Every year, hundreds of thousands of people pack up and head to the Lone Star State, and for many evident reasons.
Texas added more new residents in 2023 than any other state, surpassing 30 million people for the first time.
With its booming job market, strong economy, and no state income tax, Texas has become a top choice for families, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking a fresh start.
But living in Texas isn’t all smooth sailing.
The weather can be unforgiving, property taxes are high, and traffic in major cities is a daily battle.
Before you make the move, it’s worth taking a closer look at what life in Texas is really like, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
4 Interesting Facts About Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, from its bold personality to its rich history and wide-open spaces.
The Lone Star State offers endless opportunities, a robust job market, and a lifestyle that attracts thousands of new residents annually.
Whether you’re planning on moving to Houston or Austin or just curious about what makes living here so unique, there’s always something new to learn.
Here are five interesting facts that highlight why Texas remains one of the most popular places to call home.
1. Texas Is One of the Fastest-Growing States
Texas ranks #2 in population growth, right behind Florida.
The state gains roughly 1,000 residents daily, thanks to strong job creation, affordable housing, and a business-friendly climate.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro alone added nearly 170,000 people in 2023.
2. Texas is the 8th-largest economy in the World
Texas boasts a $2.8 trillion GDP, making it the eighth-largest economy in the world, larger than those of Australia and Spain.
Significant industries include energy, technology, healthcare, and logistics. The state also leads the nation in exports for the 22nd consecutive year.
3. Home to 54 Fortune 500 headquarters
Texas is an economic powerhouse, home to 54 Fortune 500 headquarters and 1 in every 10 publicly traded companies in the U.S.
Beyond the big names, the state supports over 3.5 million startups and small businesses, driving innovation and growth across various industries.
Companies such as Tesla, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, and Caterpillar have relocated their headquarters to Texas in recent years.
Favorable tax policies and low operating costs consistently rank Texas as one of the top states for business, according to CNBC and WalletHub.
4. Texas is the Live Music Capital of the World
Austin proudly calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and it truly lives up to the name.
The city has more live music venues per person than anywhere else in the U.S., so that you can catch a performance almost any night of the week.
From country and blues to rock and indie, Austin’s music scene has something for everyone.
Significant events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits attract artists and fans from around the world, making music a central part of life in the state of Texas.
Top 5 Advantages of Moving to Texas
Let’s explore some of the main things that make Texas stand out from the rest.
1. Strong Job Market and Business Opportunities
Texas consistently ranks among the top five states for job creation.
Between 2022 and 2024, it added over 700,000 new jobs, particularly in technology, healthcare, construction, and renewable energy.
Unemployment rate: ~3.9% (below the national average)
Top employers: Dell, American Airlines, AT&T, ExxonMobil, and Baylor Scott & White Health
The pro-business tax structure, flexible regulations, and lower corporate costs attract startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, making Texas ideal for both job seekers and entrepreneurs.
2. Affordable Cost of Living
While Austin has grown pricier, Texas as a whole remains about 7% cheaper than the U.S. average, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Housing, groceries, and utilities cost significantly less in mid-sized cities and rural areas.
| City | Housing (1-bed apartment) | Utilities | Groceries | Transportation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, Texas | $1,200 – 2,400 / month in the city centre | $150 – 250 / month | $350 – 450 / month | One-way ticket $2.00 – 3.00; monthly passes vary |
| Austin, Texas | $1,800 – 2,200 / month in the city centre | $160 – 200 / month | $400 – 500 / month | One-way ticket $1.50; monthly pass $40 – 100 depending on route |
| Dallas, Texas | $1,650 – 1,900 / month in the city centre | $140 – 200 / month | $380 – 460 / month | One-way ticket $3.00; monthly pass $90 + depending on zone |
Source: Numbeo
3. No State Income Tax
Texas is one of only nine states without a state income tax, meaning residents take home a larger portion of their paycheck.
This benefit is especially beneficial for high-income earners and remote workers relocating from states like California or New York.
However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher property and sales taxes, which help fund local infrastructure and schools.
Even with that, overall take-home pay in Texas tends to stretch further than in most major U.S. states.
4. Quality Education and Healthcare Access
Texas is home to over 200 public and private universities, including some that are nationally ranked, such as:
The University of Texas at Austin (Top 10 for engineering and business),
Texas A&M University (Top 5 for research output),
Rice University (Top 20 U.S. university overall).
For healthcare, the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the largest in the world, consists of 54 medical institutions and employs over 100,000 staff members.
The state’s ongoing investment in healthcare technology and education makes it a strong choice for medical professionals and students.
5. Good Lifestyle and Outdoor Opportunities
Texas offers something for everyone. You can experience big-city living in Dallas or Austin, suburban comfort in Plano or Round Rock, and small-town peace in Fredericksburg or Waco.
Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to explore, with Big Bend National Park, Palo Duro Canyon, and the Gulf Coast offering a range of year-round recreational activities.
Add in top-tier dining, sports culture, and cultural diversity, and Texas delivers a lifestyle that’s both dynamic and inclusive.
Top 5 Disadvantages of Moving to Texas
1. High Property and Sales Taxes
While Texans enjoy no income tax, the state compensates with some of the highest property taxes in the U.S.
The average effective property tax rate sits around 1.68%, compared to the national average of 1.07%.
Sales tax ranges from 6.25% to 8.25%, depending on the city and county.
This can significantly affect long-term affordability for homeowners and families.
2. Harsh and Unpredictable Weather
The weather in Texas is erratic and unpredictable.
Summer temperatures regularly soar above 100°F, particularly in central and southern Texas. The heat can last for weeks, often causing spikes in energy bills.
Coastal regions face hurricanes (e.g., Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion in damage in 2017), while northern areas are more prone to tornadoes.
Severe droughts can also strain water supplies, affecting agriculture and outdoor recreation.
3. Traffic and Limited Public Transportation
With vast urban sprawl and limited mass transit, owning a car is almost a necessity.
Public transportation systems, aside from a few light rail options in Dallas and Austin, are minimal.
Commuters in Houston and Dallas spend an average of 54 hours per year stuck in traffic, according to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard.
For families or professionals, this can add stress and longer daily routines.
4. Rapid Growth Leading to Overcrowding
Cities like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio are expanding at a rate that outpaces their infrastructure’s ability to keep up.
This surge in population drives up housing prices, strains public schools, and increases commute times.
For instance, Austin’s median home price rose from $320,000 in 2019 to over $525,000 in 2024.
Public schools and roadways are struggling to keep pace, making suburban sprawl both a solution and a new challenge.
5. Uneven Education Quality Across the State
While Texas boasts prestigious universities, the quality of K–12 education varies significantly across different districts.
Wealthier suburban neighborhoods, such as those in Plano or Frisco, tend to perform well, while rural or underfunded districts often lag.
According to U.S. News & World Report (2024), only 39% of Texas high schools score above the national average. Educational inequality can impact family relocation decisions, especially for those with school-age children.
Conclusion
Texas offers plenty of promise, strong job markets, affordable living, and no income tax, but it’s not perfect.
The trade-offs of high property taxes, extreme weather, and infrastructure stress can’t be ignored.
If you value career growth, homeownership opportunities, and a wide range of lifestyles, Texas may be the right move.
Just make sure to research specific cities, as the experience of living in Austin differs significantly from that of El Paso or Corpus Christi.
FAQs
1. Is Texas a more affordable state compared to others?
Yes. Overall, Texas’s cost of living is roughly 7% lower than the U.S. average, though Austin and Dallas are exceptions due to housing demand.
2. What are the best cities to move to in Texas?
Austin for tech jobs, Dallas-Fort Worth for business opportunities, San Antonio for family life, and Houston for healthcare and energy careers.
3. Are Texas summers really that hot?
Yes. Expect temperatures between 95°F and 105°F from June to September, depending on the region. Air conditioning and proper hydration are essential.
4. Why are property taxes so high in Texas?
Since there’s no state income tax, local governments rely on property taxes to fund schools, roads, and emergency services.
5. How much do movers cost in Houston?
On average, hiring movers in Houston typically costs between $675 and $1,500 for a local move involving a one-bedroom apartment.
If you’re relocating long-distance, the cost of a one-bedroom move can range anywhere from $2,190 to $9,680, depending on the distance, services required, and the overall complexity of the move.
The final moving cost will depend on other factors, including any additional services added or the mover involved.
6. How much do movers cost in Austin?
On average, movers in Austin charge between $139 and $259 per hour.
This puts the typical total cost of a move in Austin at around $417 to $3,885, depending on the scope of the job.
Keep in mind that moving prices aren’t set in stone.
Your final cost can change based on factors such as the size of your home, the distance of the move, the time of year, and any unique logistical challenges that may arise.
