Texas Is the Number One State People Are Moving To Right Now
Texas is ranked number one in the nation for inbound moves according to U-Haul’s Growth Index, marking the seventh time in roughly a decade the state has topped the list. That matters because U-Haul data tracks real moving trucks, not surveys or opinions. It is one of the clearest indicators of where people are actually relocating.
What this tells us on the ground is simple. People are choosing Texas for affordability relative to other major states, job access, business friendliness, and lifestyle flexibility. In Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country, that migration shows up very clearly. Areas like Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Blanco, and Fredericksburg continue to attract buyers leaving California, Colorado, and the Northeast who want space, land, and long term cost control. They are not just buying houses. They are buying lifestyle and optionality.
The process usually looks the same. Buyers start in a big metro, then push outward once they realize city pricing no longer pencils. That is why the Hill Country keeps benefiting from inbound movement. It offers proximity to Austin and San Antonio without city density, while still supporting custom homes, acreage, and long term ownership goals.
The mistake many buyers make is assuming this inbound trend means every property will appreciate the same way. It will not. Land quality, access, water, and usability still matter. Migration creates demand, but smart buying determines results.
The takeaway is straightforward. Texas continues to pull people in, and Central Texas remains one of the biggest beneficiaries. The opportunity is real, but it still rewards buyers who choose carefully.
If you want help understanding how inbound migration affects pricing, land value, and buying strategy, you can start at 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, Wimberley, Blanco, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Texas Hill Country, Central Texas