Texas, also known as the Lone Star State, is among the top states that numerous people relocate to. About 1,000 people from all over the nation are moving to various Texas cities daily for business purposes or to live here. This is because the cost of living is much lower, with minimal regulations for businesses and low taxes. However, before moving to this state, there are some things you must familiarize yourself with to adapt to the new environment quickly. Read on below for details:
1. Moving companies take the burden off your shoulders
Moving can sometimes be a tedious and overwhelming process that can wear you out physically and emotionally. This is especially true if you don’t have adequate time to plan and pack your items properly. Fortunately, you can save yourself from this stress and responsibility by hiring affordable local movers.
A reputable moving company will help keep your items safe during transit as it has the appropriate equipment. It knows how to handle your precious possessions with care, ensuring they arrive at your destination intact, not in pieces. It can also save you a substantial amount of money as it has big-capacity vehicles that can ferry all your belongings in the fewest trips possible.
2. The weather is warm
Before moving to Texas, be prepared for warm weather. This is especially important if you’re relocating from colder regions like the Northern states as you may have to change your wardrobe to suit the state’s warm weather conditions.
Depending on where you live, it can be humid, moderate, or dry. However, even if the weather is pleasant most times, be prepared for extreme conditions like tornadoes. Texas is among the top states in the country affected by tornadoes. For instance, there have been 17 tornadoes in North Texas in 2022 alone.
Therefore, it’s vital to learn the safety precautions during such natural occurrences. Although such incidents are uncommon in some cities, the best way to ensure you’re safe with your family is to prepare and know how to stay safe in an emergency.
3. Texas has a flourishing job market
One of the most incredible things about Texas is the enormous job opportunities. It’s known to have one of the booming job markets in the nation, with a wide variety of fields represented. Even with a drastic increase in population annually, the job market has sustained growth.
The Texas unemployment rate as of October 2022 is a mere 4% compared with 5% in 2021. Some popular industries are energy, telecommunication, tourism, healthcare, banking, and business services. With these numerous employment opportunities, you can easily and quickly find a perfect job in your desired career path and area of specialty in your dream location.
4. Texas houses are cost-effective
Another significant thing to know before moving to Texas is that living here is affordable. Although property taxes are high, Texas is known to have the most cost-efficient houses compared with other states.
However, the prices vary from city to city. For instance, a one-bedroom house apartment in Houston has a median rental price of USD$ 1,750, and USD$ 2,250 in Austin. This makes Texas one of the best cities to live in and raise a family. Find more affordable houses that can meet your budget depending on the city and property type you choose.
5. The taxes are low
Texas is a low-tax state. It’s among the nine states without an income tax. According to Forbes, Texas holds the fourth-lowest tax burden amongst the 50 states for the tax year 2019. Thus, living in the Lone Star state enables you to save money on your annual tax bills.
On top of that, the state’s sales tax is lower than that of other states. According to the Tax Foundation, it’s 6.25%, with a maximum local sales rate of 2%. Additionally, there’s an average mixed local and state sales tax rate of 8.2%. For this reason, you can shop around and support local businesses. If you’re a business person, you can enjoy reduced taxes and restrictions for your small business. However, Texas has the highest property taxes in the whole country.
4. Texas has beautiful natural attractions
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Texas is one of the best places to be. You can enjoy popular activities like camping, hiking, boating, and visiting national parks and other natural attractions. Some of the best natural features available in the Lone Star State are as follows:
- Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve has the most captivating watering holes in the globe. You can swim or watch various animals, fish, and diverse bird species.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park was once a site where dinosaurs walked, and their footsteps are still retained in the rock of the riverbed.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is the place to see endangered species.
- Gorman falls is one of the most remarkable waterfalls in Texas.
- Big Thicket National Preserve is where numerous ecosystems meet in this single location, including wetlands and forests. You can engage in biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, and more.
These are just some of the famous places. You can find other places to reconnect with nature or cool off and rest during summer.
Conclusion
Moving to Texas is one of the best decisions you can make. This is because you can live a more affordable life, find your dream job quickly, and enjoy beautiful nature. However, the moving process isn’t always a walk in the park. You may find packing and loading heavy items to a truck challenging. For this reason, consider hiring a reputable moving company to handle your items professionally and keep them safe during relocation.