What to Expect When Being Relocated to TX

You just got the word that you’ll be relocated to Texas, where everything is bigger and everyone wears cowboy hats, lives on a ranch and eats Mexican food.

Thinking about this stereotype may be exciting, or it may be off-putting. Either way, you’re in for in for a pleasant surprise! Living in Texas is great. Below we will explain what makes it so special.

Fun and Diverse Cities

First of all, many people from outside of Texas have a distorted view of the state. The stereotypical cowboy and small towns of Texas are not completely accurate.

Not everyone in Texas is a small-town farmer that drinks beer and eats BBQ all day.

The major cities in Texas have a broad and diverse mix of cultures, lifestyles, and thoughts.

Austin, for example, is a city of contradictions featuring the free-thinking University of Texas and the conservative legislature.

The city of more than one million maintains a small-town feel, has a variety of restaurants ranging from the traditional BBQ to the hip sushi to novelty Peruvian food trucks, and plenty of live music to satisfy the equally wide musical genres.

Each major city has its own unique vibe. Dallas and Houston are more traditional and refined, while Austin and San Antonio are more cosmopolitan, hip and casual. Residents of Dallas and Houston dress up, even to go grocery shopping, while T-shirts, shorts, and sandals are decent enough to wear in public in Austin.

Texas is full of entertainment and fun, featuring outdoor activities, sporting events, great nightlife, extensive food and music options, museums, and parks.

The state of Texas, in fact, has been ranked as one of the best places for golf, bars, and dating.

Great Job Market

Texas has become the home of many international tech, medical and engineering firms, drawing thousands of transplants to the city from all over the world.

You’ll be in good company in Texas as the growing number of residents are from far away as China.

Texas has one of the best job markets in the country with a significantly low unemployment rate, due to the many businesses that are located there.

Businesses and corporations (and residents) thrive in Texas because of the absence of property taxes.

No Income Taxes

Corporations and private residents don’t pay state income taxes, which for many is a good deal.

You should be too quick to spend your saved-up income tax money, however. Cities and counties impose their own local sales tax on top of the state income tax.

The property tax in Texas is one of the highest in the country.

Affordability

Housing is largely affordable in Texas thanks primarily to the many building projects going up all over the state to accommodate the influx of transplants and new residents.

Gun Ownership is Widespread

In Texas, it is legal to freely carry a gun on your person. For those moving from more liberal areas such as the northeast or Pacific Northwest, this may be disquieting. It will have to be something you’ll have to get used to.

Locals Can Be Very Friendly and Touchy

Long-time, native Texans don’t hold back their affection. Be prepared for hugs, handshakes, and slaps (or pats) on the back.

…And Now for the Not So Great…

Texas weather can be downright miserable especially in the summer months of July and August. There can be multiple weeks of weather surpassing 100 degrees.

Most of Texas is in a desert, so you should be on the lookout for snakes, fire ants, and scorpions.

On the tax front, while you don’t have to pay state income taxes and the state sales tax is low, cities and counties impose their own local sales tax on top of the state income tax.

The high property tax in Texas also is one of the highest in the country.

Texas has and is forecasted to continue to change from its cowboy, western roots to a modern, contemporary state.

If you need assistance in finding relocation housing in Texas, look no further than Residology.

We provide luxurious, modern furnished apartments throughout Texas including Austin, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley. Contact us today for room availability or more information.