Ultimate Guide to Living in Texas

Source: KXAN Austin

More and more people are moving to Texas, making it an exciting place of opportunity for people from all over the United States. From the eclectic energy of Austin to the wide open spaces of rural farmlands, there’s a place for everyone.

Texas’ population hit 30 million in 2022, making it the second most populated state in the US. 

There are infinite things to discover in Texas, so we’re here to help you make the most of your big move. Here are 10 things you should know before you move to the Lone Star state:

1. You’ll get to experience lots of different weather

Texas is known for beautiful (hot) clear skies during the summer months, but it can also get pretty cold depending on where you live. You’ll generally experience nice warm temperatures under the Texas sun with mostly mild winters. The rainy season lasts from March to May and sometimes comes back around September to October, but showers never last too long.

One thing to remember is that Texas is large, so while snow is uncommon in most of the state, places in Northern Texas will have colder temperatures.

2. Housing costs vary drastically throughout the state

Where you live in Texas will greatly impact your cost of living. Want to move to an exciting center of art and tech? The average rent for apartments in Austin was $2,245 as of January 2022. Want to save a little more? Go north to Killeen, TX and you can find a studio apartment for $900/month.

Places like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio are going to offer great career prospects and job opportunities. But if you're looking for a slower life with more affordable rentals and a cheaper cost of living, smaller towns will be your go-to. 

Source: austintexas.org

3. There’s a place for everyone

Texas is diverse in every way. From religion to culture and work background, Texas has a community for you. The state was ranked 2nd most diverse in America in 2022. Living in a diverse state offers exposure to different cultures and lifestyles, which allows for a richer and more dynamic life. With multiple languages spoken, you’ll find yourself learning something new every day.

4. The job market is booming

One of the most attractive parts of moving to Texas is the job market. With a diverse economy that features major industries like energy, technology, healthcare, agriculture, and more, there is a wide variety of jobs available.

From August 2022 to August 2023, the state created more than 400,000 jobs according to the Department of Labor. When moving to Texas, do research about where your industry is booming in the state to increase your chances of finding a job.

5. You’ll always have good food

Source: texasrealfood.com

Texas is known for its flavorful cuisine, which offers a fusion of various cultural influences. From BBQ to Tex-Mex, there is a varied food culture throughout the state. If you’re a meat lover, you can enjoy Texas-raised cattle in a delicious steak. Not into red meat? The Gulf Coast offers red snapper, cobia, and other seafood for the pescetarians among us.

There is lots of iconic food in Texas, but two dishes have made their mark: Tacos and Chili. Living in Texas will give you access to some of the best tacos and chili in the country, so make sure you’re ready to explore restaurants when you move.

6. Outdoor adventures are everywhere

Source: Texas.gov

Texas is enormous, so there is an abundance of activities for the adventure seekers.

Hiking

Take a hike at Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Camping

There are numerous campgrounds throughout Texas, including state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds. Whether you prefer a tent in the wild or a glamping experience, you’ll find plenty of options throughout the state.

Birdwatching

Texas is a birdwatcher's paradise with diverse ecosystems and a wide variety of bird species. The Rio Grande Valley is a popular birding destination, as are many coastal areas.

Canoeing and Kayaking

The Texas Hill Country, the Guadalupe Rives, and Caddo Lake are all places you can go for a weekend kayaking adventure.

These are just a few examples of the outdoor adventures you can experience in Texas. From mountains to deserts, the state’s diverse landscapes offer a wide range of activities for nature lovers.

7. Texas has the largest light-rail system in the US

Source: austinmonitor.com 

Dallas’ DART light rail is the most extensive in the United States. With traffic in Texas being quite the beast, the light rail offers a better way to commute. The rail stretches 85 miles and costs $6 for a local day pass.

The light rail isn’t accessible to the entire state, so if public transportation is important to you, make sure you move close to Dallas.

8. But you’ll probably still need a car

Cities in Texas are far away from each other, so you’ll probably find yourself calculating distance in hours rather than miles. Having a car will give you access to all that Texas has to offer and make getting around much easier. If you’re committed to not having a car, opt to live somewhere like Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio. These cities offer different modes of transportation like bike paths, river taxis, and more.

9. Living in Texas unlocks travel around the world

Source: San Antonio Express News  

Texas is located quite nicely, so accessing places like California and New York is easy. There are also several international airports (like DFW and AUS), so if you need a direct flight to global destinations, you’ll probably find one in Texas.

10. You’ll have access to the best music

Access to music is one of the biggest highlights of Texas. With SXSW and Austin City Limits, two popular festivals, the biggest stars in music are regularly performing in the state. Willie Nelson, Beyonce, and Stevie Ray Vaughan are examples of musicians who came from Texas.

Not into the big festivals? You’ll find great blues, country, and rock performers all over. Moving will allow you to explore new genres and find your next favorite musician.

Ready to move?

Finding a place to live can be challenging, but we’re here to help make your move as smooth as it can be. Use our AI leasing agent to get the best deals on homes in Texas that you’ll love.