Benefits of Moving To Texas

Texas at a Glance

Texas may be famous for its ranches, rodeos and Rangers, but there is far more to this cowboy country than meets the eye. A Southern state with a strong independent streak, Texas is a place of great natural beauty, with 14 national park-managed lands and 20 national natural landmarks.  

Texas is a leader in education, with highly regarded universities like Rice and UT-Austin.  

With a low cost of living, Texas is a state for business, with dozens of Fortune 500 companies, from Tesla to Texas Instruments.  

Texas is certainly a state for innovation, too, from groundbreaking medical centers like M.D. Anderson to earth-shattering aerospace facilities like the NASA Space Center. Then there’s the matter of the arts, ranging from world-renowned art collections at the Kimball Art Museum to the quirky, remote art colony of Marfa.  

Not to be overlooked, Texas is a historic state, one with umpteen national historic landmarks, including lesser-known sites like the Blackwell School and unforgettable ones, like The Alamo, which you might remember in a different light after a trip to the Mission San Antonio de Valero. 

But no matter where you roam across the Lone Star State’s 172 million acres, you’ll find a place to call your own in Texas. 

Living in Texas

Known for its size, Texas is home to more than 30 million people and counting. Over the last 12 years, the state has added nearly five million new residents. This diverse state has the second-highest population of Hispanic and Latinx residents in the country, but there are sizable immigrant communities from India, Vietnam and other nations, all of whom make the state the vibrant, culturally rich place that it is. 

Texas prides itself in being a pro-business state, boasting a strong job market and a low cost of living. The state levies no corporate or individual income taxes, which can be tempting if you’re thinking about moving to Texas. Since 2015, these tax policies may have incentivized the relocation of 271 major companies to the state.  

The state’s 53 Fortune 500 companies certainly provide a solid and wide-ranging industry base for the state’s economy, particularly if you’re looking to make a career change. Computer giant Dell is located here, as is AT&T, Yum brands and lots of oil and gas companies. American Airlines and Southwest are both located here, so if you’ve long longed to avoid yet another connecting flight out of Dallas/Ft. Worth, you’ll be cheered to know that you can now just stay at home and everyone will connect through you instead!  

More than 13.7 million people comprise Texas’ civilian labor force, which is dominated by the trade, energy and manufacturing sectors. The unemployment rate in Texas has made a slow-but-steady decline since August 2022, and it now rests at 3.9%. 

When it comes to home prices in Texas, they vary dramatically, depending on the area. The median home price in late 2022 was $345K and rising — still lower than the regional price, but $100,000 ahead of the national average. (See more in the “Texas Cities” section below) 

One of the biggest benefits of living in Texas is access to high-quality higher education. U.S. New and World Report named six of the state colleges and universities to its Top 100 list, including Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University and Texas Christian University. And businesses should be grateful — they don’t have to look far for exceptional talent. 

Get Ready for Texas Summers 

With a state as large as Texas, it’s hard to make unifying generalizations about the weather, but one fact rings true. From the mountains to the desert to the breezy Gulf of Mexico, Texas is H.O.T.  

Average annual temperatures have risen 1.5°F in the past 120 years, contributing to the state’s extreme droughts, wildfires, monsoons, thunderstorms and, of course, hurricanes, which are a risk from June through November but threaten even inland areas with catastrophic wind and rains.  

In 2011, the Dallas-Fort Worth area suffered a punishing 40 days of temperatures above 100°F. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 60 inches of rain in neighborhoods around Houston. And, in 2020, 11 of the country’s billion-dollar disasters occurred in the Lone Star State. So, if you’re moving to Texas, be prepared for intense weather wherever you go.  

Winter is when Texas really shines. January temperatures usually average 20°F in the northwest corner and 50°F in the southernmost regions along the Rio Grande River. The cool, mild weather never seems to last quite long enough, but November through March are some of the best months to move to Texas. 

Most Populous Cities in Texas

Texas has seen explosive growth over the past 10 years, leading to an increase in property values across the state, especially in its already-popular areas. Texas has several metro areas with populations in excess of one million residents which are spread out across the state a fairly unusual trait. While home values in Texas are still $40,000 below the national average, the state levies some of the highest property taxes in the nation — compensation, it seems, for charging no corporate or income taxes.  

Houston 

The largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston’s diverse population of 2,228,250 has grown by over 188,000 people over the last decade, and the greater metro area is also expanding — it’s now home to more than 6,000,000 people.  

Life in this bastion of Southern chic is framed by both nature and industry: the inviting waters of the Gulf and the energy and aerospace sectors. Houston is the home of Rice University, one of the nation’s most prestigious private schools, as well as the University of Houston, which has a phenomenal doctoral program in creative writing. Both schools draw talented students and researchers to the area. 

But Houston is nothing if not a hub for business hubs: 23 of the state’s Fortune 500 company headquarters are based here, including ConocoPhillips, Sysco and Hewlett Packard. Proving itself time and again to be both nimble and adaptable, Houston’s industries are fast diversifying into other high-growth arenas, like advanced manufacturing, life sciences and biotech.  

Houston is also a city of parks with over 52,000 acres of parkland to enjoy. Waterwall Park, which features an 11,000-gallon vertical cascade, is a favorite backdrop for brides and grooms and the prom set. But the city’s green jewel is the 1,500-acre Memorial Park, an urban treasure that’s twice the size of Central Park.  

If you’ve moved here for a job in the arts, the MFA Houston and the Menil Collection showcase some of the best art in the world, from antiquity to contemporary works, The 60,000-square-foot Midtown Arts & Theatre Center has programming for the whole family. After all these activities, you should treat yourself to a great meal in one of Houston’s many fine restaurants, where you’ll find cuisine from 70-plus countries.  

Housing in Houston is still below the national average, but home values have been increasing markedly over the past few years because of the influx of new residents. The median home value is just over $200,000, with rent averaging $1,136. Yet, the median household income is only $56,019 —more than $10,000 less that the national level.  

San Antonio 

In the south-central region of the state, San Antonio (pop. 1,451,853) is a historic town that’s gained almost 125,000 residents over the last 10 years, making it one of the fastest growing in the state. Housing in Alamo City is far below national and state averages. The median home value is $167,700 and rent averages $1,090 per month.  

Founded as a Spanish mission in 1718, the city’s significant military history has never faded, and the Joint Base San Antonio remains one of the biggest employers in the city today. It’s one of the reasons the city adopted Military City USA as its official moniker in 2017.  

San Antonio’s economy isn’t solely focused on defense, though. The city has two Fortune 500 companies and seven Fortune 1000 companies, including Tesoro, USAA and iHeartMedia.  

However, the thing to move to San Antonio for is the vibe. Richly and unabashedly Southwestern in style, the city is a uniquely welcoming place for people from all cultures.  

Residents here will find authentic celebrations of the Day of the Dead to Diwali. One of the best annual events is the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival, held at the Briscoe Western Art Museum on the famous River Walk, which showcases art and performances by Native Americans and celebrates the history and culture of the Payaya people, the area’s earliest inhabitants. (Learn more about the River Walk in the “Best Things to Do” section below.) 

Dallas 

Some would argue — convincingly and with conviction — that Dallas is the most Texas thing about Texas. The city that launched the unforgettable phrase, “Don’t mess with Texas” at the 1986 Cotton Bowl practically invented cowboy cosmopolitanism. 

Though the phrase was actually part of a state-wide anti-littering campaign by the Department of Transportation, no phrase better embodies the independent, self-confident ethos of this Southern business powerhouse. AT&T, AECOM and Southwest Airlines — all Fortune 500 companies — are headquartered in Dallas. But the city is home to diverse industries, from logistics to food manufacturing. 

The population of Dallas — now 1,288,457 — has swelled by 90,000 since 2010. Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of North Texas (UNT) are located here, along with several other schools, and they can take credit for the city’s youthful energy.  

With fantastic and diverse neighborhoods from the LGBT-friendly area of Oak Lawn to the quirky-cool Bishop Arts District to the art deco wonderland of Fair Park, there are wonderful things to see and do everywhere you turn in Dallas.  

Old City Park will take your family on a time-traveling adventure back to pioneer days. Meanwhile, the Dallas Children’s Theater will treat you to plays based on favorite books like Last Stop on Market Street and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!  

Housing prices in this bustling metropolis are still below average. The median home value is roughly $230,000 and rent averages under $1,200 per month. Learn more in our Dallas City Guide.  

Fort Worth 

Dallas’ favorite dance partner (sorry, we mean pardner) is Fort Worth, the fastest-growing large city in America. With just under 1,000,000 residents in the city proper, the combined metro area population of Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington region is over 7.7 million, making it one of the largest communities in the country. Fort Worth has dozens of noteworthy attractions, from the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens to the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.  

Housing in Fort Worth is more affordable than the national average. The median home value here is $212,300 and the median gross rent is $1,187. Fort Worth’s economy is still driven by the oil and gas industry, but it’s also the home of aviation giant American Airlines, as well as leaders in manufacturing, aerospace, and retail, like Pier 1 and RadioShack.  

Austin 

With its laid-back vibe, arts-centricity and barbeque mastery, Austin might be the nation’s coolest capital city. The Live Music Capital of the World has long lured visitors into becoming locals, ensuring none of the city’s residents ever wants to leave the gorgeous hill country. Austin has gained nearly 200,000 new residents over the last 10 years, jumping from 790,390 to 964,177 and counting.  

Not surprisingly, tourism is a major industry here — more than 30 million people from around the world visit the city every year. Austin hosts scores of major events, from SXSW to the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play to the lesser-known 2023 ABC Kite Fest, which is now in its 95^th year. 

The city’s creative side has given it a decisive business edge in industries like digital media — gaming, apps, film and design — as well as in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The city is the flagship location of the University of Texas system: UT-Austin offers nearly 400 degree programs to 52,000 students and is basically a city unto itself.  

Those interested in the historic side of Austin can learn about the life of the 36^th president with a visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum or the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, where you can see the “Texas White House,” the late president’s homestead on the LBJ Ranch. Or take a guided walking tour of downtown to learn about the area’s distinctive architecture before grabbing a bite at one of Austin’s many fabulous eateries.  

Best Things to Do in Texas

So many monumental events happened in Texas that you’d be hard-pressed to see all of the state’s historic sites in one lifetime.  

There’s The Alamo, part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. There’s also the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, which confronts the effect of the Spanish missions on the Indigenous nations.  

Texas has one of the largest Hispanic and Latinx populations of any state in the U.S. The Museum of South Texas History, located Just a few blocks north of the U.S.-Mexico border in Edinburg, is a great place to get acquainted with the fascinating history of the Rio Grande Valley, where American, Mexican, European and Indigenous cultures come together.  

Texas also has a significant German, Asian and French communities. With the country’s second-largest Indochinese community, Houston’s Chinatown offers six square miles of restaurants, markets and shops.  

German immigrants were some of the settlers of Fredericksburg, which is home to numerous wineries and restaurants, as well as the Museum of the Pacific War and the Fredericksburg Pioneer Museum. 

Many cities are home to monumental cathedrals, but Houston has the transcendent Rothko Chapel. Created in 1971, this spiritual site has 14 murals created by the minimalist painter Mark Rothko. The exceptional building was designed by Philip Johnson, Howard Barnstone and Eugene Aubry. Above the chapel’s reflecting pool is a sculpture by Barnett Newman, which is dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr.   

One of the state’s most popular attractions is NASA’s Space Center Houston. You can board a replica of the shuttle Independence, see more moon rocks than any place other than the actual moon and see how spacesuits have progressed over the years. This might prompt you to contemplate the biggest questions of our time: How did the spacesuit helmets from the 80s contain all those air-bangs and home perms? 

In San Antonio, the must-see attraction is the River Walk. This area was thoughtfully planned and brilliantly executed to be a center of commerce and culture. Expect amazing eats, artisan shows and eccentric events, like “The Art of Taxidermy.” Musicians often play live on the city sidewalks which meander through the major cultural sites like the Briscoe Museum and the DoSeum, an interactive children’s exploratorium. You’ll also find well-appointed hotels and al fresco dining all along the way.  

Innately competitive, Texans love sports. Baseball, football, golf, tennis, rodeos — you name it. If you can root for it, Texans will pick sides and go all in. Mustangs, Aggies or Longhorns, Bears, Cougars or Owls, Texans are at least as serious about college-level sports as they are the pro teams. Everyone roots for the Cowboys, but baseball divides the state into north and south — you are either pro-Ranger or you’re an Astro.  

If you just want to get out and explore, we can’t blame you. You have your choice of more than 100 state parks, two national parks, 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 360 miles of sparkling coastline at your disposal.  

Daredevils will want to hit Guadalupe National Park, where one of the world’s most daunting cliffs — El Capitan — is located. This mountainous, desert Eden was once an ocean reef. The fossilized remnants of the 260-million-year-old aquatic life can still be seen in the exposed rock.  

Those looking for a less prehistoric beach experience should set sail for Padre Island National Seashore — 60 miles of protected wilderness that makes for a paradise for birds and people alike. Kayaking, fishing and beach bumming are all encouraged. Those who can’t take it all in in one day can camp right on the shore. 

By late March, Texans know that Bluebonnet season is just around the corner. Fields around the state will be awash in the signature lupine blue in April, a great reason to pull over your car to take in this once-a-year sight. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival is a fun way to celebrate this wonder of nature in one of the city’s best-known for the Texas state flower.  

Explore the Texas Food Scene

If you’re moving to Texas, you’re certainly in for some of the best chili, cornbread and collards of your life. And there will be Texas-tons of barbeque and burritos in your future, too, even if you’re vegan. But there’s more to this state than Tex-Mex and ribs … not that we wouldn’t happily survive on those alone for many years. With culinary depth from regions around the world and innovative American cuisine, there’s a lot of good food up the road ahead.  

Austin is known for its legendary pitmasters if you’re looking for great barbeque, you won’t have to look hard. The challenge will be deciding which one is the best, the brisket at Franklin, the Tex-Czech sliced sausage at Micklethwait or the burnt ends and spicy smoked peanuts at Distant Relatives.  

The city is also known for artisanal newcomers like Con Todo, a humble taqueria on wheels with holy-mole good food.  

House of the Three Gorges has some of the most authentic Sichuan cuisine in the state. It doesn’t shy away from dishes that might scare the tastebuds off the average American, like the blood jelly and intestine spicy soup. But they also prepare a stir-fried, cured pork belly with leeks so tempting that even vegetarians might fall off the wagon and devour it. Don’t be too hard on yourselves if that’s you. 

When the contemporary cowgirl requires refreshment, she best head to the Rodeo Goat — a Texas burger chain with locations from Plano to Houston. This unorthodox patty paradise offers only-in-Texas specialties like the chaca Oaxaca, a beef and chorizo burger with pico, guac, a fried egg, queso fresco and Tabasco mayo. Not to be overlooked is the corpse-reviving “RIP Wheeler,” a coffee-rubbed patty with peppered bacon, Dr. Pepper BBQ, smoky gouda, endive and chuckwagon mayo.  

If you are looking for the site where Tex meets Mex, you have to go to Ninfa’s. Mama Ninfa is purported to be the inventor of a little-known dish called fajitas (think they’ll ever catch on?) when she first prepared tacos al carbon in 1973, topping her delicious handmade flour tortillas with savory grilled skirt steak. You’ll find all your Tex-Mex standards here — nachos, fajita burgers and chile con queso. But you should indulge in the pulpo cazuelita — a wood-roasted octopus taco with chile aioli — or the cochinita pibil, which pairs wood-roasted pork with pickled onions and plantains. 

If you are looking for a pancultural splurge, try Tris in Houston, which turns an American steakhouse menu on its head and makes it perform acrobatic feats with French and Korean flair. The octopus starter with avocado, roasted peppers and grapefruit shines with simplicity, while the fried chicken with kimchi mash makes cosmopolitan sense of two country traditions. The steaks feature heritage breeds from Japan and the U.S., and you can select from unforgettable sides like soy caramel Brussels sprouts and brandied mushrooms.  

While Texas certainly can present a 365-meat-forward vibe, vegans should fear not — you are not alone in the Lone Star State! Meet up with your plant-centric pals at Dallas’ Vegan Food House, where you can satisfy your own cravings for Reubens, Buffalo wings and shrimp and sausage creole or fool the carnivores in your inner circle.   

Relocating to Texas

Whether you are moving across the state or across the country, Mayflower has a moving solution to meet your needs. Our movers can help you move to Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Austin, or wherever you dream of living.

Don’t just take our word for it! Discover the moving experiences of two new Texas families(*) below.

Moving to Texas From Across The Country

Cross country moving requires a lot of planning. It does even more so when you move with your family and kids.

Planning a Move to Texas?

When you’re ready to move to Texas, Mayflower will be here to guide you Every Step of the Way®.  

If you’re moving cross country to Texas, Mayflower’s trusted team of long-distance movers can provide custom, full-service moving packages, including a personal moving coordinator to keep everything organized and off your plate. 

If you’re moving within the state, Mayflower’s Texas movers can perform local moves under their brands and businesses.  

Planning to move by yourself? Check out Mayflower’s helpful moving tips, checklists and resources for the DIY movers.