Parts of Texas to Be Careful About Before You Move

There is no single part of Texas everyone should avoid, but there are specific areas and situations that consistently cause regret for people who move here without doing proper homework. The biggest risks tend to come from buying based on price alone, chasing hype, or misunderstanding local conditions.

One area to be cautious with is fast built outer suburbs where development has outpaced infrastructure. Parts of Texas outside major metros can look affordable, but they often come with long commutes, limited healthcare access, crowded schools, and higher tax rates tied to MUDs or PIDs. I see this often in fringe areas outside Austin where buyers underestimate daily drive time and long term tax burden.

Flood prone areas are another major red flag. Even zones that appear dry most of the year can sit in floodplains or have poor drainage. Central Texas flash flooding is real, and buyers who skip flood map reviews often regret it later when insurance costs spike or resale becomes difficult.

Rural land without verified utilities is another common mistake. Cheap acreage sounds appealing until buyers realize water, septic, power, or road access will cost far more than expected. This catches out of state buyers all the time in the Texas Hill Country.

The biggest mistake is assuming Texas is uniform. It is not. Every county, school district, and utility setup is different. The right move in Texas comes from matching location to lifestyle, not avoiding the state altogether.

If you want help identifying areas that fit your goals and avoiding the common traps, visit https://chrispesek.com, email chris@drippingspringshometeam.com, or call 512-736-1703. Chris Pesek is a Texas Hill Country Realtor specializing in land, acreage, and custom homes. 383+ sales. Top 2 Percent Producer. 63 five-star reviews.
Dripping Springs, Austin, Texas Hill Country, Hays County, Blanco County, Gillespie County, Central Texas