Things to Know Before Moving to Texas

Thinking about moving to Texas, well let us help! The Lone Star State is a great place to live, with welcoming and diverse citizens. Texas being the second largest state in the nation gives it one of the most thriving ecosystems of any state in the U.S., and public land that is full of beauty and natural wonders. Did we mention, it’s a place where people love to celebrate? After all, Texas is the live music capital of the world. Then there’s the matter of history from the Alamo, the invention of Margaritas, Dr. Pepper, and the birth state of Beyonce!

Whether you’re moving to Texas to raise a family, for work, to retire, for school or a new experience in life, living in the state of Texas offers opportunities and pleasures few other states can match.

Texas at a Gander

As the “Home of Southern Hospitality,” the state of Texas is famous for great Southern barbecue, Dallas Cowboy Football, beautiful lakes and beaches. Texas not only offers everything from pristine beaches, scenic lakes, and astonishing valleys — it is also one of the most biodiverse states in the nation. Texas boasts 14 national parks, reservations, and many state parks. Whether you are looking to cool off in the water or hike a new trail, you’re certain to find that the landscape truly is bigger in Texas.

However, as anyone living there will tell you, that’s just scratching the surface. Texas is home to some of the largest corporations, top colleges and universities. And it’s well-known for fishing and hunting, it truly does have some of the best in the South.

Another great thing about living in Texas is its wide, open spaces. With fewer than 105 people per square mile, the state ranks 26th in population density. According to the United States Census Bureau, Texas' total estimated population stood at 30,029,572 in 2022, and more people moved in from other states than at any time in the last decade.

Advantages of Moving to Texas

There are a host of compelling reasons to make your new home in the Lone Star State. At 8% below the national average, Texas has the fifteenth-lowest cost of living among the 50 states. In fact, the Bureau of Economic Analysis has calculated that the average cost of living in Texas is around $39,661 per year for a single individual. The median household income of Texans is $57,382, with the highest employing industries being in trade, transportation and utilities. Employment in the government sector also enjoys a top slot.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Texas has a robust housing market. The statewide median sales prices for homes in 2022 was $290,863, which was an increase of 9.2% from one year ago.

The importance of education should not be overlooked. The state is home to several top-ranked universities, including Texas University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Baylor University, Rice University, University of Houston and many more! With many exceptional athletic programs, going to college football games is a beloved pastime for fans of the Texas Longhorns, Texas Aggies, Texas Tech Raiders and TCU Horned Frogs.

Weathering the Move to Texas

If you’re moving from a colder state, don’t worry about bringing your snow boots. The weather in Texas is typically warm and sunny, with few cold periods throughout the year. The state’s average annual temperature is 65.3° F with warmer temperatures found in its southern portions, and slightly cooler temperatures in the north, making it the fourth hottest state in the nation. The hottest month of the year is August, with most days experiencing temperatures of 93° F and above.

The coldest month of the year is January, with the average low temperatures ranging from 33° F to 54° F. Severe weather can occur in Texas during hurricane season, which is typically between May and October.

Best Places to Live in Texas

Depending upon what you’re looking for, Alabama offers a nice mix of small town and city life.

Austin was ranked as the best place to live in Texas in 2022 Forbes Advisor, experiencing a 21% growth rate over the last decade to become the fastest growing city in the state. Considered the most diverse culture city and capital of Texas, it hosts many large employers, including Dell Inc., H.E.B., and Amazon. Just recently, Elon Musk decided to move out to Texas bringing Tesla and SpaceX headquarters.

As the largest city in the state, Houston boasts an affordable cost of living — 7.9% below nation average and 34.1% below the average of the nation’s most populous metropolitan areas. It’s also a mecca for foodies. In fact, the renowned chef David Chang told GQ that Houston was the Next Food Mecca.

The city of San Antonio is home of The Alamo, the most important historical battleground from the Texas Revolution. San Antonio prides itself in being the affordable major urban center in the state housing many beautiful neighborhoods. Among the cities you have some of the best Tex Mex, San Antonio Spurs, and the Riverwalk.

The last city on our list, but not least, is Dallas, Tx! Dallas has some of the best public parks in the state, 71% of residents are actually within a 10 minute walk of a park. Dallas is also home to some of the best museums, galleries, and cultural accomplishments. Dallas is well known for hosting the annual Texas State Fair and considered by many to be the financial hub of Texas.

Things to Do: Only in Texas

Texas is unique in many ways and there are so many things you can only experience being in Texas. GO SEE THE RIVER WALK This is the top tourist attraction in the State of Texas, and for good reason. The San Antonio River Walk is a 2.5-mile walkway along the San Antonio River that offers plenty to do and see. There are art displays, museums, food, shopping, and much more. Travelers can easily spend a full day exploring this attraction, and it is likely to be one of their favorite experiences in the Lone Star State. After you do that then go see where the famous phrase goes, “Houston, we’ve had a problem,” for a reason - the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston is something travelers can only see in Texas. The Space Center Houston acts as the official visitor center for NASA and is a fantastic educational science museum.Then an absolute must is to go to Big Bend National Park, Nowhere else in the United States can travelers experience the beauty of an entire mountain range contained inside a National Park. But in Texas, the expansive Big Bend National Park contains the Chisos Mountain Range, making it a truly unique attraction. Hiking in Big Bend National Park is a special experience with desert landscapes and stunning views unlike anywhere else in the state.

Where – and What – Locals Eat in Texas

Now what you really want to know… So we’ll keep it tasty, short and simple for this list and choices. So you absolutely can’t go wrong with the Tex-Mex or BBQ in Texas.

The Top 5 for BBQ- Goldee’s Bar-BQ, Interstellar BBQ, Truth Barbeque, Cattleack BBQ, and Snow’s BBQ

Top 3 for Tex Mex- Hugo’s, Joe T. Garcia’s, L&J Cafe

As for when it comes to a staple of Texas any one can tell you that the most well known fast food restaurant to go to in Texas is hands down Whataburger. Go and thank us later!

Moving to Texas Soon? Let Next Destination Get You There

Operating across the nation the past decade, along with resources designed to deliver you a smooth, stress-free move experience, you can count on Next Destination Moving.

Are you Moving cross-country to Texas? Our long-distance movers can assist you. When moving with Next Destination Moving, you’ll have your own move coordinator and personalized Moving Truck, meaning your belongings won’t be shipped with other customer’s belongings. Why do we do this you ask? We do this so that we can guarantee there is no cross contamination or items being mixed up with another customer’s inventory. Start a quote today!

If you’re moving within the state of Texas, our interstate team members can also provide local moving services from our trusted affiliates or other branches scattered across Texas.

Moving on your own with the help of family and friends? Check out our complementary moving checklist and packing tips to make the move as easy as possible.

If you have further questions please by all means feel free to call or email us today!