The Hard Truths About Moving to Texas Most People Miss

Moving to Texas can be a great decision, but only if you understand what you are actually signing up for. Texas is not one place. It is closer to five different states stitched together. Houston feels nothing like Amarillo. Dallas Fort Worth has very little in common with the Texas Hill Country around Austin and San Antonio. Before you plan a scouting trip, you need to narrow your focus and understand the climate, culture, taxes, and lifestyle of specific regions, not just the idea of Texas.

Property taxes are another reality check. Yes, they can be high, but where you live matters more than the headline number. In Central Texas, I regularly see rates from the low 1 percent range in rural county areas to well over 3 percent in master planned suburban communities. Higher taxes usually come with higher home prices and more amenities. Many buyers accidentally double their tax burden by choosing expensive suburban homes with high rates instead of considering small towns or acreage outside the metro.

Affordability is also a moving target. Austin and its suburbs are far less affordable than towns an hour or two away. Smaller communities still offer grocery stores, schools, and services, but at a fraction of the cost. The tradeoff is income opportunity and driving distance, which becomes a lifestyle decision, not a minor inconvenience.

Weather and driving round this out. Texas heat is real everywhere, but humidity, storms, hail, and ice vary by region. Driving long distances is normal here, especially if you live outside major cities. The mistake most people make is choosing a place without honestly matching it to their daily needs and tolerance for distance and weather.

If you do the homework and pick the right region, Texas can absolutely fit your goals. If you skip that step, it can get expensive fast.

If you are planning a move to Texas and want straight answers from someone on the ground, you can always reach me 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, Austin, Texas Hill Country, Wimberley, Blanco, Johnson City, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood, San Antonio Hill Country.