European, Middle East, Asian, and African American backgrounds.

There are many different types of natural phenomena, such as the El Nino cycles, the Bermuda High, and the Pacific jet stream, that can cause havoc with the weather conditions in Texas. As a result, every year, drought has the potential to occur. As a result, if you live here, you'll likely need to conserve water, and your community may need to observe restrictions when it comes to watering your grass or maintaining your yard.

If you love sports, then Texas is the place to be. There are many sports teams across the spectrum. If you love baseball, you have the Astros and the Rangers. Love basketball? You have the Mavericks, Spurs, and Rockets. If you're a soccer fan, you can watch the Dynamo or Austin FC. There's truly something for everyone. Want to learn more? Then check out our list of the most popular sports teams in Texas.