By Jenny Harrison
Special Contributor
Pop culture stereotypes have ruined the image of Texas — the brave and beloved Lone Star State. For those who haven’t been there or haven’t met someone from Texas, it is the state of short-tempered rednecks, wild cowboys, and dumb blondes. The reality, however, is different and shockingly more interesting.
Texas is the second largest economy in the US, worth around $1.6 trillion, and that’s probably the reason you are moving to Dallas or San Antonio. With a 13 percent increase in employment over the last year, it is among the top five states to offer lucrative job opportunities. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average and that makes it a great place to save money and raise a family.
These are the things you rarely hear about Texas. So today, we will talk about things that no one tells you about Texas when you are stuck on whether you should or shouldn’t move to Texas.
The Sun Is Brutal in Texas
No matter where you moved from, Texas will introduce you to a whole new level of heat. The sun loves the Lone Star State. While its a mind-numbing dry heat in some cities, others are horrifyingly humid. Mercury can easily go beyond 100° in most areas. Luckily, the state is blessed with many lakes and streams where crowds head towards in summer. Lucky ones who live near to coastline hit the beautiful beaches and islands in Texas. So, summer basically gives Texans a good reason to take the much-needed break at least once a year. However, aside from the three to four months of scorching heat, Texas enjoys a pleasant weather for most of the year.
Texans Love Their Guns
Texas is a gun-proud state and many residents are strong supporters of the Second Amendment. Although it stands at No. 18 in the list of the most heavily armed states, a survey showed that around 44 percent of residents own a gun. If you ever suspect a passerby carrying a gun under his shirt, you are probably right. For a state that has been involved in many battles for centuries, the respect for the Second Amendment is understandable. If you think it is every American’s right to carry a weapon for self-defense, you won’t find any trouble exercising that right in Texas.
Hugs Are Tight and Warm
One thing you need to brace yourself for in Texas is a tight warm embrace. It is an important detail people usually miss out about Texas – Texans love hugs. A handshake might be enough in your first meeting, but be prepared for a big hug the next time you meet your neighbor. It is part of the Texan hospitality. It is just their way of letting know that they like you. Sure it sounds like a big made up stereotype since we are talking about the gun-proud state but Texans don’t hold back on how they feel about you. It is all about which side you land on.
Texas Has a Rich History
It is sad that few people talk about the historic side of Texas. As a state that has played a key role in the civil war and various revolutions, Texas has many historic sites besides the famous Alamo. It is the state where you can visit the site of Kennedy’s assassination. There are a lot of museums in the city that will take you to a stroll down the historic lane as far back as the time of Native Americans and the arrival of the Spanish troops.
Education is Everything
Do you know Texas has around 200 universities and colleges, including six public universities? There are around 1,000 public schools along with many private ones renowned for their standard of education. It is home to eight medical and three dental schools. The Texas Medical Center is a prestigious medical research institute known across the world for the highest number of heart transplants in a year. The engineering and technology institutes enjoy a similar repute. So, if you are moving with family or for your own education, you have made the right choice.
There is No State Income Tax
As of 2018, there are around nine states in the US that do not have any state income tax. Surprisingly, very few people are aware that Texas is one of those generous states. If you aren’t a fan of income tax calculations, you won’t have to bother with it in Texas. That said, keep in mind that there are certain counties and cities where you might have to pay income tax, but a survey of these areas shows that the overall cost of living is considerably lower than the American average. Either way, you end up saving money. Of course, the flip side is we have some of the highest property taxes in the nation if you live in the larger metro areas.
Job Market is Hot
Texas job market is one of the hottest in the country. The state created thousands of jobs during the 2005 to 2013 period but slowed down due to the trouble with the oil and energy sector. Last year, it picked its pace once again and now shows no sign of slowing down. In 2018, Texas’ unemployment rate went down four percent and over 27,000 jobs were created. Apart from the oil and energy sector, jobs are created by various other flourishing industries in the region including healthcare, education, transportation, and finance. If you are moving for a better opportunity, rest assured for you have made a good decision.
The Bonus Point
The greatest fact about Texas is that apartment rents are lower than the national average. This means you don’t have to shorten your new apartment checklist. You can have a bigger and better apartment in a nicer neighborhood for a lower rent.
Now you know the real face of Texas. It is a great place to move to, especially when you are looking for bigger savings and lots of adventure. The state welcomes everyone with wide-open arms and provides unmatched opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Jenny Harrison is a passionate home and lifestyle blogger. She loves to engage with readers who are seeking home and lifestyle-related information on the internet. She is a featured blogger at various high authority blogs and magazines in which she shared her research and experience with the vast online community. Currently, she is associated with NYC moving company ‘All Around Moving Services Company Inc.’ Specializes in arranging and assembling services of professional and skilled local movers locally in New York City as well as areas in New Jersey, Connecticut and the Miami Dale area in South Florida. Follow her on twitter @MJennyHarrison for more updates.
