Moving to the Lone Star State
Due to its constant job growth, affordable housing, rich culture, and diverse cities, Texas has been attracting more and more people from all over the United States.
Located in the South Central region, Texas is the second largest state in the US in terms of area as well as population which has reached over 28.3 million people. Thanks to its great size, the state offers diverse landscapes.
Although Texas is associated with the southern deserts, the latter only cover 10% of its land area. Its name comes from the word ‘taysha’ in Caddo language and means ‘friends’. And as a former independent republic, Texas is often called the “Lone Star” state.
As Texas is spread out it falls into multiple climate zones. Depending on where in Texas you will decide to move, the weather will vary to a great extent. The Panhandle, for example, is colder compared to the Northern part of Texas and faces snowfalls multiple times every winter. If you don’t want to face harsh winters, you should definitely choose the Gulf Coast part which is characterized by mild winters.
The state’s precipitation patterns also vary a lot from one part of Texas to another. Moreover, you will have to put up with the dry heat and high temperatures that characterize the state no matter which city you’ve chosen to call home.
Economy and employment
If Texas were a country, it would rank in the top 10 largest economies in the world. Thanks to its key industries cattle and bison, timber, cotton, and oil, which shaped the state’s economy before the World War II, Texas has managed to lead as the state with the highest export revenue since 2002.
During the mid 20th century, the state invested heavily in universities and high technology and created a diversified economy. To this day, Texas has the US’ second-highest GSP (gross state product) which reached $1,599 trillion in 2016.
Home to 54 500 Fortune companies, the state is one of the leaders in several industries such as energy, aerospace, agriculture, computers and electronics, petrochemicals, and biomedical sciences. Leading in so many industries, this business-friendly state is also one of the strongest in terms of job growth.
Between the year 2005 and 2013, it used to attract hundreds of people per day thanks to its great job creation. Its unemployment rate has also been going down in the past decades and reached 3.9% in December 2017, 0.2% lower than the national average.
Housing and Living Costs
Affordable housing is yet another reason why a lot of people are moving to Texas. Living costs will depend a lot on where in Florida you are currently living and where in Texas you will move. If we compare Dallas to Orlando for example, Dallas is 1% cheaper than Orlando, while median home costs are usually 6% cheaper in Dallas.
If you are living in Florida’s capital Tallahassee and want to move to Texas’ capital Austin, be prepared for a great increase in your living costs. Austin is 24% more expensive than Tallahassee and median home costs are 90% more expensive in Austin. If you still haven’t decided on which city to move to in Texas, we would highly suggest you pick between these eight fantastic cities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth. Frisco, Houston, Pearland, Plano, and San Antonio.
Things to see and do in Texas
The state of Texas is a paradise for barbecue and nature lovers. Take the chance to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Texas’ Dinosaur Valley State Park, see the sea turtles at the Padre Island National Seashore, enjoy its thriving live music scenes all over the state, its rich history, culture, and interesting people whenever you can.
Texas cities are full of national parks as well and offer great opportunities for hiking, camping, cycling, and many other activities.
Moving to Texas with a car
Once you move to Texas with your car, you will have 30 days to register it. Before you proceed with any other documents, make sure you have proof of auto insurance and car inspection. Texas DMV does not issue driver’s licenses. To transfer your out-of-state license you’ll need to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of establishing your move.