The whole idea of moving out and into a new place is founded on the idea that you are essentially moving to greener pastures. In other words, moving out is aimed at making our lives a little bit better by giving us better opportunities, a more livable environment, or a new place to have a fresh start. One of the areas that people consider moving to is Texas, specifically in the city capital of Austin. It’s one of those places that you often hear about on the news and on the internet as to how it’s among the best places to live in. If you are ever on the lookout for places to call home in Texas, do check out our recommendations for South Lamar, TX apartments for rent. South Lamar gives you the best access to the city’s major facilities and amenities because it is located around the city center.
In this article, we are going to talk about all the things that you need to know when moving to Texas.
- Climate
Texas features a diverse climate with its hot and humid summers as well as mild and chilly winters. As the state is located in the southern part of the United States, it will be under warm weather for the better part of the year. However, depending on where you are located, the temperatures can vary drastically. For instance, West Texas summers can be very hot and dry, while East Texas summers are typically a lot more humid. If you’re planning to move to Texas, you should definitely be prepared for extreme weather conditions. This includes preparing for occasional tornadoes and hurricanes as well. The state is prone to these natural disasters, especially around the spring and early summer seasons.
Finally, the state is also situated in an area that is naturally vulnerable to hurricanes, which means that you should expect some heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding.
- Income Tax
Texas is one of the select few states that does not impose income tax on its constituents. This can be a huge advantage for some people. Essentially, it’s one less tax burden that you would have to pay off of your income, which can lead to significant savings in the long run. This is especially true for those individuals who belong to the higher tax brackets. However, along with this, Texas does feature a high sales tax. This is effectively set at 6.25%, but local jurisdictions can add additional taxes on top of this.
Consequently, the actual rate is going to be much higher than that, depending on where you live. This tax situation calls for better financial management on the part of the individual, where budgeting is going to be crucial for financial stability.
- Economy
Texas, as one of the major states in the country, has a large and growing economy. This means that there are numerous job opportunities in a variety of industries here in the state. It’s also home to a number of major cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, all of which can practically stand on their own. On top of all these, Texas is also home to some of the most recognized Fortune 500 companies. This includes ExxonMobil, AT&T, and American Express. This just means that there are going to be lots of employment opportunities on offer here.
- Cost of Living
The cost of living here is generally lower as compared to the national average. In particular, housing tends to be more affordable in Texas than in other parts of the United States. The median home price in Texas hovers around $250,000, which is well under the national average of $317,000. However, keep in mind that the cost of housing in major cities will, of course, be higher, such as those in Houston and Dallas.
- Cultural History
Texas features some of the richest and most unique cultures out of all the areas in the country. It’s a blend of cowboy, Mexican, and southern influences. This place is home to a variety of cultural festivals and events, which includes the South by Southwest music festival and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The music and art scene here is also vibrant, with the city hosting a number of events throughout the year, such as the Austin City Limits music festival and the Austin Film Festival.
