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Texas has become increasingly popular to move to, and for many reasons—most often noted is the friendliness of its people. Still, there have to be more reasons why several of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.A. are in Texas. Have a look at why Texas has become such a popular state.
With a stable economy and good job prospects for workers, Texas appeals to people looking for an excellent place to settle. Texas is friendly and diverse in culture, offering both big-city living and rural towns. Median house prices make Texas a top choice for families.
What Makes Texas Such a Popular State
Several factors make Texas an attractive destination state for people looking for new prospects. The sheer size of Texas means there is a diverse range of places to live; in both climate and culture. We’ve looked at the key things that draw people to Texas and its different cities.
- A strong economy and healthy job market
- The ability to own a decent home
- Low cost of living
- Low taxes
- Down-to-earth, straightforward nature of Texans
- Diversity of cultures and lifestyles
Possibly one of the biggest draws for people thinking about relocating to Texas is the economic factor. Along with an unemployment rate of 4.2% in 2022 and stronger salaries, the lack of income tax affords many Texans more disposable income.
Strong Economy in Texas
For many years, Texas often had a lower unemployment rate than the U.S. average. After the Covid pandemic, this changed. Texas is gradually recovering and experiencing rapid job growth, which helped to bring unemployment down to 4.2%, with all signs showing that it is steadily dropping.
- The average salary in Texas is $57,382, slightly higher than the national average.
There are many opportunities for blue-collar workers in Texas to earn excellent wages. With many Fortune 500 companies based here, highly-trained workers are finding it increasingly easy to relocate.
While the leisure, hospitality, and trade sectors had fast growth in 2022, there are plenty of job opportunities in the engineering, technology, aerospace, and oil industries.
Cost of Living in Texas
Another reason Texas draws so many new workers is the low cost of living, currently the 17th lowest in the states. On average, a Texan will spend around $3,300 a month on living expenses, with an annual estimate of $39-40 000. Housing and utilities, healthcare, food, and groceries are the most significant expenses.
The cost of owning or renting a home will vary greatly depending on where you are in the state. Still, according to Zillow, a typical home in Texas will cost $316,127 as of 2023.
There was a sharp increase in housing costs in 2020/2021, but Texas remains relatively affordable.
Climate and Culture Make Texas Popular
Texas is incredibly diverse due to the many different cultures that make Texas their home. Thanks to the enormous size and the changing geography, the weather can vary depending on where you live. The one major issue Texas faces due to its location is the frequency of destructive hurricanes in the Gulf.
Good Weather in Texas
After Alaska, Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. Thanks to its location in the southern part of the country, it boasts a wide range of weather and climate. This makes it easier for people moving to Texas to choose a climate in which they will be more comfortable.
The northernmost regions have colder winters, while the counties along the Gulf Coast are milder. While you can get snow in the northern Panhandle regions and in the western parts of Texas, where the land is mountainous, it rarely snows along the coast.
Texas generally experiences warm summers, with high temperatures around 90 Fahrenheit. This makes Texas appealing to people who love the outdoors and want to spend time in the sun, hiking, and watersports.
Diversity in Texas
Americans pride ourselves on being a nation founded in diversity—a melting pot of cultures—and Texas is ethnically and linguistically no exception. With a strong influence from Mexico, Texas has many Hispanic and Latino communities, and English and Spanish are both commonly spoken.
Thanks to its fast growth, 91% of new Texans are people of color, reflecting cultural and political changes. However, you can also see a wide range of job sectors, which also promotes a culture full of many different kinds of people.
Culture in Texas
Texas has always been known for its strong cowboy and ranching tradition, making this state a draw for people who love outdoor ranch life and rodeo culture. It also has a long history of music, particularly country and western. It has produced many famous musicians, such as Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, and Beyonce.
Texas is still where budding musicians head to hone their skills, especially in cities like Houston and Austin, which have many opportunities for performance and nightlife.
Sports lovers, particularly if they follow football and baseball, enjoy the emphasis on sports programs and facilities at Texas schools.
Family-Friendly Living Makes Texas Popular
Texas is often touted as an excellent place to raise a family. Thanks to decent salaries, job opportunities, and wide-open spaces, many people find it easy to stay in a large house suitable for a family. Texas also has highly-ranked schools and good universities and provides both outdoor life and plenty of entertainment
- Rice University in Houston is ranked the U.S. No. 6 by Niche.
- Texas has several high-ranking schools.
- Texas is rated one of the best places to raise a family.
- Texas is perfect for those who love the outdoors.
- Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin have a massive range of entertainment and culture.
Education
Education can vary across the state, but many cities have great schools, and Houston has several well-regarded universities. Schools in Texas often have very-well funded sports curricula, making it a great place to live if your children are athletic.
Raising a Family
Cities with good schools often have good transport infrastructure and decent cost of living. Many towns in Texas have relatively young demographics and have a wide range of activities for younger people.
Outdoor Living and Entertainment
Texas has many nature reserves and beautiful outdoor areas for enjoyment. Whether you prefer mountainous areas or coastal life, the size of Texas makes either possible.
Cities like Austin have many different types of nightlife, arts, and entertainment and host Formula One racing.
Why Texas is Popular FAQs
Is Texas Overpopulated?
While some opinions say that the boom in people moving to Texas risks overpopulating the state, this is unlikely. Population growth has been slowing due to lower birth rates, less international immigration, and higher mortality in the wake of Covid.
What Is the Nicest Texan City to Live In?
While this will depend on what you’re looking for when relocating, Austin is the top-ranked place to live in Texas. This is thanks to its diverse population and friendly, laid-back attitude. It also has some of the fastest-growing office markets in Texas and has a range of fine arts and live entertainment.
Where is the Best Place in Texas to Retire?
Retirees come to Texas for the friendliness, the warm weather, and the affordable housing. The lack of state income tax also appeals to retirees. Corpus Christi is a popular retirement destination.
References:
- Texas unemployment rate: Texas.gov
- Annual salary Texas: comptroller.texas.gov
- Cost of living Texas index: Meric.mo.gov
- Texas home value: Zillow.com
- Diversity in Texas: Texastribune.org
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.