Check any preconceived notions at the door: The Lone Star State has a lot going for it. Big cities like Houston and Austin have great nightlife, music scenes and job opportunities. The gorgeous Hill Country offers a quieter pace with charming small towns, wineries and rolling hills. And if wide open spaces are your thing, you can get lost in Big Bend’s mountains, canyons and desert landscapes. Moving to Texas also means great BBQ, friendly folks and plenty of places to explore. In other words, a move to Texas may just be the change of scenery you’re looking for.
The Many Faces of Texas
Texas is a big state with a lot of variety. In the cities, you’ll experience the excitement of world-class culture, food and nightlife. Austin and Houston are progressive cities known for music, art and tech jobs. Meanwhile, San Antonio has a charming River Walk and loads of history. Dallas glitters with money and high society.
In small towns, life moves a little slower. Friendly neighbors know your name, and you can stroll through quaint main streets under big Texas skies. Places like Fredericksburg, Marble Falls and Bandera in the scenic Hill Country offer a glimpse into laid-back rural life.
For the outdoor adventurer, Texas’ open spaces are a paradise. Big Bend National Park is a rugged wonderland for hiking, camping, rafting and spotting birds. Padre Island National Seashore stretches 70 miles along the Gulf Coast, a perfect escape for swimming, sunbathing and sandcastle building. And across the state, you’ll find secluded cabins, ranches and campsites beneath the stars at night.
Whether you prefer the energy of the city, the simplicity of small towns or the solitude of nature, the Lone Star State has something for everyone. That diversity is what makes Texas endlessly fascinating.
The Texas Economy
Low Cost of Living and No State Income Tax
Texas has one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S., thanks to affordable housing and utilities. It is also one of only seven states with no state income tax. This makes the Lone Star State an attractive place for businesses and individuals looking to keep more of their hard-earned money.
A Business-Friendly Environment
Texas has a very pro-business environment. It has no corporate income tax, franchise tax or personal income tax. Regulations are relatively limited. The state actively recruits major corporations with tax incentives and grants. As a result, many large companies have relocated their headquarters to Texas, including Toyota, McKesson and Core-Mark. This influx of large corporations also brings many high-paying jobs.
Diverse Job Opportunities
In Texas, you’ll find job openings in nearly every industry. Major employment sectors include technology, healthcare, finance, tourism, and international trade. Opportunities are especially plentiful in Austin, Houston, San Antoni and Dallas. Whether you have an MBA or a high school diploma, Texas’ diverse and growing economy has a career for you.
Low Unemployment
Texas frequently has an unemployment rate below the national average. Jobs are plentiful, and the cost of living is affordable. This combination makes Texas an appealing place to launch or advance your career. While the economy has peaks and valleys like any state, opportunities tend to rebound quickly in Texas. The state motto may be “Friendship,” but the economy is all about opportunity.
The Great Outdoors in Texas
Hiking and Biking Paradise
Texas offers some of the best hiking and biking in the country, with terrain as diverse as the state itself. In the hill country around Austin and San Antonio, you’ll find scenic trails for hiking and biking with riverside views and hidden swimming holes. Big Bend National Park is a hiker’s dream, with over 200 miles of trails in the Chihuahuan Desert and Chisos Mountains.
Explore more of the state’s outdoor beauty in our National Parks of the Southwest guide.
Floating the Rivers
When the summer heats up, Texans head to the rivers. The Guadalupe, Comal and Frio rivers near San Antonio are popular for tubing, with outfitters renting tubes for a leisurely float downriver. The Colorado River in Austin is another hot spot for paddling, whether in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. For white-water thrills, head to the Rio Grande for some rafting through the canyons of Big Bend.
Lakeside Relaxation
With a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and inland lakes throughout the state, you’ll never be far from the water in Texas. Lake Travis and Lake Austin near Austin are perfect for boating, fishing and swimming. Possum Kingdom and Palo Duro lakes in north Texas also offer opportunities for watersports with a backdrop of colorful canyon cliffs. Pack a picnic, slather on the sunscreen and enjoy a quintessential Texas lake day.
The outdoor recreation in Texas is as big and bold as the state itself. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to lounge lakeside with a cold beer, the Lone Star State will not disappoint. The sunny weather and natural beauty provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, paddling or simply kicking back outside.
Texas Culture, Food and Entertainment
Live Music and Nightlife
Texas is known for its vibrant live music scene, especially in Austin and Houston. You can catch shows almost any night of the week at bars, clubs, and music venues across the state. Austin calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World” for good reason, with internationally famous music festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest.
Barbecue and Tex-Mex Cuisine
Two types of cuisine define Texas: Barbecue and Tex-Mex. Texas barbecue is all about beef brisket, sausage and ribs. Each region has its own flavor and style, from the tangy tomato-based sauces of East Texas to the spicy chili rubs of West Texas. Tex-Mex incorporates Mexican and American influences, like queso, nachos, fajitas and margaritas. You’ll find amazing barbecue joints and Tex-Mex spots in every city and small town.
Rodeos and Fairs
Experience a slice of Texas ranch life at a rodeo. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the biggest, with livestock auctions, carnival rides, concerts and a huge rodeo event. Many smaller towns also host weekend rodeos and fairs, especially in the Hill Country and West Texas. These community events highlight local agriculture, food, music and Western heritage.
Sports
Texans love their sports teams, especially football. Houston, Dallas and San Antonio all have NFL teams with huge fanbases. Many Texans also follow college football, especially the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies. Minor league baseball is popular in the summer, with teams like the Round Rock Express, Corpus Christi Hooks and Frisco RoughRiders.
Here’s a roundup of what you can expect:
Major League Baseball (MLB):
- Houston Astros (Houston) – American League West Division
- Texas Rangers (Dallas)- American League West Division
National Football League (NFL):
- Dallas Cowboys (Dallas) – NFC East Division
- Houston Texans (Houston) – AFC South Division
National Basketball Association (NBA):
- San Antonio Spurs (San Antonio)
- Dallas Mavericks (Dallas)
- Houston Rockers (Houston)
National Hockey League (NHL):
- Dallas Stars (Dallas)
Major League Soccer (MLS):
- FC Dallas (Frisco)
- Houston Dynamo FC (Houston)
- Austin FC (Austin)
Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA):
- Dallas Wings (Arlington)
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL):
- Houston Dash
Living in Texas: What It’s Really Like and Frequently Asked Questions
You may have a lot of questions about moving to the Lone Star State. Here are some of the big ones:
What’s the climate like?
Hot! Summers are long, with average highs over 95 F. Winters are short and mild.
Are there jobs?
Yes, especially in major cities. The economy is strong, with opportunities in energy, tech, healthcare, and more.
How are the schools?
It depends on the district. Some areas have excellent schools, while others struggle. You will need to do your research.
What do people do for fun?
Texans love the outdoors, sports, live music, BBQs, and rodeos. There’s always something going on.
How are the tacos?
Amazing! Tex-Mex food, like tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas, is both popular and delicious.
From the energy and excitement of the big cities to the wide-open spaces and rugged beauty of hill country, all the way out to the remote wilderness of Big Bend, Texas has a lot to offer anyone looking for adventure, opportunity or just a change of scenery.
Working with a professional moving company like United Van Lines can take the hassle out of cross-country moves to Texas. Our customized, full-service moving packages can cover all your moving needs. United’s experienced agents can manage storage, packing, unpacking, car shipping, debris removal and more.
Want to know more about living in Texas? Delve deeper with our city and state guides. Ready to make a move? Our blog is filled with helpful moving checklists, tips and tricks for settling in your new abode.
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