Top Reasons Why So Many People Are Moving to Texas
Texas is second in the nation, only to Florida, as the top state that people are relocating to, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. More than 120,000 adults moved to our state in 2022 alone, and since the year 2000 we have seen a growth of more than 9 million new residents – 3 million more than Florida! Most of these moves are the result of domestic migration, as people leave other states and relocate to Texas. So why are so many people moving here?
Job Opportunities in Texas
High paying jobs in energy, technology, and manufacturing are a big draw. Texas is the state with the most Fortune 500 companies, with 53 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters calling the Lone Star State home. But it’s not just these sectors that are strong: in Texas, job growth ranked fifth among all U.S. states in the number of jobs added. The unemployment rate is low and wage growth overall remains high, reflecting a demand for labor. The Texas Employment Cost Index for wages and salaries rose from 3.9% growth year over year in the third quarter of 2023, to 4.3% in the fourth quarter.
A Great Place for Business
Texas offers many competitive advantages for business, including no corporate tax, a diverse and highly skilled workforce, easy access to world markets, and strong infrastructure. These are only a handful of reasons why the nation’s top CEOs have ranked it as the Best State for Business for 20 years running and why Texas won the Governor’s Cup for the most new and expanded corporate facility projects in America – for the 12th year in a row – beating out the second place winner by more than double the projects.
Other incentives for businesses include exemptions on sales taxes that provide a competitive edge, attracting data centers and franchise businesses looking to move into the area. Add to this support for renewable energy initiatives, and it’s obvious why many companies are looking to set up shop in Texas.
Affordable Cost of Living in Texas
Texas is a great place to relocate if you’re looking for a lower cost of living, to stretch your dollars farther. There is no state income tax, so you get to keep more of your money annually. Housing and consumer costs lie below national averages, meaning that residents can save on everyday expenses. Utilities and energy costs are also affordable, so monthly bills add up to less. Even transportation costs are competitive, and gasoline and car insurance are cheaper than they are in other parts of the country. Overall, expenses are about 8% lower than the national average.
Quality of Life in Texas
There’s something on offer for everyone here! Whether you’re looking for the thriving urban cultural scene of Austin, the tranquility of the Hill Country, or the peaceful shores of the Gulf, we’ve got it all.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
Texas is a true melting pot of cultures, widely known for its diversity. While cowboys make up a large part of our society, so that it’s a regular occurrence to spot boots, hats, and a cowboy vibe, the state is incredibly multicultural, second only to California in diversity. Multiple influences ranging from Cajun to Latinx, African American to Irish all add to the richness of our culture. The population is also remarkably multilingual – around 40% of Texans are Spanish speakers, 5% Vietnamese and 2% Chinese, adding to the vibrant life here and encouraging understanding among residents. Our diversity also broadens our state’s creativity for business success in many industries, as people from different backgrounds bring skills that create more opportunities. This also means that people who move here have access to hundreds of cultural opportunities and festivals that celebrate the many histories, legends, art movements, and folklores of the state.
The Education System in Texas
The Lone Star State is home to some of the best universities in America. Both the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University are internationally known for their high quality of teaching, research programs, and producing highly skilled graduates who bolster the state economy. Rice University is also known for its forward-thinking educational opportunities, including the Texas Advanced Computing Center, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. And it’s not just universities that are performing well; according to a 2023 poll conducted by the Charles Butt Foundation, 89% of Texas public school parents are satisfied with the quality of education that their child is receiving, compared to 80% nationally.
Healthcare and Hospitals in Texas
Another major draw to Texas is access to top-rated medical facilities. The city of Houston ranks among the best cities in the U.S. for healthcare. Houston’s Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest healthcare and life sciences complex, made up of dozens of renowned hospitals and facilities including Texas Children’s Hospital and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, ranked number one in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News and World Report. And it’s not just Houston that has great hospitals: the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex includes Parkland Memorial Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.
Outdoor and Recreational Activities in Texas
Love to get outside and enjoy nature and recreation? So do Texans! Our vast state stretches from beautiful Gulf Coast beaches to the wild plains of West Texas, the unspoiled landscapes of Hill Country and 150 miles of trails in Big Bend National Park. Texas Parks and Wildlife oversees more than 640,000 acres of land owned or leased by the department, including 89 state parks, historic sites and natural areas. And because of our mild winters in the South and warm summers in the North, Texas is perfect for hiking, swimming, camping, and fishing, offering year-round outdoor escapes for everyone from families with children to hard core rock climbers and mountain bikers.
A Family-Friendly Environment
From the NASA Space Center in Houston to a dude ranch in Dallas, beach and backwater adventures in South Padre Island, Big Bend National Park, and the Six Flags theme park in Arlington, there’s always something fun to do in the Lone Star State.
Sports Teams in Texas
For those who like to follow their favorite sports teams, moving to Texas gives ample opportunity for cheering from the stands! Football is big here, and many Texans are passionate about their high school and college football teams. Professional football is also big, since the state is home to National Football League franchises: the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans.
Baseball also has a strong presence, with two Major League Baseball teams, the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. In basketball, we have three National Basketball Association squads: the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets, and the Dallas Mavericks. All three have won championships, with the Spurs leading the pack with five NBA championship wins on their record.
For those who love soccer, FC Dallas (originally called the Dallas Burn) was one of the ten founding members of Major League Soccer, and a second Texas team, Houston Dynamo FC, joined MLS in 2006. Even ice hockey has a presence in the state, since the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League became the Dallas Stars in 1993.
No matter what it is that draws them to put down roots in Texas, it’s easy to see why so many people want to live in the great state we call home!
FAQs
What are the main reasons people are moving to Texas?
Our state draws people from around the country and the world for many reasons. From an appealing real estate market to fantastic job opportunities, fun family and outdoor activities to a diverse and inclusive culture, no state income tax to our warm temperatures, top universities to much more, it’s easy to see why people choose to make Texas their new home state!
How does the cost of living in Texas compare to other states?
Texas is an affordable state to live in, thanks to a cost of housing than the national average, no state income tax, and overall lower day to day expenses. For an in-depth look at cost of living compared to other parts of the country, read our article on the Cost of Living in Texas.
What should I know before moving to Texas?
One factor of living in Texas that is at-times unpredictable is the weather. We can experience significant swings in the temperature over the course of the year, with the biggest changes coming in the fall and winter because of the position of the polar jet stream, a river of air flowing from west to east around the world, separating cold from warm air in the upper atmosphere. This means that your energy bills can fluctuate, which is why many Texans choose to pay a fixed rate annual plan, with the utility companies projecting the amount of energy that you will use and billing you a fixed amount each month. To learn what plans are available to you through Rhythm Energy’s 100% renewable energy options, visit gotrhythm.com and enter your zip code.
