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Yes, Texas can be a great place to live, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
Imagine standing on your porch in North Texas, watching a golden sunset stretch across open skies that seem to go on forever. That peaceful moment might be exactly why people pack up and start moving to Texas. Others come chasing job growth, lower taxes, or a fresh start far from crowded cities and rising costs.
But here’s the thing. Living in Texas isn’t always wide-open highways and barbecue joints. The summer heat can be brutal. Property taxes hit hard. And with over 30 million people now calling the Lone Star State home, daily life here has changed fast.
So is Texas still the dream? Or has it gotten too crowded, too hot, or too expensive to offer the freedom it once promised?
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, you’ll get real answers to the most common questions people ask when considering a move to Texas:
What are the things to consider before moving to Texas?
Why are so many people moving to Texas, and is it worth it for you?
Is Texas still growing, and what does that mean for your future there?
Overview
Yes, Texas can be a good place to live, offering benefits like no state income tax and a booming job market, but its suitability depends on individual priorities such as tolerance for extreme heat or preferences regarding urban vs. rural lifestyles.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Cost of Living
Texas offers no state income tax but higher property taxes and varying living expenses depending on the city, making it a financially diverse state.
Quality of Life
A mix of southern hospitality, outdoor activities, and a strong cultural scene defines the Texas lifestyle, though quality can differ between rural and urban areas.
Job Market & Economy
Robust job growth in sectors like energy, tech, and healthcare, especially in major cities, offers numerous employment opportunities.
Healthcare
World-class medical centers exist in cities, but healthcare access and insurance coverage can be challenging in rural areas.
Education
Strong universities contrast with an inconsistent K-12 public education system, where school quality varies significantly by district.
Climate
Texas experiences diverse weather, from hot summers and mild winters in North Texas to hurricane risks along the Gulf Coast.
Other Notable Considerations
Transportation
Texas is primarily car-dependent, with limited public transit outside of major cities, leading to long commutes.
Retirement
Texas is a financially attractive retirement destination due to the lack of state income tax and various retirement communities.
Key Factors to Consider When Deciding if Texas Is a Good Place to Live
When you’re deciding whether living in Texas makes sense for you, these are the nine key areas that shape daily life.
1. Cost of Living: Low Taxes, High Trade-Offs
Texas draws people in with the promise of low cost living. That promise is partly true. The state has no state income tax, saving residents thousands per year compared to states like California or New York.
But there’s a catch: property taxes are among the highest in the country. In fact, Texas ranks seventh nationwide with an average rate of 1.6%, which is higher than the national average of 0.99%. That can wipe out the benefit of skipping personal income tax, especially in major cities where housing costs are rising fast.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Depending on where you live, like El Paso vs. Dallas-Fort Worth, your costs can swing high or low.
2. Quality of Life: Culture, Nature, and That Texas Vibe
Texas is famous for southern hospitality, open space, and pride in being different. The culture is strong, and many Texas cities have deep roots in music, food, and art. Whether you’re catching a game from the Dallas Cowboys or enjoying live country music in Austin, there’s no shortage of personality.
If you love outdoor activities, you’ll find them in every corner of the state, from tubing on the Guadalupe River to hiking Big Bend National Park.
That said, lifestyle quality depends heavily on where you land. Some rural areas feel quiet and welcoming. Others may lack shopping, internet access, or healthcare options.
3. Job Market & Economy: Strong, Especially in Cities
Texas added over 400,000 jobs in 2023, with a 3.4% unemployment rate, which is better than the national rate of 3.8%. Sectors seeing fast growth include:
Energy
Tech and software
Construction
Healthcare
Logistics
Cities like Houston, Austin, and Dallas Fort Worth have booming job centers. For example, Austin is now called “Silicon Hills” because of tech giants like Apple and Tesla opening hubs there.
But not everyone benefits equally. Smaller towns and rural areas often have fewer job opportunities and slower economic development.
4. Healthcare: Good in Cities, Risky Outside
Houston remains home to the world’s largest medical complex: the Texas Medical Center. Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio also offer top-ranked hospitals.
Still, Texas ranks last in the nation for health insurance coverage, with over 18% of Texans uninsured. Many rural areas have few hospitals and long wait times.
Bottom line: You’ll find world-class care in the major cities, but it’s a different story outside them.
5. Education: College Strong, K–12 a Mixed Bag
Texas is home to elite schools like Rice University, Texas Tech, and Baylor University, which is great for those seeking advanced education or planning careers in STEM, law, or medicine.
But public K–12 schools are inconsistent:
In 2023, Texas ranked 28th in the nation for overall K–12 education quality, according to U.S. News & World Report source.
Suburban districts like Frisco ISD, Eanes ISD (Austin), and Katy ISD (Houston) often perform well above average.
Urban and rural districts, especially in West and South Texas, score lower in math, reading, and graduation rates.
If you have kids, your ZIP code can make or break your school options. Always research local districts before moving to Texas.
6. Climate: Warm Winters, Stormy Summers
The weather depends on where you live:
North Texas sees chilly winters and hot summers
The Gulf Coast brings sticky air, hurricanes, and storms
Central Texas gets some of the most extreme drought conditions
Expect:
Over 100 days a year above 90°F in cities like Austin and Dallas
Hot and humid summers that feel like 105°F or higher
High risk of extreme weather, including hail, tornadoes, and natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding
Love warm weather? You’ll have it. But severe weather is a growing concern.
7. Safety: Suburbs Are Safer Than the Cities
Crime rates in Texas are above the national average, with the state ranking 39th in public safety.
Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio report higher violent crime and property crime. Suburbs like Frisco, The Woodlands, and McKinney are ranked among the safest in the country.
Always compare neighborhood-level data before making your decision.
8. Transportation: Roads Rule, Transit Lacks
Cars are king in Texas. Public transit systems in major cities exist, but coverage is limited. Outside of core metro areas, public transportation is rare.
Expect:
Long commutes
Limited rail or bus options
High transportation expenses if you own more than one car
If walkability matters to you, only parts of Austin, downtown Dallas, and select neighborhoods in Houston qualify as walkable cities.
9. Retirement: Financially Friendly, Community-Oriented
Texas is a favorite for retirees for good reason:
No personal income tax
Social Security and pensions aren't taxed
Access to affordable housing in many towns
Active adult communities in places like Kerrville, Georgetown, and New Braunfels
Why Are So Many People Moving to Texas And Is It Worth It for You?
Texas added 473,453 people in 2023, the most of any U.S. state, according to new population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s more than the entire population of Miami, added in just one year.
This isn’t a one-time bump. From 2010 to 2023, the Lone Star State grew by more than 5 million people. That growth includes both domestic moves (people relocating to Texas from other states) and international migration.
Here’s a closer look at year-over-year growth:
Much of this growth is centered in major cities like Dallas Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, but smaller towns in rural areas are seeing a surge too.
What’s Driving the Growth?
Most people moving to Texas are looking for three things: more space, more opportunity, and more money in their pockets. Here are the key reasons they make the switch:
No state income tax or personal income tax
A booming job market in industries like tech
A relatively low cost of living compared to states like California and New York
Lower population density in rural areas, with space to build or buy
Diverse options across major Texas cities and smaller communities
Access to highly ranked universities
A lifestyle rooted in southern hospitality, independence, and open land
Plenty of outdoor activities
Where Are They Going?
The biggest gains are in and around Texas’s urban centers, but it’s not just about the big cities themselves. Suburbs and fast-growing towns surrounding major cities are leading the charge.
Here are just a few examples of high-growth areas between 2017 and 2022:
Even as rising home prices and property taxes affect budgets in cities like Austin and Dallas, many still view the trade-off as worthwhile compared to what they left behind.
Texas still offers a mix of space, jobs, and financial flexibility that’s hard to find elsewhere. And while cost of living challenges, like high property taxes, sales tax, and traffic congestion, are rising, the core appeal remains. For millions of people, living in Texas still feels like the better choice.
Is Texas Still Growing And What Does That Say About Living There Today?
Texas is transforming.
As of 2023, the Lone Star State officially surpassed 30.5 million residents, making it the second most populated state in the U.S. behind California. And it’s not slowing down. Even during periods when other states saw people moving out, Texas cities and towns kept expanding.
But what does this population boom mean for your everyday life if you’re thinking about moving to Texas?
Big Growth = Big Changes
Rapid growth can create both opportunity and pressure. More people means:
More job opportunities as businesses scale to meet demand
More homes being built but also rising home prices in many places
More demand on schools, roads, healthcare, and utilities
More traffic, longer commutes, and increased air pollution in major cities
Places like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas Fort Worth are already experiencing these effects. While the state’s size helps absorb some of the population pressure, infrastructure in certain major Texas cities is still playing catch-up.
Not Just Big Cities, Small Towns Are Booming Too
Texas offers a lifestyle for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for good schools, a retiree seeking peace and sunshine, or a digital nomad who wants space to grow, there’s a place that fits.
Best Places for Families
Frisco
McKinney
The Woodlands
Rockwall
These cities offer strong schools, low crime, and a mix of parks, retail, and housing options. They’re also close to bigger job hubs in Dallas or Houston.
Best for Young Professionals
Austin
Plano
Dallas
Fort Worth
You’ll find strong industries, nightlife, coworking spaces, and a vibrant sports scene with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks.
Best for Retirees
Georgetown
New Braunfels
Kerrville
These towns deliver a slower pace, access to affordable healthcare, and plenty of nature with warm weather and low local taxes.
Best for Small-Town Living
Boerne
Bastrop
Fredericksburg
Marble Falls
These towns combine scenic charm, tight-knit communities, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making them ideal for a relaxed small-town lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Texas’s state’s economy continues to grow with strong economic development across industries. But with growth comes decisions: about zoning, traffic, water supply, and how to maintain quality of life.
The pace of growth may cause extreme weather and natural disasters to hit more people in more areas, especially near the Gulf Coast. And some newcomers are surprised by how hot and stretched the infrastructure can feel in humid summers.
Still, Texas ranks among the top states for job market strength and business climate year after year. For millions, that makes it worth it.
Ready to Make Your Move to Texas?
If you’ve decided that living in Texas is the right step for you, whether for the thriving job market, the low cost of taxes, or the wide-open lifestyle, getting your car there shouldn’t be the hard part.
At AmeriFreight Auto Transport, we help individuals, families, and professionals move with peace of mind. Our team makes it simple to ship your vehicle across the country, whether you're headed to San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, or a quiet town in the Hill Country.
Explore your car shipping options and take one step closer to your new life in the Lone Star State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the pros and cons of living in Texas?
Texas offers no state income tax, a strong job market, and abundant outdoor activities, making it attractive to families and professionals alike. However, high property taxes, extreme summer heat, limited public services, and natural disaster risks are important downsides to consider.
Why is everybody moving to Texas?
A big reason people are moving to Texas is to escape income taxes and high living costs in places like California and New York. Indeed, over 100,000 Californians left for the Lone Star State in 2020.
Texas offers a relatively low cost of living, access to good jobs, and a flexible lifestyle.
The state's appeal also includes strong schools, walkable cities, major employers, and iconic professional sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. For many, the combination of a booming job market, better home affordability, and southern hospitality makes the Lone Star State an easy yes.
Is Texas known for being friendly?
Yes, friendliness is a big part of Texas culture (the official state motto is “Friendship”!) Whether you're settling into a city neighborhood or a rural area, the general vibe is welcoming. People tend to speak to their neighbors, help out in tough times, and show what most call true southern hospitality. In smaller towns, folks wave at strangers. In Texas cities, you'll still find community-minded events, volunteer groups, and friendly chats in the grocery store line.
That said, the feel of the community can vary depending on where you land. Some places are more fast-paced and diverse, like Houston or Austin, while others stick to a slower, more traditional rhythm. Overall, Texans take pride in being respectful, kind, and supportive and that hasn’t changed with growth.
Is It expensive to live in Texas?
Texas can be affordable or expensive. It depends on where you go and how you live. Property taxes are high, especially in fast-growing areas. A home in San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin might come with thousands of dollars in annual taxes. Add in sales taxes and transportation expenses, and life can feel pricey.
The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, especially in rural areas or cities like El Paso.
Overall, if you're moving from a high-cost state, Texas often feels more affordable. But the savings may not be as big as they used to be, especially in major Texas cities.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. While care has been taken to present accurate information, housing markets, community rankings, and cost-of-living data can change over time. Readers should verify details independently before making housing or relocation decisions.
