If you’re planning a move to the Lone Star State, you’re not alone. An estimated 1,000 people move to Texas every day, and it’s no surprise why. With warm weather, low home prices, excellent job opportunities, top-rated schools and more, there’s something for everyone in Texas. Here are seven reasons why moving to Texas is a great idea, and why so many others are doing it.
No State Income Tax
Texas is only one of seven states with no income tax, which means that approximately 4 to 12 percent of your income stays in your wallet. On a $100,000 income, that’s $4,000-$12,000 saved annually — enough to jumpstart savings, save for a child’s college fund or splurge on a boat to enjoy all of the state’s beautiful lakes.
Great Schools
Texas is the sole state to have more than one high school ranked among the nation’s best, with more than a tenth of the top 100 high schools in the United States in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking. And it isn’t only Texas’ high schools that are top of their class — 19 elementary schools and three middle schools in Texas were named National Blue Ribbon Schools last year, a prestigious award that recognizes schools where students master challenging curriculums. Texas’ school districts not only provide rigorous academics, but opportunities to exceed in the arts, sports and other areas.
Low Home Prices
According to the Houston Association of Realtors, the median price of a single-family home in the Houston area is $273,443; in comparison, those living in Boston face a median home value of $645,689, and on the West Coast, the median home price for a home in San Francisco is $1,436,087. Less expensive homes mean you can buy a larger house, put more money towards the downpayment or customize your home.
Master-Planned Communities
Another plus for Texas homebuyers is that many markets boast master-planned communities, which means that developers take a holistic approach to building. In these communities you’ll find more than just homes, but impressive amenities that include recreation centers, pools, playgrounds, trails and more, plus thoughtfully-planned streets and proper detention to minimize flood risk. Master-planned communities are usually near major thoroughfares and zoned to top-rated school districts.
Warm Weather Year-Round (So Pack your Parka Away!)
Texans typically enjoy seasonal temperatures year-round, and if cooler winter weather does hit the state, it never lasts for long. Even in Dallas-Forth Worth, the most northern major market in Texas, the average high in January is 55 degrees. In Austin and Houston, the average high in January is 61 degrees, meaning that a Christmas spent in your shorts is very possible. It gets quite hot in Texas in the summer, but not to worry — air conditioning and community pools help keep you cool.
Just Call It ‘Tech-xas’
In spite of the pandemic slow down, Texas remains one of the best states for jobs in the tech sector. Austin and Dallas deliver a one-two punch as the top “Tech Towns,” according to one report. Houston’s tech scene is also robust, with more than 8,200 tech-related firms in the region and more than 220,000 workers employed in the industry. A number of tech-based firms are moving to (or opening offices in) Texas, including Google in Houston, Austin and Dallas; Tesla and Oracle in Austin; and Hewlett Packard in Houston.
Friendly People & A Great Lifestyle
Howdy, y’all! You simply can’t beat the Texas lifestyle — Texans are friendly and always willing to lend a hand or offer advice on the best places to hike, fish, shop and eat. And there’s plenty to do in the state, from cheering for your favorite sports teams (Houston alone has five professional sports teams), hiking our beautiful state parks and fishing and boating Texas lakes (we have 5,607 square miles of inland water). And while there’s plenty to do outside, the state is more than just an outdoor paradise. Those seeking culture will find many museums and professional theater, ballet, opera, symphony and other performing arts organizations. And our food isn’t all barbecue — Texas has its share of James Beard award-winning chefs. (But you really should try the barbecue!)
So, Where in Texas Should you Move To?
Texas is a big state, and cities in Texas are large. With so many choices, it can be hard to decide which metropolitan region you want to call home, but with beautiful Empire homes and communities across Houston, Austin and San Antonio, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to explore our communities to see which is the right one for you and your family; we can’t wait to say “Welcome home, y’all!”