10 Pros and Cons of Living in Texas
Texas, also known as the “Lone Star State,” is the second-largest U.S. state by area and population. With such a big state, you’ll find something to love about Texas – may that be the fantastic barbeque or the beautiful state parks; there is something for everyone. Whether you’re considering renting an apartment in San Antonio or living in Dallas, here are ten pros and cons of living in Texas. Read on to help you determine if Texas is a good place to live.
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Quick Facts about Texas
Population
29,145,505
Median home sale price
$357,700
Average rent in Texas
$1,553
Largest cities in Texas
Houston, San Antonio, Dallas
Pros of living in Texas
Living in Texas offers numerous benefits, including a diverse and growing economy with abundant job opportunities. The state provides a relatively low cost of living and affordable housing options in many areas. Below are just a few advantages of living in the Lone Star State.
1. Residents pay relatively low taxes
One of the reasons Texas is so popular is its lack of a state income tax. This policy alone causes people to move to the Lone Star State every year due to a lower overall tax burden. Additionally, entrepreneurs enjoy the fact that Texas is a pro-business state. For example, it has what’s called a “franchise tax.” This tax applies only to businesses, not individuals. Plus, it’s based on margins rather than profits or revenue. As a result, small companies in Texas don’t have to pay much in tax.
2. Affordable cost of living
Texas boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home sale price of $357,700, significantly lower than the national median of $439,716. This affordability extends beyond housing, encompassing lower costs in utilities, groceries, and transportation; for instance, Texans often pay less for gasoline due to the state’s proximity to major oil refineries.
3. Living in Texas means lots of sunshine
The weather is perfect for picnics, hiking, and biking. You can also go swimming or take a stroll along the beach. If you have kids, you can take them to the many state parks – like Cedar Hill State Park in North Texas and the many theme parks, zoos, and museums. You won’t have to wait until summer to play outside again because there’s always something to do.
4. The job market is booming
With a strong economy and large companies relocating to Texas cities, Texas’ job market is growing – especially if you’re living in Austin. With hospitals expanding or being built all across the state, there is an increasing need for trained professionals in the medical field, especially nurses.
Here are a few other companies of interest that are headquartered in Texas:
McKesson
ExxonMobil
AT&T
Dell Technologies
5. There are tons of educational opportunities for students
Texas is well-known for its wide range of public and private universities and colleges when it comes to education. There are many family-friendly cities with top-rated schools. The schools are highly rated, and they also have a variety of programs that students can choose from to further their education. Below are some of the top universities and colleges in the state:
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
Baylor University
Rice University
If you have your heart set on attending college or university, you should consider Texas as a great destination.
Cons of living in Texas
However, living in Texas can have its drawbacks, such as the intense heat and humidity during the summer months. Additionally, Texas is prone to severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, which can be challenging for residents. Read on to learn more about the state’s disadvantages.
1. The summer heat can be brutal
Since Texas is a large state, temperatures vary on where you live. For example, living in Fort Worth in the North Central region, you can expect temperatures to range from 94-98°F, whereas you can expect the summer months living in Houston to range from 88-91°F. Texas is generally muggier along the lowlands and the Gulf Coast.
2. You’ll need a car to get around
Due to the state’s size, getting to and from different parts of the state requires some sort of transportation – a car being the most common option for residents. Traveling to major cities within Texas can take three-to-five hours by car. So with a car, you can drive to the distant national parks, cities, and the coast on your own time.
3. Property taxes are high
One potential downside to living in Texas is its high property tax, with an effective rate of 1.60%, significantly above the national average of 0.99%. This higher property tax rate can lead to substantial annual expenses for homeowners, even with the state’s lower median home prices. As a result, while Texas offers affordable housing, the elevated property taxes can offset some of the cost-of-living benefits.
4. When it comes to bugs, Texas has a lot of them.
Texas’s conditions are almost perfect for encouraging bugs to breed with all that warm weather and the lush vegetation. Some of the more common insect problems Texans face include:
Bees and Wasps
Mosquitoes
Ants
Spiders
Roaches
5. Exposure to hurricanes
One of the most important climate risks in Texas is hurricanes and other natural disasters. Texas is a major site for hurricanes, which can devastating damage to your property or even your life. Hurricanes leave thousands homeless and without electricity, so it’s best to prepare yourself beforehand.
The best way to protect yourself from them is to get away before they hit land. You should also make sure that you prepare your house for a hurricane by having flood insurance and the proper supplies ready so that you can evacuate if necessary.
Methodology: The population data is from the United States Census Bureau and the median home sale price and average rental data is from the Redfin Data Center.
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