Moving to a new state can be a challenge, from finding the right place to live for you and your family to getting all your utilities set up in your new home. But when you find a neighborhood you love, it all seems worth it.
At Gexa Energy, we believe there’s a lot to love about Texas, and we’re proud to call it home. Texas is so great, people are moving to Texas in droves, and many of the fastest-growing cities in the country are in the Lone Star State.
Whether you prefer the fast-paced city life or the beautiful countryside, Texas has nearly everything you could want in a home state. Explore our guide below on how to move to Texas to help you learn what to expect when relocating and how you can prepare for your big move.
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What’s So Great About the Lone Star State?
As the second most populated state in the U.S., Texas is home to plenty of job opportunities, entertainment options, and fantastic schools. There are plenty of Texas facts that show what inspires people all over the country to move to Texas.
Lower Taxes
Texas is one of only seven states with no state income tax. Add to that low state sales tax and multiple tax incentives for businesses, and Texas is a fantastic place to open your own small business. With no income tax, you can take home larger paychecks and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
Warmer Weather
Because of its size, the state sees wide variance in weather conditions. In general, however, summers in Texas are hot, with temperatures averaging in the mid-to-upper 90s. Winters tend to be mild, in the mid-60s, with rare cold drops and snowfall. If you’re planning to move to Texas, keep in mind that both hurricanes and tornados are possible.
Affordable Housing
The median home value for houses for sale in Texas is around $185,000. Texas is a great place to invest in homeownership, as home values have steadily increased 6.7% in just the last year.. Even with these price increases, Texas homes are significantly lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable states in the country. Combine that with a lower-than-average cost of living and higher-than-average wages, and it’s no surprise Texas is the one of the best states in which to make a living.
Lower Electricity Bills
Most of Texas has a deregulated energy market, which means residents can choose their own energy providers when setting up electricity service. You can choose the provider and plan that best fits your needs and switch providers to find the best deal.
Growing Job Market
While Texas is known for being a major player in the oil and gas industry, the state also continues to grow in the clean energy sector. Residents can find jobs in technology, healthcare, and education, and work for major national employers like Dell, ExxonMobil, and Lockheed Martin.
Food & Entertainment Options
From events like the state fair in Dallas to annual music festivals that draw bands from all over the country, there’s plenty to do in Texas. The Lone Star state is home to world-class museums, professional sports, and stunning state parks, including Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountain National Park. Texas is also known for its food, from barbeque to Tex-Mex and numerous other cuisines.
What to Know About Moving to Texas
As with any move, it’s important to know exactly what to expect when relocating to Texas. While the Lone Star State has much to offer, there are also things to know before moving to Texas.
Because Texas is so spread out geographically, it can take a while to get anywhere. Public transit is not comprehensive, so residents spend a significant amount of time in traffic. Unless you’re working remotely or within a few minutes of your office, expect to spend on average at least 25 minutes commuting each way.
“Everything is bigger in Texas” is more than a catchy saying—it’s a reality. From houses to shopping centers to food portions, expect everything in the state to be oversized. After all, Texas is second only to Alaska in size.
Relocation Tips
As you prepare to move to Texas, it’s important to have a plan for finding the right home for you and your family. Here are our top tips for building your moving to Texas checklist.
Do Your Research
The more you know about your new home, the better prepared you’ll be. Spend time online researching different cities, towns, and neighborhoods and get a feel for the schools, amenities, and environments. Contact a realtor about potential homes and rentals and make sure to ask plenty of questions.
Plan a Visit
If you’re able to, plan a visit to the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Consider commute times, school districts, and your family’s needs and meet with real estate agents in person. Ask local friends or family members to show you around. You can find links to moving companies and real estate in our moving quick-start guide.
Budget Your Move
Research all the costs associated with moving, including moving services, rental deposits, and packing materials. Be sure to set aside some money for unexpected expenses and emergencies and review our moving and packing tips.
If you plan to hire a moving company, look for moving companies in Texas that are licensed with the TxDMV. By law, all Texas moving companies must be licensed, and if they’re not, you risk damage to or loss of your belongings.
Set Up Services
Once you’ve chosen a place to live, contact your local utility providers to notify them of your new address and get services set up before move-in day. Here are a few places you need to contact to set up service or notify them of your new address:
- USPS
- Electricity
- Gas
- Internet
- Any monthly subscriptions
Build a Moving Schedule
Determine move-out and move-in dates and let your movers know. Create a checklist for every task that needs to be completed before moving day and plan due dates for each item. This will help keep you organized and ensure you’re not rushing to get ready when it’s time to move to Texas.
Downsize & Begin Packing Up
The less you have to move to a new state, the better. Go through your belongings and determine if there are any items that you can donate or sell. If you don’t use it or need it, it’s time to get rid of it.
Visit the DMV
Once you’ve arrived and fully moved into your new home in Texas, there are a few tasks you need to complete. Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles to get your Texas driver’s license and register your vehicles in the state. Texas law requires you to register your car within 30 days of becoming a resident.
If you’re all moved in and have checked all items off your to-do list, it’s time to start enjoying your life in the great state of Texas!
Choosing Your Retail Electricity Provider
More than 200,000 Texans choose Gexa Energy as their residential electricity provider because we offer affordable, straightforward electricity plans and pricing, including low fixed-energy rate options. We pride ourselves on our customer care and online tools and resources. At Gexa Energy, we’re committed to putting our customers first.
As you prepare to become a new resident of Texas, be sure to visit Gexa Energy to compare plans and find the option that’s right for you.
