What Are The Pros And Cons Of Moving To Texas?

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, but does bigger always mean better? The 29.47 million people that call “The Lone Star State” home seem to think so. But what is it about Texas that makes it so great?

Abundant employment opportunities, low cost of living, and a family-friendly vibe are some examples of why Texas is so appealing. There are also a variety of places to live and great educational opportunities. However, super hot summers, traffic, lower-quality healthcare, and a climbing crime rate can be drawbacks for many.

Of course, Texas is the biggest state in the USA. Therefore, you have a lot of cities to choose from when it comes to living there. Before you decide to make the move, learn the pros and cons of calling Texas home.

On top of a solid average income, Texas also showcases a low cost of living. This combination makes Texas a very affordable place to live. You can typically expect to pay less for the same standard of living you’d have in many other states.

A big budget-booster in the state is the cost of land and housing. Plus, the efficiency of building a new home is also a lot better than in many other states. This means you could be in your new house in record time, instead of waiting months.

Everything might be bigger in Texas; the state is home to 6 of the 20 largest cities in the US. These are Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston. Plus, Texas is home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

However, it’s not all hustle and bustle and big city lights. Texas is also home to many quaint and charming places to live like New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Dripping Springs. Therefore, you can choose to live it up in the big city or kick back in a small town, all within the same state.

Here’s a look at how many people call these popular Texas cities home. Plus, a peek at what you could expect to pay to live there.

According to the US Health and Human Services Agency, Texas’s healthcare quality is lower than in most states. In fact, access to healthcare contributes to Texas’s rank of #46 for overall quality of life. This is more so a problem for people living in the more rural areas of the state.

You might find yourself having to drive over 50 miles to reach a health professional in some locations. Currently, more than 20% of Texas residents lack health insurance, compared to a national average of 12%.

For the past few years, since 2015, crime in the state has been creeping up. However, the ratio of police officers to citizens has been decreasing; not a good combo. In 2016, there was an average of two officers per 1,000 people.

Of course, like with any state, crime can differ dramatically based on where you live. The average chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Texas is 1 in 243. For property crime, it’s a chance of 1 in 42.

Here’s a look at how some Texas cities compare to those numbers.

In many states, if you were to drive straight for ten hours, you would end up in a different state. You might even cross over a few states! But this isn’t necessarily so in the vast state of Texas.

You could drive over 700 miles and still be in Texas. Plus, traffic congestion is fierce in many places throughout the state. Many drivers travel at breakneck speeds, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents.

In 2017, over 3,700 people died from vehicle accidents. Additionally, according to the Houston Chronicle, about 10 people die every day using the state’s transportation systems.

Thanks to an unstable political climate, high-income tax, and an expensive cost of living, many people are opting to move from California. Texas’s low cost of living and liberal political vibe are appealing for many California transplants.

It’s estimated that by 2050, roughly 20 million former Californians will live in Texas. Currently, approximately 15% of the people who move to Texas come from California. If you plan to be one of them, expect to pay between $3,700 and $4,100 to move.

A low cost of living, varied communities, and excellent job and educational opportunities make Texas very appealing. You have your pick of several climates depending on where you choose to live. Plus, the state is a popular choice for families.

However, traffic and travel issues, sweltering summers, and creeping crime rates might be too much for you to handle. Not to mention staggering property taxes and the possibility of below-average healthcare are some hefty drawbacks.

Like any state, Texas has its ups and downs. Most residents will proudly declare that their state is the biggest and the best. However, it’s up to you to look at all of the positives and negatives and decide if you agree.