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What to Know About Living in Texas

December 26, 2021 by Susan Paige

If you’re thinking about looking at houses for rent in Houston TX as part of a plan to relocate, you’ll benefit from knowing a few details about the Texan lifestyle. Here are a few things you need to know about living in Texas. 

  1. Cost of Living

The cost of living fluctuates in Texas. In Austin, it comes in at 3% lower than the national average, despite the housing cost being 2% higher. In Houston the overall cost is 2% lower, but housing is 5% higher. Overall Texas is considered reasonable and average when it comes to affordability, which changes based on the town or city you’re in. One great perk of Texas living is that there’s no personal income tax or state income tax. The state also has the fifth overall-lowest tax burden in the country. Sales taxes are also quite low!

 

When it comes to utilities, you’ll likely pay less than average. According to apartmentlist.com, “Locals are allowed to choose their 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.”

  1. Weather

Texas is an extremely hot state, so those who don’t appreciate heat should consider themselves warned. Cities like Dallas and San Antonio can heat up to over 100 degrees practically every day in the summer months. Winters are mild, which seems to be a modest gift compared to the scorching summers. Occasionally a hurricane will hit the eastern coast of Texas from the Gulf, but this isn’t an annual expectation by any means. 

  1. Music

Music is a huge deal in Texas. Austin is considered the “Live Music Capital of the World.” There are countless live music venues including theatres, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, outdoor amphitheatres, and more. Famous music festivals, including the legendary Austin City Limits Music Festival, host the best of the best musicians from all over the region and the world. Texas is an ideal place for the music lover to live. 

  1. Food

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes food. In fact, food may be on the top of the list when it comes to what is bigger! For one, portion sizes are monstrous at many restaurants and cookouts. BBQ and Tex-mex cuisine are immensely popular, making Texas into what some may call a food-lover’s paradise. 

  1. Education

Texas is home to excellent higher education institutions including The University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, Texas A&M University, The University of Houston, and more. 

  1. Greenspace

The best state parks in Texas include:

 

  • Big Bend Ranch State Park
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • Colorado Bend State Park
  • Franklin Mountains STate Park
  • Longhorn Cavern State Park

 

  1. Transportation

Texas has the largest light-rail system in the country. The Dallas DART light-rail system spans 85 miles and 61 stations. While you will definitely need a car in this state, the rail can provide simpler access to certain areas depending on where you’re living and where you’re trying to go.

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