Pros and Cons of Living in Texas
The second most populous state in the US, Texas is the south-central region of the US. Moving to Texas can become quite overwhelming initially but it is a decision worth every penny. Also called as the Lone Star State, it has everything to offer starting from food to employment opportunities but not without some disadvantages too.
Here, we have come up with a list of pros and cons of Living in Texas that will let you make an informed decision. Let's get started.
Pros of Living in Texas
What are the advantages of living in Texas? Here are some of them –
1. BBQ
The first in the list of pros of living in Texas is the barbecue. Because the list is incomplete without the mention of food. Texas is one of the premier states known for tantalizing BBQ. The traditional Texas barbecue includes perfectly seasoned smoked meats (pork ribs and sausages) tenderly cooked over wood until the meat falls off the bone. So, if you are a foodie, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to come to Texas and enjoy its lip-smacking dishes.
2. Cost of Living
Living in Texas is affordable in comparison to other popular states in the USA. It is the largest state in the continental US, you can have enough room to roam around it and even buy a couple of acres here. All in all, the housing costs in Texas are much lower than the national average which makes it an attractive place for people having a fixed incomes.
3. No State Income Tax in Texas
One of the biggest advantages of living in Texas is the lack of state income taxes. So, you can say that your take-home pay is higher simply by living your life in Texas. You can use this saved or hard-earned money to invest or spend the way you like. The absence of state income tax here attracts many employers due to generous tax incentives. Now, the state will collect tax in one way or the other. If Texas is not charging any income tax, it collects taxes from the residents in the form of sales tax and property tax. But still, the combined tax rate is low, only 8.25%.
4. Booming Job Opportunities
The job market in Texas is booming and doesn't show any signs of slowing down soon. This is one of the supreme reasons millennials and Gen Z are considering moving to Texas. Whether you plan to do a job here or hoping to reach heights in your career, it is the right place. The generous economic policies and easy way of life are some reasons moving to Texas can never go wrong for employees and employers. Some of the top industries in Texas are manufacturing, technology, tourism, and oil and gas.
5. Homes are Affordable
Council for Community and Economic Research has found out that the cost of living in Texas is nearly 5.9% lower as compared to the national average. Cheap land and affordable housing attract a lot of people. You don't have to work two jobs to make a living. Besides, salaries are more competitive.
6. Friendly Locals
The locals are warm and hospitable, adding to the list of advantages of living in Texas. You won't find it difficult to make friends here. If you are someone who is open to striking up conversations, Texas is a very friendly place. People here live no-frills life and with little effort, you can expand your friend circle in Texas.
Cons of Living in Texas
You should also know the cons of living in Texas before making a move here. Let's find out the disadvantages of living in Texas.
7. Summer
Summers in Texas are unbearable and it is not a joke. The reason is – it is located close to the equator. If you are unprepared to face its heat, you will experience the challenges. Texans are likely to stay inside in ACs the whole day in summer because the outside heat becomes intolerable. The temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Property and Sales Taxes Are High
There is no denying the fact that Texas is the state with some of the highest property taxes in the country. The tax rates vary from county to county but are generally between 1.75% - 2.3%, one of the highest in America. And it sucks if you are planning to live here permanently.
9. Rising Home Prices
We have discussed how affordable housing prices in Texas are, but there is another aspect of the same. The trend is doesn't going to be there for long. The housing prices are rising at a skyrocketing speed.
10. Bugs
One of the biggest disadvantages of living in Texas is to live in the buggiest states in America. The state has a large population of cockroaches, fire ants, and mosquitoes. The common ones are beetles, moths, wasps, and spiders. All these bugs create a nuisance for homeowners. Some of these bugs are harmless. While there are some others, like fire ants and mosquitoes, that create a real pain in the ass. Thus, it is important to set an annual budget for pest control before you decide to move here.
11. Severe Storms
The weather can become so outrageous there that it poses a constant threat from the months of June to November. Hurricanes are frequent, especially in Florida. Texas also has the tag of a high-risk hurricane zone. So, don't forget to buy flood insurance (or disaster insurance) if you have made up your mind to buy a home here.
To Make a Long Story Short
Moving to Texas offers a unique blend of benefits and challenges. From its renowned BBQ and affordable living costs to booming job opportunities and friendly locals, Texas has much to offer those seeking a new home. However, it's essential to be prepared for the intense summer heat, high property taxes, potential pests, and severe weather conditions. Understanding these pros and cons of living in Texas will help you make an informed decision about relocating to the Lone Star State.
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Whether you need temporary storage during your move or ongoing storage solutions, urBin professional team is equipped to handle your requirements, making your relocation experience as stress-free as possible. Choose urBin for reliable, convenient storage and moving services, and let your move to Texas become as easy as possible. Shoot your queries at support@urbinstorage.com for more information.
FAQs
Is Texas Really a Good State to Live In?
Yes, Texas is a great state to live in, offering affordable living costs, no state income tax, booming job opportunities, and friendly locals. However, it's important to consider its intense summer heat, high property taxes, and frequent severe storms.
What is the best BBQ location in Texas?
Texas is renowned for its BBQ, with numerous top-notch spots across the state. Some of the best locations include Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Snow's BBQ in Lexington, and Pecan Lodge in Dallas, known for their perfectly seasoned and smoked meats.
Why Is Texas So Popular?
Texas is popular due to its booming job market, affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and diverse cultural offerings. Its friendly locals and renowned BBQ add to its appeal, making it a desirable place for many people.
How Safe Is Living in Texas?
Living in Texas can be safe, but it's crucial to consider the varying crime rates across different cities and neighborhoods. While some areas are very safe, others may have higher crime rates. Additionally, the state experiences severe weather, so being prepared for natural disasters is essential.