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Moving To State   •   Texas

Moving to Texas: Pros and Cons in 2025

If you’re thinking about moving to Texas, you’re not alone. The Lone Star State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Houston and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Texas, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Texas to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros & cons of living in Texas

Like any big move, relocating to Texas comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Lone Star State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in TX

  • Ample economic opportunity
  • Favorable climate
  • Delicious barbecue
  • Low taxes
  • Privacy and freedom

Cons of living in TX

  • Severe weather
  • Limited healthcare access
  • High crime rate
  • Traffic issues
  • Politics

Things to do in Texas

Whether you’re moving to Texas work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Texas has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Texas

  • The Alamo
  • San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
  • Texas State Capitol
  • Dallas World Aquarium
  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Space Center Houston
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
  • Big Bend National Park
  • Moody Gardens and Aquarium, Galveston Island
  • Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Museums in Texas

  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument
  • USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
  • National Museum of the Pacific War
  • Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
  • The Buddy Holly Center
  • Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
  • The Alamo
  • George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Parks in Texas

  • Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
  • Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
  • Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
  • Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
  • Garner State Park, Concan
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat
  • Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City and Stonewall
  • Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
  • Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, near Comstock

Fun facts about Texas

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Texas, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

  • More wool comes from the state of Texas than any other state in the United States.
  • Edwards Plateau in west central Texas is the top sheep growing area in the country.
  • Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.
  • The state was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.
  • Texas boasts the nation’s largest herd of whitetail deer.
  • A coastal live oak located near Fulton is the oldest tree in the state. The tree has an estimated age of more than 1,500 years.

Texas population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Texas, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Lone Star State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Texas, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric Texas
Population 30,503,301
Female 50.1%
Male 49.9%
College graduation rate 33.12%
Political leaning Republican 56-44
Crime index 27.32

Texas weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Texas is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Texas aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric Texas
Summer high 94ºF
Winter low 36ºF
Annual rain 36″
Annual snow 2″

Income and cost of living in Texas

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Texas.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Texas and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

  • Manufacturing ($37.6 billion)
  • Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion)
  • Professional and business services ($22 billion)
  • Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.7 billion)
  • Retail trade ($15.3 billion)
  • Finance and insurance ($13.2 billion
  • Wholesale trade ($12.4 billion)
  • Construction ($7.8 billion)
  • Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.2 billion)
  • Utilities ($6.5 billion)
Metric Texas
Average rent cost $1,251
Average home cost $300,267
Average income (per capita) $73,035
Cost of living index* 93
Unemployment rate 4.1%
Average sales tax Not available
State income tax 0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.


Top schools in Texas

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Texas has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Texas:

  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Houston
  • The University of Texas at Arlington
  • The University of Texas at Dallas
  • The University of North Texas
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Texas State University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Texas

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Lone Star State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Texas

Before you take the leap to Texas, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.


Cost to bring your car to Texas

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Texas.

Texas car insurance requirementstoggle

All drivers in Texas must have liability insurance called 30/60/25 coverage. But this minimum may not cover the costs of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy gives $30,000 for individual injury, up to $60,000 for injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Texas drivers license requirementstoggle

New residents must get a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.


FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Texas?toggle

Moving to Texas is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Texas is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Texas?toggle

On the cost of living index, Texas has a score of 93. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Texas?toggle

The average income in TX is $73,035, and the an unemployment rate is 4.1. Home prices are $300,267, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,251.

What is the downside of living in Texas?toggle

Like any place, Texas has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Lone Star State include:

  • Severe weather
  • Limited healthcare access
  • High crime rate
  • Traffic issues
  • Politics

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