Pros of living in Texas
1. Homes are affordable
We’ve all seen the videos online showcasing the giant homes in Texas priced around $300,000. It’s no surprise that affordable housing makes the cost of living in Texas lower and more attractive, which is why people are moving to Texas from places like California, where housing prices are skyrocketing. In fact, the average cost of a home in the United States is $361,263, while in Texas, it is $303,321, making the cost of buying a home in Texas 16.04% lower!
2. The food is delicious
When Texans gather for a barbecue, you will likely see brisket being smoked. In fact, brisket is the food item the state is best known for. It is a cut of beef that usually comes from the breast or chest area of the cow, and it is smoked slowly for between 6 and 12 hours, often after being marinated for 8 to 24 hours. Brisket is very flavorful and a big deal in Texas! Some of the top places for brisket in Texas are The Brisket House, The Pit Room, and Franklin Barbecue.
Other popular foods in Texas that locals either make at home or go out to eat include Tex Mex dishes like breakfast tacos, chicken fried steak, and chili.
3. The live music scene is excellent
When people think of Texas, Austin’s live music scene is usually one of the first things that come to mind. Austin is actually known as the live music capital of the world, with around 250 venues showcasing all kinds of music. Even though you can find a bit of everything, country, blues, and jazz are the most popular.
4. There are many job opportunities
One great thing about Texas is that there are plenty of job opportunities. If you’re thinking about moving there, it is worth looking into careers in oil and gas, the space industry, the medical field, or tech. Some of the most in demand jobs in Texas right now include physician assistant, wind turbine technician, construction manager, software developer, interpreter and translator, information security analyst, truck driver, electrician, petroleum engineer, and geoscientist.
5. There is no state income tax
Texas is well known for having no state income tax, which means you get to keep all the money you earn. That is pretty rare to see. On the flip side, there is a sales tax of around 8.20%, and property taxes are fairly high at 1.47%. There is no estate tax or inheritance tax either. When it comes to gas, Texas adds a tax of 20 cents per gallon.
6. The sports scene is great
We all know Texans are crazy about football and “obsessed” doesn’t even begin to cover it. For them, it’s more of a way of life. Friday nights are for high school football, and on Sundays Texans watch NFL and college games. In Dallas, it’s all about the Dallas Cowboys, while in Houston, fans cheer for the Houston Texans. Basketball is also a big deal, with the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs all drawing major fan support. And of course, baseball is another favorite sport, with plenty of fans heading to the stadium to watch their teams play.
7. Gas prices are low
Gasoline in Texas is priced low because it is close to the production sources, like the shale fields and the offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. There is also less demand for gas compared to other places in the USA. As of March 2025, the national average for gas was $3.10 per gallon, while in Texas it was $2.72 per gallon. That makes gas in Texas about 12.1% cheaper than in the rest of the country.
8. It’s sunny year round
Did you know that Texans get around 300 sunny days a year? Especially in places like San Antonio and Austin, the sun shines almost nonstop, and it can really boost your mood. Sure, Texas is very hot in the summer, but imagine waking up to sunshine almost every single day. It stays so sunny in Texas because there are not many large natural barriers, which means the sun and heat can spread more easily.
9. Fresh produce is available year round
Up north, a lot of fresh fruits and veggies have to be brought in from far away, but in Texas, you can get fresh produce pretty much all year. Foods like green cabbage, carrots, herbs, mushrooms, tomatoes, and turnips are always around. Texas has rich soil, and farming is a big part of life here. In fact, it’s the fourth biggest agricultural producer in the country. It’s super common to see Texans at the farmer’s market on Sundays grabbing their weekly haul of fresh food.
10. Winters are mild
If you’re planning on moving to Texas, you won’t have to worry about big snow storms or freezing cold temperatures because winters are pretty mild. Thanks to the humidity from the nearby Gulf of Mexico, warm air masses move in and help keep things from getting too cold. The coldest time of the year is during the winter, when average temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s and the rainy season usually runs from March to May and not in winter.
Cons of living in Texas
1. It’s very hot and humid
It is no secret that it gets really hot in Texas during the summer. And not the pleasant kind of hot, but the humid and intense kind that makes it hard to stay outside for long without sun protection and staying well hydrated. During the summer, the average temperature in Dallas, for instance, is 85.3°F, which is why a lot of people install a pool in their backyard and rely heavily on air conditioning.
2. Natural disasters are a risk
Texas has extreme weather, and that definitely comes with consequences. The state is prone to several types of natural disasters. Down in the southern tip near the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes are more common, while central Texas sees more tornadoes and wildfires. Recent hurricanes like Hurricane Ike caused 112 deaths, and Hurricane Harvey caused 125 billion dollars in damage. So while buying a house in Texas might be affordable, insurance for these kinds of disasters can be expensive. A lot of people end up skipping it and just hope for the best.
3. You’ll need a car to get around
The public transportation system in Texas is not great. In fact, large cities like Dallas and Houston consistently rank among the worst in the country when it comes to public transit. Since Texas is so big and homes are really spread out, setting up a strong public transit system would cost a fortune. On top of that, riding the bus in the middle of a hot Texas summer is not exactly appealing. Most people prefer driving in the comfort of their own car with the air conditioning on, so being car dependent is just part of everyday life for most Texans.
4. Ragweed is brutal
If you move to Texas and suddenly feel like you’re catching a cold, think twice before assuming that. Ragweed is super common across Texas, and a lot of people have allergic reactions to it that feel just like cold symptoms. The ragweed season is typically from August to November. If you have asthma, it is a good idea to take some precautions before you move so it does not catch you off guard and you can actually enjoy your new home.
5. There are so many tolls everywhere
Since there is no state income tax in Texas and the population keeps growing, the state has to find other ways to fund highway maintenance. That is why, pretty much every time you get on the highway, you are likely to hit a toll. In fact, Texas is one of the states with the most toll roads, with 25 in total. Did you know that the most expensive toll road in the state is the Grand Parkway (SH 99)? It can cost you more than $20 for a single trip.
6. Traffic in the cities is a nightmare
Locals on Reddit in Texas agree that Houston has the worst traffic compared to all the other cities in Texas, with San Antonio and Dallas not far behind. Houston, in particular, is known as the riskiest place to drive in the state. In 2023, there were 274 fatal crashes and 1,612 serious injuries from accidents in Houston.
7. You have to drive a lot to get anywhere
You might expect that with the warm weather and mild winters, driving in Texas would be a breeze, but it’s not always that simple. While many Texans enjoy being on the road, if you’re moving here, you might not be accustomed to the long distances. Traveling from place to place can require a bit of a drive, and if you’re looking to leave the state, expect even longer trips. This is especially true in smaller towns or rural areas. Getting to the airport can also be quite a journey, and flying out can sometimes be pricey.
8. Power grid failures are common
Since the 1930s, Texas has operated its own power grid, separate from the rest of the country. This setup was created to avoid certain federal regulations and gives Texans the freedom to choose from a wide range of electricity providers across the state. The downside is that during emergencies like severe weather, Texas cannot pull electricity from other states and has to rely entirely on its own resources. In fact, in 2021, a massive power grid failure by ERCOT during a winter storm left many people without heat. A total of 246 people died and the financial impact was estimated between 80 and 100 billion dollars.
9. There isn’t much to do… it feels boring to some
Aside from the music scene and the great barbecue, many locals say there just isn’t that much to do when living in Texas. During the hot months, people often rely on having a pool to stay entertained. According to some locals and people who left the state, The landscape is mostly flat and dry, not exactly the most scenic, and there is often a lack of outdoor activities, especially when the heat makes it hard to spend time outside.
10. There are few public spaces, a lot is privately owned
Texas is so big and spread out that you’d think there would be plenty of public spaces where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors, especially when the weather is nice in the winter. But in reality, there are not that many hiking trails or nature spots that are available to the public. Big Bend National Park is a beautiful park, but it’s a long drive for most people. While there are quite a few parks for kids, when it comes to outdoor activities for adults, some locals say that it feels like it’s missing something.
11. Bugs and stickers can be irritating
Texas often ranks among the states with the most insects and it’s even known as one of the “buggiest” states. Out of the 1 to 3 million insect species in the world, about 100,000 are native to the USA, and over ⅓ of those can be found in Texas. That’s a lot of bugs!
On top of that, there’s something called a “sticker.” It’s not an insect, but a type of weed that sticks to your clothes, shoes, and even your dog if you’re not careful. They are not harmful, but locals agree they’re really annoying and can look a lot like bugs when they get stuck on you.
12. Public schools face funding challenges
Texas does not have income taxes, which results in local governments in some areas having fewer resources to allocate to essential services, including education. A recent study indicates that over 73% of Texas school districts experience funding shortfalls. This can impact the availability of additional resources for students who may need extra support, the condition of school facilities, teacher retention due to compensation and work environment factors, as well as the variety of extracurricular activities available to students.
Conflicting beliefs: Different perspectives
Some of the topics below may be viewed as advantages by some and disadvantages by others. It can be challenging to categorize them definitively, so we’re keeping it neutral and allowing you to decide which aspects align with your perspective on living in Texas.
1. Abortion laws in Texas
Abortion is currently restricted in Texas under Chapter 170A of the Texas Health and Safety Code. In most cases, abortions are not permitted, including those resulting from rape or incest. Exceptions exist when the life or health of the patient is at serious risk, including situations involving a substantial impairment of a major bodily function or a potential risk of death. In these limited circumstances, the procedure must be performed by a licensed physician. Violating these laws can result in severe penalties, including felony charges, revocation of medical licenses, and fines.
2. Gun ownership in Texas
Guns have a significant presence in Texas, with many residents considering them important for self-defense and an integral part of the state’s culture. In Texas, most handguns, rifles, and shotguns are legal to possess, provided the owner is at least 18 years old, has no felony convictions, and meets other eligibility criteria. Long guns have fewer restrictions, and minors may be allowed to possess them with parental permission. To carry a handgun, either openly or concealed, individuals must be at least 21 years old, have no felony convictions, and meet additional requirements. For further details, you can explore Texas’ firearms laws and regulations here.
3. Alcohol sales restrictions in Texas
In Texas, liquor stores are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays and cannot sell after 9 p.m. on weekdays. However, grocery stores and convenience stores are allowed to sell beer, wine, and similar beverages (excluding hard liquor). These stores can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, liquor stores are closed, but grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine starting at 10 a.m.
4. Recreational marijuana laws in Texas
Recreational marijuana use is illegal in Texas, and possession can result in criminal charges. However, medical marijuana is legal with a prescription, but only in low-THC doses. Eligible medical conditions for medical marijuana use include epilepsy, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. To qualify, individuals must be permanent residents of Texas and have a registered physician to prescribe it. While there is no specific age limit, patients under 18 may require consent from a legal guardian.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the pros and cons of living in Texas
What are some pros and cons about moving to Houston?
Pros:
- Low cost of housing
- Family-friendly events at night
- Great parks and museums
- Great food: authentic and delicious
- Quite multicultural
- Terrific job opportunities, and they’re high-paying
- Not too far from the beach
Cons:
- It’s humid and very hot in the summer
- Bad traffic and poorly maintained roads
- There’s lots of pollen
- Hurricanes are a threat
What are the pros and cons of living in Austin, Texas?
Pros:
- Top-notch live music scene
- People are not as much workaholics as elsewhere in Texas
- Friendly people
- Quite a bit of outdoor activities
Cons:
- Not much violent crime
- Gets very hot in the summer
- Not as good a food scene as elsewhere in Texas
What are the pros and cons of living in San Antonio, Texas?
Pros:
- Excellent food (especially the tacos)
- Low housing costs
- Hurricanes are not as severe as in Southern Texas
- Welcoming people
Cons:
- High heat and high humidity
- Pollen is bad during cedar fever season, so it gives people allergy symptoms a lot
- Very high property taxes
- Lots of construction
What are the pros and cons of living in Dallas, Texas?
Pros:
- Cleaner than Austin and Houston
- Good entertainment scene
- Affordable housing
- Multiple job opportunities
- Many activities (museums, aquariums, zoo, Six Flags)
- Multicultural food options: Chinatown, Koreatown, Little India, Little Seoul, Little Saigon, Asia Times Square, and more
Cons:
- Public transit isn’t well established: you will need a car
- Very few public lands for outdoor recreation
- Terrible traffic
- Cost of food is high
- Super hot
- Locals say the driving culture is aggressive
