12 Pros and Cons of Living in Texas: What to Know
Texas is a place where the sprawling countryside meets city life to the rapid rhythm, offering something for everyone. If you are attracted by AustinLive music scene, HouesThe massive labor market or the charm of the small town of Hill Country, there are many places to call at home. The low state taxes, a strong economy and a warm climate attract new residents each year, but life here is also accompanied by challenges – think of brutal summers, unpredictable weather conditions and intense circulation. This apartment guide article breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of life in Texas, giving you a clearer image of the question of whether Texas is a good place to live.
Rent in Texas Snapshot
1. Pro: From desert canyons to coastal escapes
Regardless of the type of adventure you are looking for, Texas offers. The western part of the State houses the dramatic peaks and the vast desert of the Big Bend National Park, where you can travel from distant canyons and camp under an intact sky by the city lights. Head east, and you will find pine woods, a lush and wooded region perfect for hiking and fishing. If nautical activities are more your speed, the Gulf Coast offers miles of shore where you can fish, kayak or simply relax on the beach. With everything, rolling plains with hidden swimming holes in Hill Country, Texas occupies nature lovers who are occupied all year round.
2. CON: Hurricanes, tornadoes and risk of forest fire
Texas is not unrelated to extreme weather conditions, and depending on where you live, you will have to prepare for different natural disasters. Coastal areas like Houston and Corpus Christi Often accumulate for hurricanes, which bring intense winds, floodand power outages that can last days. The Panhandle and Northern Texas are sitting at the heart of Tornado Alley, where violent twisters can level up the neighborhoods in a few minutes. Further south and west, forest fires are a growing problem, especially during hot and dry summers. If you move to Texas, knowing how to prepare for violent weather conditions is just as important as finding the right neighborhood.
3. Pro: Choose your industry in the booming labor market
Austin has become a major player in the world of technology, attracting big names like Tesla, Apple and Google, while Houston remains a power plant for energy and medical research. Dallas-Fort Worth is a privileged location for the head office, finance and manufacturing, and San Antonio Regularly cruise in health and soldiers jobs. In addition to that, Texas is known for its policies adapted to companies, making it an attractive place for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
4. CON: Traffic here is a daily battle
If you have never been stuck on the i-35 in Austin during rush hour, consider yourself lucky. Texas’ trafficking large cities is a constant headache, congestion aggravating each year while more and more people move to the state. In Houston, the Katy Freeway has 26 amazing lane in certain sections, but it always sees a daily blockage. Dallas“The mixture of motorways and toll roads can be confusing to navigate, and spreading the suburbs means longer trips for many residents.
5. Pro: No state income tax no longer means money for you
One of the greatest financial advantages of life in Texas is that the State does not reduce your pay check thanks to income taxes. This means that more money stays in your pocket, that you want to save, invest or spend it on travel on weekends. For high employees, this can increase to thousands of dollars in savings each year. The environment suitable for taxes has also made Texas an attractive place for businesses, which helps maintain the strong professional market. Of course, no income tax does not mean that Texas is inexpensive – other costs, such as land taxes, can be high, but many residents always see it as a valid compromise.
6. CON: The owners pay high property taxes
Although jumping the state income tax rings well, Texas compensates with some of the highest land taxes of American owners in cities like Austin, Dallas and Houston can expect to pay thousands Dollars each year, with rates varying depending on the county. This can make home ownership less affordable, even in the fields where real estate prices are relatively low. Tenants are not entirely entirely out of the hook, because high property taxes often result in an increase in rental prices. For anyone plans to buy a house in Texas, it is important to take these costs into account when budgeting for a mortgage.
7. Pro: Cowboy and heritage culture
Texas has a deep story, and you can see it reflected in everything, from small town rodeos to celebrations across the city. In Fort WorthStockyards keep the spirit of cowboy with daily livestock readers, country music and Honky-Tonks. The Fiesta de San Antonio takes over the city every April with parades, parties and a celebration of its Mexican and Spanish influences. Meanwhile, Dallas hosts the Texas State FairAn annual event known for its massive ferris wheel and its scandalous fried food creations. Austin, the “live musical capital of the world”, houses the limits of the Southwest Southwest (SXSW) and Austin, attracting artists and fans around the world.
8. CON: Good luck to get around without a car
Unless you live in a district of the dense city center, having a car in Texas is not only useful – it is a necessity. Public transport is limited in most cities, and apart from a few areas in Houston and Dallas, buses and trains are not reliable for daily trips. Many cities and suburbs are built by thinking of drivers, so walking is low and the cycle paths are rare. Carpooling services like Uber and Lyft help a pinch, but they can cost dearly if you regularly count on them.
9. Pro: A culinary scene as large as Texas itself
Texas takes its food seriously, and there is no shortage of attractive meals to try. Barbecue is practically a religion here, with places like Franklin barbecue in the barbecue of Austin and Snow Lexington Drawing long lines for their slow smoked chest. Tex-Mex is another local favorite, with sibrating fajitas, cheese enchiladas and fresh tortillas at each turn. Houston has an incredibly diverse food culture, where you can find everything, from the authentic Vietnamese to Louisiana style drafts.
10. CON: Air pollution is real concern in industrial cities
With its massive oil refineries, heavy industry and endless traffic, air pollution is a serious problem in certain cities in Texas. Houston, in particular, fights with high levels of ozone and smog, which makes it one of the mostly polluted cities in the country. Dallas and El Paso were also faced with air quality problems, especially during the hot summer months when the stagnant air attaches pollutants. For people with respiratory diseases, poor air quality can make daily life more difficult.
11. Pro: An affordable life if you know where to look
Compared to places like California and New York, Texas always provides a relatively affordable cost of livingBut prices vary considerably depending on the city. Small cities and medium -sized cities like LubbockCorpus Christi, and Waco have much lower accommodation costs than booming areas like Austin or Dallas. In fact, the rent for an apartment in a room in Lubbock is $ 787 against $ 1,353 in Austin. Even in large cities, there are nooff pockets, although the increase in house prices is more difficult to find good deals. Public services, grocery store and transport also tend to be at a reasonable price, making Texas an option more favorable to a budget for many people who seek to move.
12. CON: Summer in Texas has the impression of living in the sun
If you think that summer heat in Texas is just a slight drawback, think again. From June to September, temperatures often go beyond 100 ° F, and in certain areas, the heat index can make it even warmer. Humidity Add another layer of discomfort, especially in places like Houston and the Gulf coast. Air conditioning is not a luxury – it is a necessity – and high energy bills come with the territory. Outdoor activities are often limited to the first mornings or late at night to avoid the midday sun.
Methodology :: Population data comes from United States Census Bureaucities accessible on foot are Walking scoreAnd the rental data comes from ApartumentGuide
