Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the US. A promising job market, an affordable cost of living, fair weather, natural beauty, friendly culture, and plenty of fun activities makes Texas a favorite for newcomers.
Moving to Texas
Known for its great diversity, there’s a community for everyone in Central Texas so before you pack your suitcases, you may want to learn more about the Lone Star State. Here are some things you should know before moving to Central Texas.
What It’s Like Living in Central Texas
Texas has a population of approximately 30 million residents, but half of them live the Dallas-Ft. Worth (AKA North Texas) or Houston (AKA Gulf Coast) areas. Texas is the second largest state after Alaska and its population is the second largest after California. Texas is home to 35.8% non-English speakers. Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) are all spoken here.
That said, the Central Texas region is home to approximately 1.5 million people spread over a large area in cities both large and small, historic towns, and beautiful rural areas.
Texas was founded in 1836 with Austin soon becoming the capital. Since then, Texas has grown into a state with a diverse population and economy. Many Fortune 500 companies call Central Texas home. It’s also a tech hub. Companies like Dell, Apple, Google, Tesla, SpaceX, 3M, Samsung, and Facebook have built their headquarters and regional offices here. Remote workers also thrive in Central Texas, and in Austin specifically, as Austin was ranked #6 in the Best Cities for Remote Workers report.
Texas has a little bit of everything. So, it’s appealing for many people who are looking to move.
Cost of Living in Central Texas
The cost of living in Central Texas is often reasonable, based on where you live. According to PayScale, the cost of living in Austin is 3% lower than the national average. However, housing is 2% higher. You’ll pay less for utilities than you’d likely expect. Residents in some communities choose their own energy supplier in Texas due to a deregulated marketplace. You get to pick the best deal. You can even switch to different providers and take advantage of new promotions. For more information, check out Power to Choose.com.
Here’s an idea of how much things cost when moving to Austin, Texas, as reported by PayScale:
Energy bill: $147.04
Loaf of bread: $2.92
Doctor’s Visit: $110.05
$2.44 for a gallon of gas
The median home price for the greater Austin-Round Rock area was $467,000 in December 2022. The median rent in Austin dipped to $1,224 for a one-bedroom apartment. The median rent on a two-bedroom stands at $1,495. The median household income varies by city, but it’s $78,861 in Central Texas.
Taxes are Lower than You Would Expect
Texas is among only a handful of states where there’s no personal income tax or state income tax. Texas homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the country but its the fifth-lowest overall tax burden per capita in the country. There’s more good news. Sales taxes aren’t as high as you would expect in Texas. Residents have more incentive to shop and set up businesses.
Texas Has an Impressive Job Market
There are many opportunities for successful careers in Central Texas among its many Fortune 500 companies. If you want to score a technology job, head to “Silicon Hills” in Austin and enjoy an urban lifestyle without the skyrocketing expenses. Beyond the tech sector, you can pursue your aspirations in energy, steel, banking, and tourism. The space industry also has an impressive presence in Texas.
The Weather Is Hot!
Central Texas is one of the hottest regions in the country. In fact, it’s hotter than hot. Temperatures can easily reach 100 degrees during the scorching summer months. Spring, Fall, and parts of the Winter can be quite moderate. January and February can dip below freezing on occasion, but not often.
Texas Education
Central Texas is home to dozens of higher learning opportunities, including some of the largest public universities in the US. The University of Texas – Austin and Texas A&M University are the most famous, but smaller, private colleges like St. Edward’s are also quite influential. Huston-Tillotson University is a historically black college near downtown Austin. Texas State University in San Marcos is also a popular option.
Texas Diversity
WalletHub named Texas one of the most diverse states in the nation. The state is home to racial and ethnic diversity. There are multiple languages spoken and cultures practiced. The abundance of high-quality universities and growing tech jobs attract newcomers from all around the world looking for new opportunities.
Texas Sports
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the sports. While Dallas and Houston are more famous for the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, Texans, and Astros, there are quite a few local sports favorites. Austin’s University of Texas Longhorns are also contenders for serious sports fanatics. Cedar Park has professional basketball and hockey with the minor league Spurs and Stars. Round Rock is home to minor league baseball’s Express.
10. Traffic Is Challenging in Texas
Big, booming traffic is just part of life when you move to Texas. Cities are spread out. You still need a car even if you live near Dallas’s robust transportation system. But if you’re a remote worker, you won’t have to deal with traffic on the regular. Austin is one of the best cities for remote workers.
Expect to spend time dealing with extended hours in traffic unless you live, work, and play in the same area and don’t mind sticking around. Make sure to stock up on your favorite audiobooks and podcasts. That’ll help you to pass the time and enjoy the downtime.
Kayakers in Lady Bird Lake
11. Texas is Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Texas’ year-round, temperate weather makes it a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike and bike your way through the state during mild months. Then, hit the lakes or beaches during hot summers.
Dallas
There’s something for every outdoor lover in Texas, starting with Dallas. Head 20 minutes outside of Downtown Dallas to Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve for 755 feet of elevation and 9 miles of trails and hills.
Or, spend the afternoon at the “Central Park of Dallas” at White Rock Lake Park. There, you can participate in bird watching, hiking, biking, and a large lake.
Houston
If you live in Houston and love the water, you’re in luck. Take refuge in Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston for 53 miles of kayaking.
Surfing enthusiasts make the hour drive to Jamaica Beach in Galveston to ride the waves and get a reprieve from city living.
Austin
In Austin, you can hike at Lady Bird Lake for waterside views and glimpses of the skyline. During summer, locals cool off at the historic Barton Springs Pool situated in Zilker Park’s 360-acres. The underground springs stay 68 degrees year-round.
San Antonio
Over in San Antonio, the famous riverwalk attracts visitors to Texas’s number one attraction, complete with dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Or, tap into the calming, zen energy at the Japanese Tea Garden.
12. Many Texas Neighborhoods are Surprisingly Walkable
Despite all the traffic, there are some areas of Texas where you can largely get around on foot if you pick the right neighborhood. Houston neighborhoods and Dallas neighborhoods near the city centers have great walkability.
University Park near Dallas is also a haven for urban walkers. It’s home to Southern Methodist University, restaurants, amenities, and greenspace.
13. Texas is Home to the Largest Known Bat Colony in North America
Believe it or not, a favorite pastime in Austin is bat watching. It’s home to the largest known bat colony in North America. The free-tailed bats migrate every spring from central Mexico on their Southwestern US tour that delights locals.
Stop by the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. There, the migrating bats put on a show for their human neighbors.
14. You Can Wear a Cowboy Hat and a Suit in Texas
Cowboy hats certainly aren’t required around Texas. However, you can wear one, and no one will blink.
It’s also not uncommon to see business people in suits donning a cowboy hat as they walk down city streets. Just tip your hat and say hello to offer some Southern hospitality.
Dallas DART lightrail
15. Texas Boasts the Largest Light-Rail System in the Country
Despite its lack of public transportation, Texas is still home to the most extensive light-rail system in the country. Dallas’s DART light-rail system spans 85 miles across 61 stations.
You can even reach the suburbs via light-rail. That’ll cut down on your daily commute in all that Texas traffic.
16. Texas is the Second Biggest State in the Country
We already mentioned Texas likes to do everything big, right? Texas boasts the second-largest land area in the United States. It comprises 7.07% of the United States.
Alaska ranks first and makes up 17.53% of the country’s land area. The abundance of land is probably why housing and rents are so affordable. The state is also home to King Ranch, a site that’s bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
17. Texas is the Second Most Populous State in the Country
The Lone Star State isn’t just big, it’s also the second most populous state in the country. Only California is more populated.
Several Texan cities also rank as some of the most populous areas in the US. Those include Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, with the best Austin neighborhoods increasingly growing.
18. Texas Embraces Its Art Scene
Texas is home to more arts and culture opportunities than people realize. Stroll down the San Antonio Riverwalk to browse galleries and art openings while live music drifts over the water.
Or, visit over 150 museums around Houston, particularly in the famous Museum District. Austin locals keep their creative spirits flowing with live music. The Dallas Arts District bustles with performing arts venues and galleries.
Texas bbq brisket
19. BBQ and Tex-Mex Is Practically a Texas Pastime
Texans take their food seriously. You won’t have to go far to stumble across mouthwatering BBQ and Tex Mex.
Start with Franklin BBQ in Austin and eat your heart out. You can also sink your teeth into brisket, chili, and Frito pie to savor the iconic tastes of Texas.
Dallas’s Tolbert restaurant is known for its flavorful chili, the official state dish of Texas. The restaurant is even credited with helping chili orbit into superstar status.
Today, cooking and eating chili is practically a competitive sport. It goes hand-in-hand with tailgating and football.
20. Texas is a Foodie’s Paradise
Texas’ rapidly growing reputation as a foodie haven extends beyond its iconic dishes. There’s more to taste than BBQ and Tex Mex around the Lone Star State.
Fine dining, fusion-themed dishes, and James Beard award-winning restaurants bring new flavor to cities from Houston to Dallas and beyond. Iconic hotspots, like Lulu’s Bakery and Cafe, embody the “the bigger, the better” mentality in Texas with their impressive five-pound cinnamon rolls.
Of course, Texas won’t be outdone when it comes to imbibing. Dallas’s Mariano’s Mexican Cuisine was the birthplace of the first margarita machine in the world. The staff transformed an ice cream machine to produce margaritas to keep up with the demand for this wildly popular drink.
21. Live Music is Plentiful Across the Lone Star State
Live music thrives around Texas. Austin holds the title of “Live Music Capital of the World.”
But it’s not just about the Austin City Limits Music Festival, South By Southwest, and The Continental Club.
You can also enjoy live music over a casual brunch, in line at the coffee shop, in the middle of the day for a snack, and just about any time of day or night.
Beyond Austin’s city limits, you can enjoy live music across Texas. San Antonio boasts a renowned live music and entertainment district. There’s also two-setting blues and Americana in New Braunfels.
Or, head out for an evening in Dallas to soak up live music and DJs spinning the hours away at nightclubs like Candleroom and Townhouse. Over in Houston, tap your foot to the beat at Axelrod or the Continental Club.