Thinking About Moving to Texas?

March 18, 2010

So you’re thinking about moving to the Lone Star State. When moving to Texas, you will discover cultural influences from the South and the West, as well as from neighboring Mexico.

Before you pick a city and start calling moving companies, choose your weather. Texas has three distinct climates. The eastern portion is often hot and humid, the northwestern section boasts milder weather, and the southwestern region is drier and more desert-like.

Texans are very proud of their state and for good reason. Despite the national recession, the state’s real estate and job markets are both doing very well and their local economy is tops.

Houston is home to NASA, making Texas an obvious leader in space research and aeronautics. Other key Texas industries are healthcare, medical research, technology and of course, the oil industry.

More Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in Texas than in any other state, and you may be surprised to learn that Texas has no state income tax. If you’re looking to get a mortgage, know that the real estate offerings are relatively affordable and in line with the state’s average income.

It’s no secret that Texas is a vast state, and most residents find that they need a car in order to really get around. Before moving, be sure that your auto insurance is up to date. It is important to know that you will need to register your vehicle with the state, and that you’re required to pay a new resident tax of $90. Next, you will want to have your automobile’s emissions inspected, and finally, it is necessary to get a Texas state driver’s license within 90 days of moving there.

If you have settled on Texas for your relocation, but are not 100 percent sure of which city to call home, put away the moving boxes and figure out which city is your favorite. Study these brief descriptions about four of the most popular living destinations.

Houston
There is plenty of room for the moving truck on Houston’s streets. The city is Texas’ largest and it is the fourth largest in the US. You’ll find the biggest medical complex in the world, the Texas Medical Center, right in the middle of this gigantic metropolis.

Other major industries are oil and petroleum, and as previously mentioned, Houston is also the home of NASA.

It’s not all work and no play. Houston also offers great food, great culture and lots of sports. You can cheer on the Houston Astros, the Texans and the Houston Rockets. Or, for something different, check out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Dallas
Now let’s head northwest to Dallas. This city is certainly worth some cross-country moving. It is a major force in the oil and cotton industries, as well as in Information Technology (IT). Also, it’s fun to note that many production companies from Hollywood have made the decision to relocate to the Dallas area.

If you are a sports fan, you will enjoy watching the Mavericks, Texas Rangers, the Stars and the Dallas Cowboys. Like other areas of Texas, Dallas is mix of Southern hospitality and Western flare.

Austin
Located near the center of the state is Texas’ capital city. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it is home to the University of Texas as well as many other colleges and universities.

Austin has a fabulous singles scene and art and culture are truly abundant. The terrain is quite hilly, unlike the rest of state. The top industries for employment opportunities can be found in the fields of technology, filmmaking, government, healthcare and education.

San Antonio
Just south of Austin is San Antonio, the city that brings to mind the very famous phrase, “Remember the Alamo!” In the downtown area, you will find the River Walk, which has many shops and restaurants. You will also find many doctor and dentist offices along banks of the River Walk, which snakes through much of the city.

Though many companies are headquartered in San Antonio, the city is well known for its edge in the biomedical field. Last but not least, don’t forget about the San Antonio Spurs.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed your little tour of Texas. With the many different major cities, employment opportunities and climate options, Texas has something for everybody.

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