Transition from Alaska to Texas
Texas has a lot to offer. It has become one of the top destinations for people moving from other states. That is because it has a steady job market, rich culture and affordable housing. Add to that the warm people and even warmer climate, and you have the perfect recipe for a great state.
For someone who has lived in Alaska, Texas’ temperatures will be a bit extreme. Compared to the mid-latitude oceanic climate of Southeast Alaska and the mild climate of Anchorage, Texas offers a different picture. While the south-central part of Alaska is covered by snow most of the time, you will not get that down south.
Most parts of Texas are characterized by high temperatures and dry heat. Don’t expect to see deserts everywhere you go in Texas though. While it is true that the state is often associated with them, desert only cover 10% of the state. Its climate varies from arid to humid. Since the state is very spread out, it is characterized by different climate zones. Don’t be surprised to learn that Texas, even though it rarely happens, receives snowfall especially in the Panhandle and its mountain parts.
Cost of living and the housing in Texas
Located in the northwest extremity of North America, Alaska is the 3rd least populous state in the US. At the same time, Texas, with its population of over 28.7 million people (as of September 2018), is the 2nd-most populous one. Nicknamed the “Lone Star” state, Texas ranks in the second position when it comes to land area, right behind Alaska which has a size of 663,267.26 square miles — the largest state in the US by land area.
Housing and living costs in Texas are much lower compared to other states in the US, and this includes the State of Alaska. As we mentioned in the beginning, one of the main reasons why so many people decide to start their new life in Texas is due to the state’s affordable housing and living costs. If we compare Houston to Anchorage, living costs in Houston are 24% less expensive than in Anchorage. Housing costs are also way cheaper. The median home cost in Houston, for example, is 47% less expensive than in Anchorage.
Besides Houston, other cities in Texas such as Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Pearland, Plano, and San Antonio are worth moving to.
Employment opportunities and economy
Unlike the economy of Alaska, which is dominated by the oil and gas industry, fishing, military bases and tourism, Texas is a leader in industries such as energy, aerospace, computers and electronics, high technology, petrochemicals, and biomedical sciences. The state is also a leader in agriculture, which in Alaska represents only a small part of the economy.
With a Gross State Product (GSP) of $1.706 trillion (as of 2017), Texas is one of the most business-friendly states in the US. There is a high number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Texas as well, so you can find plenty of job opportunities in these companies or even start your own. Texas’ GSP is currently the second-highest in the US and if the state were a separate country, its economy would be among the top 10 largest ones in the entire world.
Texas attractions
Among the things you can visit in the Barbecue Paradise are the Big Bend National Park, River Walk Walkway, Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Padre Island, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Lady Bird Lake, and more. Its beautiful nature, plenty of events throughout the year, and music festivals make Texas an attractive destination for all newcomers.
Moving to Texas with a car
As soon as you become a Texas resident, you will have up to 30 days to register your vehicle. You can also transfer your out-of-state driver’s license at the same time you submit your documents to register your car with the TX DMV. Make sure you show proof of auto insurance and get your car inspected before submitting all required documents.
We hope you have a great time in Texas, whether you are moving there permanently, or just temporarily.