Top 10 Reasons to Move to Texas

Is Texas a good state to live in? In a word: yes!

Texas consistently ranks as one of the top states to move to, attracting an influx of around 395,000 new residents each year, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

The booming economy and agreeable climate play a significant role in why everyone is moving to Texas—or at least appears to be. The affordable cost of living is also a major drawcard, as a recent report suggests everyday expenses like food and groceries are 11% below the national average here, despite nationwide inflation.

But it doesn’t stop there. Diverse recreational opportunities, cultural diversity, incredible food, and good old-fashioned southern hospitality are just a few more of the remarkably good things about Texas that keep the migration train moving at high speed. So, considering all these appealing attributes, is Texas a good place to live for your personal needs? Let’s delve into the biggest reasons people choose Texas as their home state.

10 reasons to move to Texas

Why are people moving to Texas? The quick answer is that the Lone Star State offers an unmatched blend of benefits, making it a compelling place to live. And while there are pros and cons to living in Texas, as with any place, the advantages typically outweigh the negatives.

Let’s dive into some of the most essential factors to learn more about what makes Texas unique.

1. No state income tax

One of the primary reasons why people move to Texas is the absence of personal income tax on their earnings. These income tax savings can be significant, especially for those relocating from states with high tax rates, like California and New Jersey.

However, the tax incentives don’t just apply to young professionals and working families. No income tax is deducted from Social Security, pensions, IRAs, or 401(k)s, making Texas an appealing option for retirees as well.

2. Diverse culture

Located at the crossroads of the western prairies, the Deep South, and Mexico, Texas boasts a rich history steeped in Hispanic, African, and Anglo traditions.

This cultural foundation is further enriched by a significant mix of Asian, Middle Eastern, and European influences, making Texas one of the most culturally diverse states in the nation. In fact, it ranks as the second most diverse state in America.

3. Warm weather

If you ask existing residents why you should move to Texas, the warm weather benefits would rank high on the list of answers. Sure, Texas summers can be scorching. However, with a total surface area covering 268,597 square miles, there’s plenty of variation to be found between the state’s major cities, outlying towns, and rural areas, making it an attractive destination for various preferences.

Plus, Texas winters are notoriously mild, and the benefits of living in a warmer climate extend to many aspects of physical and mental well-being.

4. Affordable housing

In addition to lower consumer prices for groceries, transportation costs, and more, Texas offers an incredibly accessible housing market, resulting in more affordable living for buyers and renters alike. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in Dallas or Houston, a family home in San Antonio or Flower Mound, or a sprawling estate in Hill Country, finding an affordable house is typically straightforward.

However, although a more affordable lifestyle is high on the list of reasons to move to Texas, it’s worth noting that low housing costs and state income taxes are often offset by higher property taxes.

5. Competitive job market

Is moving to Texas worth it from a professional perspective? Yes, it’s a job seeker’s haven! A thriving economy and a strong job market go hand in hand, and the Lone Star State consistently outperforms the national average in job creation. For example, last year, Siemens invested $150 million into building a data center equipment factory in Dallas-Fort Worth as part of a $500 million investment expected to create 1,700 jobs.

However, while economic growth certainly generates diverse job opportunities in key industries like energy, software, aerospace, and engineering, you don’t have to be an oil and gas guru or tech industry fanatic to find work. Texas produces more cotton, hay, sheep, goats, mohair, and horses than any other state, meaning there are plenty of job opportunities in agriculture, supply chain, and retail roles, too.

6. High-quality universities

Why move to Texas to study? Because the state is home to some of the top universities in the country, attracting a diverse base of national and international students. The most popular majors in Texas cover business, marketing, healthcare, interdisciplinary studies, and biomedical sciences. Across those disciplines, the top five universities in Texas are:

Rice University
University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
Southern Methodist University
Baylor University

7. Outdoor recreation

The diverse landscape and numerous areas of outstanding natural beauty provide even more great reasons to move to Texas. Home to two national parks (Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains) and 89 state parks, there’s plenty of free and low-cost attractions to explore and an almost endless list of outdoor adventures to try, including:

Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Canoeing and Kayaking

8. City or rural living

Whether you prefer the bustling metropolis of the state capital, the tranquility of life on the prairies, or something in between, there’s something for everyone in Texas. For example, Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, while other larger Texas cities appeal to other interests like performing arts and food culture. Meanwhile, smaller rural towns present opportunities to visit farmers’ markets, attend small festivals and explore the contemporary art scene. Marfa, in particular, is known as a cultural center for contemporary artisans and is home to some exceptionally vibrant art installations.

9. Professional sports

Why live in Texas if you’re an avid sports fan? Easy! The state is home to a thriving sports scene, infused with a passion that’s as big as the state itself. This creates a lively and exciting atmosphere, offering a diverse array of teams to cheer for, no matter what kind of sports enthusiast you are. The most popular teams include:

Basketball – San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Wings, Houston Rockets
Baseball – Texas Rangers, Houston Astros
American Football – Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans
Soccer – Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash, Austin FC, FC Dallas
Hockey – Dallas Stars

10. Incredible food

If you ask a local, this would definitely rank as one of the top reasons to move to Texas! The heavy Mexican influence makes Tex-Mex a firm favorite, and nothing comes close to the unique style and smoky flavor of a traditional Texas BBQ. However, the culinary delights don’t stop there. There’s a thriving farm-to-table movement, and Texan cuisine is also influenced by Native American, German, Czech, Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors as well. Thus, there’s a wide variety of gastronomic options to suit any palate.

Save on electricity plans with BKVE

If securing a more affordable lifestyle is one of your primary reasons for moving to Texas, researching lower-cost utility plans is essential.

Although the average monthly electricity bill in Texas usually falls below the national average, it may be slightly higher than in other regions for various reasons. Therefore, choosing the most cost-effective energy plan is crucial.

At BKVE, we offer a range of straightforward homeowner electricity plans, allowing you to find the perfect solution for your household’s unique needs. Find your plan by entering your zip code to compare your options and start saving today.

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley, Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, leads digital and traditional marketing strategies, focusing on educating Texans about the state's deregulated energy market. With over 10 years of marketing experience, he creates content to help consumers understand and save on their energy bills, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to the industry.