Are you considering a move to Texas and wondering if it’s the right decision for you?
With its diverse culture, booming economy, and warm climate, Texas may seem like an ideal place to call home.
However, like any state, it has its pros and cons. Thus, in this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in Texas.
Before making a move, you must weigh these pros and cons. Before packing your bags, consider a few things, from the cost of living to the climate.
Keep reading!
Pros of Living in Texas
Before we discuss the pros and cons of living in Texas, let’s first look at the pros.
1. Career Opportunities
The opportunities for jobs in Texas are almost endless. You can use all talents here, from service industry jobs to positions within large corporations.
If a career within a professional sports team seems attractive, there’s plenty to choose from.
Also, Texas is big on oil, cattle, and big business in general. Thus, you can access various interests and experience something you can do.
If education is your goal, several universities and colleges are available for students of all levels.
These universities offer internships and research roles that build experience.
Further, many amenities can bring individuals closer to achieving their dreams.
2. Low Cost of Living
Texas experienced the highest population increase in the US a few years ago due to its low cost of living.
Compared to other places, it offers affordable amenities with a high quality of life. Thus, it’s attractive to people who need a change.
Location independence has also been a key factor in drawing people toward Texas.
With access to modern infrastructure, it has been easy for newcomers to settle down and build their lives here.
Ultimately, this lower cost of living attracts even more new inhabitants yearly.
So, Texas is an even better destination for educated professionals seeking opportunity without sacrificing affordability.
3. No Income Tax
One of the pros of living in Texas is that it has no income tax benefit. Since no income tax is levied on wage earners, you can keep more money in your pocket instead of going towards taxes.
This also benefits businesses operating in Texas since they don’t have to pay taxes on their profits.
According to research, Texas is ranked fourth in the nation for low-tax states because it does not levy income taxes.
This is good news for businesses and individuals looking to move out of higher-taxing cities or states where residents often face large taxation bills yearly.
Moving to Texas provides tremendous financial relief for those living in areas with significant taxation due to its lack of income taxes.
It may become even more attractive as other states start experiencing greater economic downturns or when wages decrease due to natural market fluctuations.
Considering this, it is clear why many people are considering the benefits of relocating to Texas over other states with high tax rates.
4. Warm Climate
The great state of Texas is famous for its year-round warm climate.
While many parts of the country are used to extreme temperature changes from season to season, Texans enjoy a more temperate environment all year.
In fact, according to research, Texas has an average statewide annual temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
This means that whether you’re visiting during the winter or in the summertime, it will always be perfect t-shirt and shorts weather!
Texas occasionally gets snow, which is rare and usually only happens during the coldest months in the state’s northernmost areas.
Even if you visit during those months, you can still count on having milder temperatures than travelers from other states may experience during their seasonal visits.
You also have the added benefit of knowing you won’t have to remove your sweater as soon as it’s no longer in fashion!
Spending time in Texas is a good choice if you prefer warmer climates.
5. Little Government Regulations
The last pro of living in Texas is the advantage of operating with fewer government regulations.
For many entrepreneurs, this is a welcome relief from the painstakingly stringent rules that apply even to small startups in other states.
Instead of filling out large amounts of paperwork, business owners in Texas can quickly establish new projects and take on ventures with far less red tape.
This helps lead to economic growth within the state and makes it easier for people to launch their businesses without being bogged down by bureaucracy.
Also, fewer government regulations mean less interference in how businesses in Texas can be run.
Companies can innovate more freely without worrying about violating a law or guideline they didn’t know.
Long-term business owners are particularly thankful for the simple oversight since they don’t have to keep up with constantly changing mandates.
All in all, having fewer government regulations is one way that Texas continues its stellar reputation as an ideal place for starting a business due to its low costs and lightweight rules.
Cons of Living in Texas
Now that we have discussed the pros and cons of living in Texas, let’s discuss them.
1. Health Insurance is Low
Texas is lagging far behind the rest of the country in terms of healthcare access and affordability. According to a report, Texas ranks 49th out of all states in these categories.
This low score can be attributed to the state’s many uninsured residents, who were affected by decisions not to expand Medicaid eligibility.
This has led many Texans to rely on lower-quality health insurance plans that might not meet their needs or provide adequate coverage.
Due to this lack of access and affordability, it can be extremely challenging for many individuals in Texas to receive necessary medical services and treatments at an affordable price.
Further, research shows that this issue disproportionately affects minorities.
To address this issue and help improve the quality of life within the state, more resources must be allocated to increasing eligibility requirements.
2. Hurricane
Texas residents know all too well the devastation caused by hurricanes.
These immense storms seem to hit even harder every year than their predecessors, leaving a wake of destruction in their paths.
Homes and businesses are often destroyed, lives are forever changed, and the roads can suffer unimaginable damage, leaving them virtually unusable for months.
As if this were not enough suffering, Texans now have another worry to add to the list – hurricane exposure.
3. High Home Prices
With the Texas housing market boiling over, it’s no surprise that home prices are rising.
Over six months alone, the median price for a home jumped from $300,000 to $315,000. That’s not an easy market to keep up with.
Over the past year, the average home prices in Austin have experienced a 30% increase.
The idea of obtaining affordable homes disappears as this trend continues, making it difficult for those moving to Texas to start their families without breaking the bank.
It looks like these high trends may not be dwindling soon, either. Despite what might seem like a strong economy, there’s no shortage of new buyers lining up alongside investors and developers ready to pay these higher costs.
With more people flocking to Texas for job opportunities, it is no surprise that housing demand is also on the rise.
With each new development being constructed, competition has never been so fierce among buyers looking for their piece of Texas real estate.
4. Many Mosquitoes
Mosquito season in Texas may last all year round. These pesky flying bugs tend to hang around moist areas with standing water.
So, if you have wooded areas nearby filled with puddles and pools, expect plenty of these critters.
While these insects can be annoying, they do more harm than leaving itchy bites.
They carry many diseases, including encephalitis, the West Nile virus, and malaria.
While repellents and insecticides can help reduce the presence of such insects, taking preventative measures often does the trick.
Also, always avoid being outside during dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and wear protective clothing.
Mosquitoes may be tricky to remove, but taking precautions and knowing your options can minimize their presence in any Texas home.
5. Slow Internet Connection
Texas is not known for its robust internet connection. Despite technological advancements, many areas of the state still suffer from slow and unreliable speeds due to the lack of updated infrastructure.
This can be a major setback for anyone trying to stay connected or run an online business.
Even streaming quality videos can sometimes be a struggle due to the slow speeds.
Fortunately, some options, like satellite internet, may provide better speeds in certain areas.
Ultimately, your internet connection speed can depend on the provider and location, so research accordingly before signing a contract.
Bottom Line
We hope this post on the pros and cons of living in Texas helped you better understand the state.
While Texas has many positives, it also has its share of negatives. From high home prices to slow internet connections, Texans must be prepared for the bad and the good.
