Moving to Texas checklist: Research Texas climate and weather conditions. Understand Texas property tax requirements. Explore local job market opportunities. Familiarize yourself with Texas school systems. Learn about Texas healthcare options. Review Texas vehicle registration and licensing. Research Texas cost of living differences. Choose a city fitting your lifestyle. Identify nearest airports and transport links. Learn Texas cultural norms and etiquette.
Research Texas climate and weather conditions.
When moving to Texas, expect a predominantly warm and hot climate with significant regional variations. Summers are very hot and often humid, especially in the eastern and coastal areas, while winters are mild in the south and colder in the north. The state is also prone to extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms, with rainfall varying greatly from the arid west to the rainy east. For more detailed information, visit the Climate To Travel website, which provides comprehensive climate data for the region.
Understand Texas property tax requirements.
In Texas, property taxes are determined by the current market value of a property, though there are exceptions for properties like agricultural and timberland, which are valued based on productivity. Homeowners are encouraged to apply for exemptions—such as the homestead exemption—to reduce the taxable value of their properties, with applications typically due by April 30. Property values are appraised by the district appraisal offices, and any disputes are resolved by the Appraisal Review Board. Taxes are ultimately collected by the County Assessor/Collector and then distributed to local taxing units. For more in-depth information, you can visit the Property Taxes FAQ page.
Explore local job market opportunities.
To explore local job market opportunities in Texas, utilize the Texas Labor Market Information website, which offers tools like Texas Career Check, WorkInTexas.com, and various labor market analysis tools to provide information on job titles, pay, future projections, and industry trends. For more details, visit the Texas Labor Market Information to gain insights into the vast employment possibilities and make informed decisions about your career path.
Familiarize yourself with Texas school systems.
Familiarize yourself with Texas school systems by understanding the public school districts, charter schools, and online schools, as well as the state's accountability system, testing requirements like STAAR, and resources available for parents and students through the Texas Education Agency.
Learn about Texas healthcare options.
In Texas, you can obtain health insurance through various sources, including your employer, insurance companies, the health marketplace, government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and student or spouse plans. Additionally, Texas offers affordable healthcare programs such as Children's Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for those with limited financial resources.
Review Texas vehicle registration and licensing.
To register your vehicle in Texas, you must obtain a Texas vehicle inspection, show proof of insurance, and apply for registration at your local county tax-assessor collector office within 30 days of moving. It is essential to provide the necessary documents, such as the out-of-state title or registration and complete the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). For more detailed information, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website, which provides comprehensive guidance on the registration process.
Research Texas cost of living differences.
The cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average, with housing 17% lower, utilities 3% higher, and other categories such as food, healthcare, and transportation also lower than the national average. Costs vary significantly across different cities in Texas, with some cities like Harlingen and McAllen being particularly affordable. For a detailed analysis and comparison of living expenses across Texan cities, visit the Cost of Living Calculator, offering insights into how these factors play out in various locales.
Choose a city fitting your lifestyle.
When choosing a city in Texas, consider factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, and lifestyle. Cities like Houston offer a diverse urban experience with lower housing costs, San Antonio provides an affordable big-city lifestyle, and Austin is ideal for those seeking a vibrant tech hub, though it comes with higher living expenses. For further information on these cities and their unique offerings, you can visit the Cost of Living in Texas for detailed insights and comparisons.
Identify nearest airports and transport links.
When moving to Texas, particularly to the Austin area, you can utilize Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is served by CapMetro's Route 20 bus service, providing frequent and convenient transportation to downtown Austin and other key locations. For those moving to the Houston area, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers various bus services, including METRO Bus 102 to downtown Houston, and shuttle services to other nearby cities like Beaumont, Port Arthur, and College Station.
Learn Texas cultural norms and etiquette.
To integrate into Texas society, it is crucial to practice Southern Hospitality, which includes respect, courtesy, kindness, and selflessness. This involves using formal greetings, showing respect to elders, maintaining modest public behavior, and adhering to flag etiquette and courteous road manners. By embracing these values, newcomers can foster harmonious relationships and truly immerse themselves in the Texan way of life.