From the warm weather and the incredible job opportunities to the friendly people and the incredible lifestyle it promises, there’s a lot to love about living in Texas. And it isn’t just those of us who live here that think that, either — over 1,000 people move to Texas each day, making it the second most populous state in the country. Part of that group are Katie Hines and Ryan Perera, a couple from Wisconsin who are currently in the process of moving to our Harper’s Preserve community in Houston. Read on to discover what their experience has been like, and what you can expect if you’re also considering moving to Texas from another state.
Meet the Couple
Katie, Ryan and their adorable pup, Bella.
What made you want to move to Texas?
Katie Hines: “It was a lifestyle change for us. We currently live in Wisconsin, and we were excited by the notion of living somewhere where the weather isn’t freezing for months. We’re excited to take advantage of the warm weather year-round and all the local attractions the area has to offer.”
How did you decide which city in Texas you wanted to move to?
KH: “We had a couple of cities in mind originally,” says Katie, “but we ultimately decided on Houston and The Woodlands area because we love what the area has to offer, including great food, people, amenities, and diversity.”
Empire Harper’s Preserve in Conroe, TX.
Which Empire community are you moving to? What attracted you to that community?
KH: “We’re moving to Harper’s Preserve in Conroe. We were drawn to the community for its incredible location, as well as all of the amenities that it has. The homes and landscaping in the area are amazing as well!”
What was the process of buying a home in Texas like, given that you had to do it from afar?
KH: “So far, things have been going very smoothly,” says Katie. “Our sales counselor, Cassie, has kept us in the loop about everything, and we have weekly meetings with the project manager via video chat. I’m not sure what we would have done if we didn’t have modern technology!”
Has there been anything you’ve learnt or discovered while preparing for your move that you would want others to know?
KH: “Be sure to plan a couple trips to the area during your selection and building process. You want to get a good feel for the area and the community before buying, and you want to be sure that the finishes you choose after signing are ones you’ll love for years to come. For Ryan and I, choosing our finishes at the Design Center was something we knew we wanted to do in person.”
Empire’s new Design Center in Houston.
What are you most excited for about your move?
KH: “We’re definitely the most excited to make the most of our new house and turn it into our home, and we’re happy to be doing it in a thriving community that has so much to offer.”
Any other tips, tricks or advice for others moving to Texas from another state?
KH: “I recommend taking a drive around the community you’re interested in and keeping an eye out for what appeals for you. For example, brick looks far different on a house than as a sample, and it was hard for us to choose! Driving around to see what each option looked like in real life was a great help.”
Want to be neighbors with Katie and Ryan? Explore our Harper’s Preserve community in Conroe to see the incredible amenities and lifestyle it offers, or explore our other communities across Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Plus, be sure to take Katie’s advice and visit our model homes and communities to get a feel for the area and the finishes you’ll have as an Empire homeowner.