The US Census Bureau data shows that half of the top ten cities with the fastest population increase are located in Texas.
Some of the population growth can be blamed on natural causes, like an increasing birth rate. But it seems that newcomers from other states and from overseas outnumber those who have stayed here.
Why does Texas keep the top spot when it comes to the fastest-growing cities? Let’s uncover the reason behind the Lone Star State’s popularity, and whether or not moving there is worth it.
Job Opportunities
A thriving job market is one of the leading motives behind moving, especially since the pandemic hit and rocked the world as we know it, leaving many people without stable incomes.
If you are an audio engineer who recently lost your job and you’re struggling to find a new one, it’s only reasonable to search for cities that have a high demand for people in your profession. Turns out, Texas is a state with plenty of open vacancies and possibilities for people of various career backgrounds.
In February 2020, when COVID-19 started, there were 645,000 job openings. Only a year later, that number miraculously recovered and rose to 1,022,000 in 2021. While these statistics are highly complex, things seem to be pointing in the right direction as far as the job market is concerned.
This popular state also offers pretty decent salaries, too. The median annual salary for the state’s typical employment is $56,536 as of November 29, 2021. That comes out to around $1,087 a week, or $4,711 a month, or $27.18 an hour. Combined with lower living expenses, Texas becomes a great place to live in.
The average salary range is between $43,859 and $65,567. With such a wide wage range, it seems that there are numerous ways to climb the vertical ladder when it comes to salary in Texas. Of course, it all depends on your education, previous work experience, and proficiency.
No State Taxes
What better way to become a popular state than by leaving off a state income tax? The Lone Star State is one of only nine (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming) that does not levy a state income tax on its residents. When researching the best places to move, this one will probably be high on your list when you call a Dallas moving company.
No state taxes combined with a low cost of living allows people to keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets, which makes Texas a very attractive state.
On the flip side, there have been complaints regarding Texas’s higher property taxes, but when you count everything in, only five states tax their residents less than Texas does.
Living Expenses
People have been on a continuous quest to find the most affordable way to live, whether that be in the city they live in now, or five states across the continent. Living in big and expensive cities such as San Francisco or New York isn’t always an option for those who are trying to stay frugal and save money.
And how does Texas score on this scale? The fact that the two cheapest cities in the U.S. are located in Texas says enough. Of course, not every place in Texas is the cheapest, but overall, it is a relatively cheap place to live in the long-term.
Most of the expenses, such as health insurance, groceries, and social life, are cheaper. This is mostly attributable to the fact that Texas does not levy either corporate or individual income taxes. To make things even more affordable, housing prices in Texas are lower than the national average, making it easier for residents to rent or buy a home.
Nice Weather
Temperatures of about 70°F are considered ideal for human comfort, according to Scientific American. Over 90°, most people become too hot, while under 50° is too cold for many. Humidity levels of less than 60% are generally considered to be acceptable. And as temperatures go up, humidity levels need to go down. Otherwise it becomes steamy and uncomfortable.
People also prefer bright days over gloomy or overcast ones, which comes as no surprise. Even though rain is beneficial for agriculture, it isn’t considered ideal weather, so we’ll be looking for a lot of sunlight instead. Finally, we’d want to locate places that are less susceptible to severe storms.
According to these criteria, Texas seems to have won the weather lottery. While temperatures may reach into the 90s in certain parts of the state, the vast majority of Texans experience pleasant and mild spring-like weather throughout the year. This makes it a wonderful oasis for outdoorsy types who enjoy their time in nature. People who live in areas with long and harsh winters find Texas’ warm climate attractive, and on top of all the other perks, it’s no wonder Texas has gained so much popularity over the past years.
Already Thinking of Moving to the Lone Star State?
Once you’re in Texas, there will be no shortage of entertaining things to do. Thanks to low rent prices, a flourishing economy, and a burgeoning culinary scene, you will be able to save your top dollar but also indulge in some serious fun.
Because many individuals move to Texas on a daily basis, the state has a distinct atmosphere. As long as you’re able to handle the occasional (but mild enough) Texas heat, we’re certain that you’ll discover a place that feels like home.
Before jumping on a wagon and hurrying to Texas to find your soul-mate city, make sure that you’re aware of what a long-distance move entails. If you think a local move is hard enough, you will definitely need some extra preparation and research to learn how to expertly plan your long-distance move.
