Mouth-watering bbq, charming historic towns, white sandy beaches, and expansive grasslands make the Lone Star state a popular location for individuals and families seeking a higher quality of life. We’ve put together an informative yet fun list of 9 reasons to move to Texas.
1. Growing Economy & Job Market
The Texas economy revolves around natural resources, technology, government, and higher education. In the recent decade, the diversity and growth of different sectors have contributed to a thriving job market. Many prominent companies are headquartered in Texas, including Dell, Indeed.com, Whole Foods Market, AT&T, Space X, and many others.
Texas saw a 10.1% increase in annual growth of real GDP in the last quarter of 2021, surpassing the national average. As corporations and large companies continue to migrate to Texas, the economy and job market will become an even more enticing reason to move to Texas.
2. Outdoor Recreation
The second-largest state in the U.S. offers outdoor recreation for any adventure seeker. Texas has diverse outdoor opportunities, whether you prefer sandy beaches, sweeping mountain views, or rafting down a river. Big Bend National Park is a must-see if you find yourself in the southern part of the state. The landscape is home to unique species like the kit fox, ringtail, kangaroo rat, and the elusive, endangered ocelot.
In addition to visiting Big Bend National Park, Texas offers countless hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding activities throughout the state. With so many outdoor activities, your weekends will be full of exploring all that Texas has to offer.
3. Sports
Texas and football are often synonymous. The college football scene has strong ties to Texas’s residents and overall culture. In addition, major cities such as Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas offer no shortage of both college and professional sports to occupy your time. Texas is often nicknamed the “Big Four,” referring to the four professional leagues. The state has two MLB teams, three NBA teams, one NHL team, and two NFL teams. So if you’re a sports fan, Texas is the place for you.
4. Music & Arts
While Texas is no stranger to the two-step, you don’t have to put on your cowboy boots to enjoy some local Texas music. The state hosts music festivals for all music lovers, such as the JMBLYA, UTOPiAfest, and Levitation festivals. If you want a nostalgic Texas music venue, head to Austin to catch a show at the renowned Zilker Park, home to Austin City Limits.
Sculptures, eccentric art installations, and historic buildings are inherent to the Texas landscape and culture. Check out the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, where 10 Cadillacs create a sculpture to acknowledge the “Golden Age” of the American automobile. For an exhibit with a more modern flare the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston is a favorite among residents and visitors.
5. Landmarks & Attractions
Texas is home to many iconic landmarks and famed attractions. From world-class urban attractions to vast desert landscapes, hardworking cowboys, coastal shores, and space exploration. Here are a few of our favorites across the state:
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Padre Island National Seashore
- Forth Worth Stockyards
- Big Bend National Park
- San Antonio Riverwalk
- Space Center Houston
- The Alamo
6. Food Scene
The lone star state is home to countless, renowned barbeque joints. Sprinkled throughout the local towns and big cities, you’ll find some of the best Texas BBQ you could ever hope to find. The slow, wood-burning method of BBQ is uniform across the state. However, there are slight variations in flavors, technique, sauce, and rubs throughout the different regions of Texas. So no matter where you decide to live, experiencing unique and diverse presentations of the delicious homestyle cuisine is a mouthwatering reason to move to Texas.
7. Affordable Living
Not only does Texas have numerous outdoor opportunities, a thriving economy, and top-notch bbq joints, the cost of living is relatively low compared to many other states. While the housing market has steadily grown in the recent decade and housing prices have increased, your dollar still stretches farther for a house when it comes to size and amenities.
Texas is also one of just nine states that currently does not have a state income tax. It is considered one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S. So, while you compare home prices or consider moving to Texas, it’s worth keeping in mind.
8. Education
Texas is home to some of the largest and most well-known universities in the nation. With big names such as Texas A&M, Texas Tech, University of Houston, and the University of Texas at Austin, the appeal to attend one of these top universities is high among both in-state and out-of-state residents. The University of Texas at Austin recently tied for 10th place among public universities in a 2022 U.S. News & World Report.
9. Weather
Overall, there tends to be no need for snow shovels in Texas. Instead, residents enjoy the warm weather inland or the warm coastal breeze along the gulf shores. While temperatures can range between 36 degrees to 96 degrees, the average annual temperature is 67 degrees. On hot, summer days, residents flock to the lakes, rivers, and ocean to cool off and relax. The state offers multiple boating, rafting, and swimming opportunities to enjoy with the whole family.
Do you have enough reasons to move to Texas? Contact Lakeside at Tessera to schedule a tour of our waterfront and custom homes and get started on exploring the wonderful state of Texas.