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Moving to Texas: What It’s Like to Live in the Lone Star State
Texas draws more new residents each year than almost any other state. The pull is simple: jobs, affordability, and the space you get for those affordable housing prices. It’s one of the few places where you can find strong economies and no state income tax. The lifestyle ranges from cosmopolitan to quiet. Young professionals can find tech and music in Austin. Families are moving to the hyper-growth master-planned communities north of Dallas.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas added more than 470,000 residents in 2023 — the largest population gain in the country. People come for the opportunity but stay for the balance between career and community.
Cost of Living in Texas
- Texas keeps living costs in check, especially compared to the coasts.
- No state income tax helps stretch salaries.
- Housing costs vary by metro, but even in Austin or Dallas, you can find family-sized homes for far less than in California or New York.
- Utilities and property taxes are higher than national averages, and insurance can be expensive in coastal counties. Common to hear complaints about property taxes from movers who came here to save money.
Still, for most families and professionals, Texas remains a value play. - In 2025, median home prices in major metros range from around $350,000 in Houston to $475,000 in Austin. Statewide, median rent for a one-bedroom hovers near $1,200.”
Where in Texas Should You Live?
Dallas–Fort Worth Metro
One of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., the DFW area mixes corporate headquarters attractive to white collar professionals and suburbs with family-focused neighborhoods. Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth each have distinct cultures, while suburbs like Plano, Frisco, and McKinney attract families with A-rated schools and active park systems.
What Works: Predictable job market, diverse suburbs, and strong schools.
Watch Out For: Long commutes and rapid development that’s pushing prices up in once-affordable areas.
Austin Metro
Austin’s reputation as a creative and tech capital keeps attracting newcomers. Huge development initiatives are bearing fruit in pushing housing costs down from earlier highs. The city blends live music, innovation, and a laid-back vibe. Suburbs like Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander give families space and good schools without losing proximity to Austin’s culture.
What Works: Strong job market, outdoor lifestyle, and unique identity.
Watch Out For: High housing costs and traffic that doesn’t match the city’s size.
Houston Metro
Houston is one of the most diverse metros in the U.S. Energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries anchor a resilient economy. Neighborhoods range from urban (Montrose, Midtown) to suburban (Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands).
What Works: Affordable housing, international food scene, and steady job growth.
Watch Out For: Humidity, flooding in some areas, and wide commutes.
San Antonio and Hill Country
San Antonio combines a compelling history with attractive affordability. The city’s job market is expanding in healthcare, defense, and hospitality, while nearby Hill Country towns, like Boerne or New Braunfels—offer small-town charm within reach of the city.
What Works: Lower cost of living, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a strong sense of place.
Watch Out For: Rapid suburban growth and limited public transit.
Coastal and South Texas
Corpus Christi, Galveston, and other Gulf Coast towns appeal to those seeking a slower coastal life. These areas trade economic size for scenery and affordability.
What Works: Beach access and relaxed pace.
Watch Out For: Hurricane exposure and slower job growth.
Best Cities in Texas to Consider
Austin
A creative, fast-growing city with strong tech jobs and a national reputation for quality of life.
Explore more on our Austin Metro Guide or dive into Round Rock’s city profile to see how families are moving just north of the city.
Houston
Affordable, global, and diverse, with big-city opportunity and suburban comfort.
Dallas
Business hub with a wide range of suburban options and elite schools.
San Antonio
Historic, friendly, and affordable, with deep cultural roots.
Plano
A model for safe suburbs and top-rated schools near major employers in the North Dallas suburb area.
Round Rock
Austin-adjacent, affordable, and family-focused.
Frisco
One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., built around schools and parks. In the North Dallas suburbs, home to the Dallas Cowboys Star Complex, and now called "Sports City, USA".
The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a master-planned suburb. It's very green and highly rated for families and livability in the Houston Suburbs.
Is Texas Right for You?
Texas is ideal if you want career options without coastal prices. It’s also good if you prefer space, community, and a variety of city styles—from creative Austin to business-driven Dallas or diverse Houston. If endless sunshine and strong job markets appeal to you, Texas delivers.
But it’s not for everyone. Summers are long and hot, property taxes are high, and distances can be vast. Still, for many movers, the trade-off between cost, opportunity, and culture makes Texas hard to beat.
FAQs About Living in Texas
Q: Is Texas affordable?
A: Yes. Housing and everyday costs are generally below national averages, though property taxes can offset some of the savings. Massive mid-fill and housing development in affordable suburbs and urban districts drives a lot of this affordability.
Q: What are the safest areas in Texas?
A: Suburbs like Frisco, Plano, and Round Rock consistently rank among the safest midsize cities in the country. There's a reason they have exploded in recent times, and safety, along with schools and other family-friendly amenities, are driving this popularity.
Q: Do I need a car to live in Texas?
A: Outside downtown cores like Austin’s or Dallas’s Uptown, yes. Texas cities are car-dependent, but suburban infrastructure makes driving relatively straightforward.
Q: How diverse is Texas?
A: Very. Houston and Dallas are among the most diverse metros in the U.S., with strong international communities across the state.
Q: How are schools in Texas?
A: They vary by district. Suburbs like Plano, Frisco, and The Woodlands have top-rated public schools, while major metros offer a mix of standout and average options.
Q: What’s the job market like?
A: Strong across industries, especially tech, healthcare, logistics, and energy. Austin, Dallas, and Houston are all major employment centers.
Ready to See Where in Texas You Belong?
Texas has room for nearly every lifestyle — urban, suburban, or small-town.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your best-fit Texas city and save it in your Movebook.