Texas is a vast state with much to offer, making it an attractive destination for people looking to relocate. In 2019 alone, nearly half a million people moved to Texas. Between 2020 and 2022, the state’s population grew significantly, with a notable influx of residents from California and other states such as Florida, Louisiana, Arizona, New Mexico, and Illinois. As Texas continues to grow, here are 10 reasons why more people are calling the Lone Star State home:
1. Affordable Housing
Texas’ affordable housing market is a major draw for people looking for more space and value, especially families. In January 2023, the median home sale price in Texas was $336,000, notably lower than the national median of around $383,000. This affordability isn’t limited to one month—Texas consistently offers more reasonably priced homes compared to states like California.
Renting is also more affordable. A survey from Rent.com shows that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Austin is just under $1,700. In Houston, the cost drops to around $1,300 per month, and homes in Texas tend to be larger, with the average size exceeding 2,000 square feet. This makes Texas one of the states with the largest homes in the U.S.
The combination of affordable prices and larger homes means that people can get more for their money, which has made Texas’ housing market a top reason for its population growth.
2. Taxes
Texas is one of the few states, along with Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, and a few others, that do not have a state income tax. So, Tax advantages have also been an appeal for people to move to the state.
Texas has gone further than other states with the no-income tax, as it was voted in 2019 to permanently ban state income tax through a constitutional amendment. This is a pretty significant choice since state income taxes can build up over time, making this fantastic news for individuals and families needing to save.
Even small businesses benefit from Texas’s tax advantages. Texas’s tax codes and cost of doing business are below the national average, and there is no corporate income tax.
3. Cost of Living
As previously mentioned, the cost of living in Texas is notably lower than in many other states, which is a key factor driving people to relocate. According to data from SoFi, the average cost of living in Texas in 2021 was $39,661, or roughly $3,300 per month for an individual. This affordability is a major draw for those seeking to reduce expenses without compromising on quality of life.
4. Job Opportunities
Texas is attracting not just everyday residents but also wealthy individuals from states like California, including notable figures like Elon Musk. His move, along with the relocations of Fortune 500 tech companies such as Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprises in 2022, has significantly boosted job opportunities in the state.
Between 2018 and 2021, around 114 companies moved to Texas from California alone, further increasing the job market. This influx of businesses not only draws job seekers but also reflects Texas’ long-standing economic strength, particularly in industries like oil and agriculture, which have been vital to the state’s economy for decades.
5. Sunny Weather
Texas’s hot summers appeal to residents from California and Arizona, but the weather is generally mild year-round. For example, winter temperatures in Austin typically hover in the 60s, while summer can see highs in the upper 80s and 90s.
Dallas experiences similar weather, though it tends to be a few degrees cooler due to its northern location. A standout feature of Texas is its sunshine; cities like Dallas enjoy over 230 sunny days a year, and Austin almost 300.
The state’s diverse landscapes contribute to variations in weather across regions. Texas is divided into ten natural ecoregions:
- The Piney Woods
- The Gulf Prairies and Marshes
- The Post Oak Savannah
- The Blackland Prairies
- The Cross Timbers
- The South Texas Plains
- The Edwards Plateau
- The Rolling Plains
- The High Plains
- The Trans-Pecos
This sunny weather and mild winters—though some areas do experience snow—make Texas an attractive destination, particularly for those relocating from warmer states.
6. Family Friendly
Texas is not only known for its affordable cost of living but also for being an excellent place to raise a family, which draws many people to the state. Several cities in Texas boast above-average numbers of children, highlighting its appeal to families.
Parents are naturally concerned about education, and Texas has made significant strides in this area. Recent data shows that 8th graders in Texas outperformed their peers from California, New York, and Florida in math, science, and reading.
The trend of improvement in education continues. A 2022 review by the Texas Education Agency revealed that more Texas schools are receiving high ratings. In 2022, nearly 28% of evaluated schools earned an A rating, while 46% received a B and 6.7% received a C. This positive outlook makes Texas a desirable destination for families seeking quality education and community support.
7. Traffic is Manageable
While traffic alone might not be a primary reason for relocating, it’s a definite perk—especially for newcomers from California, known for its notorious congestion. WalletHub compiled a list of the best and worst cities in the U.S. for driving, and many Texas cities ranked favorably.
WalletHub assessed this by examining 30 metrics across four categories: infrastructure and traffic, safety, access to vehicles and maintenance, and cost of ownership and maintenance. Overall, Texas offers a more manageable driving experience compared to many other states, making it an appealing option.
8. Lower Crime Rate
Crime has always influenced where people choose to live, and its significance has grown in recent years. A 2022 Gallup report indicated that concerns about crime have reached their highest levels since the early 2000s, with 53% of respondents expressing significant worry and 27% worrying to a lesser extent. This places crime among the top concerns nationwide.
Though Texas ranks in the bottom half for safety compared to other states, it still boasts a lower crime rate than many states people are leaving, such as Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. While it may not be the safest state overall, Texas provides a more favorable safety profile than several areas from which new residents are relocating.
9. It’s Diverse
Texas is the second most diverse state in the U.S., just behind California, according to a WalletHub report. This ranking considers various factors, including cultural, economic, religious, socioeconomic, and political diversity.
Notably, Texas ranks first in industry diversity, meaning that regardless of your profession, you’re likely to find job opportunities in your field. The state also places third in linguistic diversity, fourth in racial and ethnic diversity, and fifth in household size diversity. Whether in the workforce, cultural scene, or community life, Texas stands out as a highly diverse state that offers something for everyone.
10. There’s Lots to Do
Texas has an abundance of urban amenities, making it a significant draw for those relocating from other cities. As the second-largest state in the U.S., it offers a wealth of activities and attractions. In Houston, you can explore the renowned Space Center, vibrant museum district, diverse restaurant scene, and rich cultural experiences. Austin is celebrated for its artistic flair, featuring public art projects, dance performances, live music, and theater events year-round. Meanwhile, Dallas is home to the largest arts district in the country, spanning 118 acres, and proudly hosts the Dallas Cowboys.
Beyond urban attractions, Texas’s mild weather supports outdoor activities throughout the year. The state features two national parks—Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park—along with 640,000 acres of protected land, including 89 state parks, historic sites, and other natural areas. Whether you’re interested in cultural events or outdoor adventures, Texas has something for everyone all year round.
Whether you’re seeking affordability, job opportunities, or a vibrant lifestyle, Texas has something for everyone. It’s no wonder so many people are choosing to call it home!
Sources:
10 Reasons Everyone Is Moving to Texas in 2023 –
Texas Parks & Wildlife: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/online-course/wildlife-conservation/texas-ecoregions
