In the last few years, record numbers of individuals and businesses have relocated to Texas, with 174,000 people heading to the Lone Star State since the beginning of 2020.
The Dallas–Fort Worth area leads the charge when it comes to attracting new residents, with Austin hot on its tail.
You needn’t head for the city when moving to Texas, though. There are plenty of lovely rural areas with massive appeal for those who prefer something a little off the beaten track, too.
Wherever you choose to make your home, there are many great reasons to love living in Texas. Keep reading to discover some of the best ones.
1. An Affordable Cost of Living in Texas
Texas scores 91.5 on the cost of living index, well below the national average of 104.63 for daily expenses. These include housing costs, transportation, utilities, childcare, food, and healthcare.
These low costs make it much easier for Texans to afford a home of their own a lot sooner than elsewhere, and you’re more likely to find all the things you want when looking for a new home without blowing your budget.
Like everywhere else in the U.S., Texas real estate prices have increased in the last year, but they’re still much cheaper than prices on the West Coast.
If you’re not ready to enter the real estate market yet, you’ll find rent is pleasantly affordable in this part of the world, too.
2. A Family-Friendly Vibe
Texans are warm, hospitable people, and eager to engage with those who are new in town. So, you’ll have no problems making new friends on arrival.
What’s more, Texas towns and cities abound with happy families and have abundant facilities to help them feel at home. Some of the best things to do in Texas include:
- The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
- Dallas Zoo and World Aquarium
- Fort Worth Water Gardens
- White Rock Lake
People who live in Texas are abundantly proud of their home state, and they love to share the joy at events and festivals held year-round. The mild winters and hot summers mean that you can enjoy family-friendly events and activities most of the year in Texas.
The best ones are:
- Lake Dallas Mardi Gras
- Fort Worth Arts Festival
- Scarborough Renaissance Festival
- Mayfest
You’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly restaurants, parks, and entertainment options in Texas.
3. An Excellent Standard of Education
Along with fun times, children also need education and socialization during their formative years, and Texas offers this in abundance.
The state has good schools that consistently achieve average to above-average ratings. and is home to several noteworthy universities. These include Rice University, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Trinity College.
Over 80% of Texans have graduated from high school, and around 30% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
4. Tax Breaks in Texas
Texas is one of the most affordable states in the nation when it comes to taxation. You don’t pay income tax in Texas, although sales tax is slightly higher than in neighboring states.
Fortunately, for most people, the savings on income tax, far outstrip the expense of higher sales tax, making Texas the fourth-cheapest state to live in when it comes to taxes.
Texas charges no corporate income tax, but the state does impose a franchise tax on businesses. The good news is, this 0.375% tax only applies to businesses with receipts exceeding $1.18 million.
Businesses that earn over $10 million only pay a maximum of 0.75% franchise tax.
This lenient tax rate makes Texas a great place to start a small business without having to worry too much about those lean first years.
5. Economic Growth
There are fewer rules and regulations for businesses in Texas. That makes it easier to open and run a business in this state than many others.
The state government doesn’t involve itself in the day-to-day operation of businesses, and Texas business owners don’t need to contend with much of the business red-tape that’s commonplace elsewhere.
As a result, many prominent companies moved to Texas between 2016 and 2018, bringing increased employment opportunities with them.
While the rest of the country grapples with high unemployment in the wake of the pandemic, Texas boasts a low unemployment rate of just 6.5%, adding over 600,000 jobs since 2021.
The Texas Workforce Commission encourages employment growth and focuses on helping Texas businesses succeed by connecting people with jobs.
6. Texas Is an Interesting Place to Live
Whether you choose to live in one of the state’s many quiet suburbs or prefer the bustle of the city, you’ll find staggering diversity wherever you go in Texas.
Not only is the state a magnet for people of many nationalities, but its residents also have an accepting outlook toward everyone who lives there.
You’ll also find residents of all ages across Texas, with a recent uptick in the number of millennials moving to Texas, too. The state’s a favorite amongst retirees thanks to its warm weather, and with so many families around, you’re bound to find like-minded folk wherever you live in Texas.
The diversity of Texas extends to its landscapes, too. In the south and west, you’ll find arid weather and vast landscapes. The east is lush and subtropical, while North Texas features endless horizons filled with buttes and wildlife.
7. Fantastic Food Options
Multiple cultures coming together in Texas means you’ll find no shortage of ways to satisfy your appetite. Fusion foods, like Tex-Mex, are a favorite in this state, offered at restaurants everywhere.
Other top foods in Texas include BBQ, chili-cheese fries, corn dogs, chicken-fried steak, and beef ribs.
Are You Ready to Explore the Best Texas Has to Offer?
Your Texas adventure starts when you get in touch with an experienced real estate agent to help you find your perfect home.
Our experienced personnel can guide you every step of the way, so you get the best benefits of Texas’ low housing costs in all the best neighborhoods.
If you’d like to enjoy all the above perks of living in Texas, and then some, get the ball rolling by contacting us today.
