Texas

Texas aka the Lone Star State is a captivating mix of history, culture, and sprawling landscapes with vast plains and rugged deserts. From the vibrant cityscape of Houston to the cosmopolitan charm of Austin, Texas offers a diverse array of experiences.

It’s interesting to note that Texan hospitality is legendary. It’s reflected in the warm smiles of its people and the mouthwatering flavors of its famous barbecue cuisine.

As the birthplace of the American cowboy and the heart of country music, Texas reverberates with a unique rhythm that leaves visitors and residents enchanted.

All in all, the state of Texas is warm and tax-friendly. With diverse cities, landscapes, and job opportunities, Texas is a great place to live for young professionals, families, and retirees.

Texas has remained a relatively affordable state despite the current boom in the housing market. For instance, the median price of a home in Texas is approximately $349,000. This is much less than the average cost of a home in a state like California which is roughly $799,000.

Having said that, Texas real estate offers a great investment opportunity.

When it comes to renting an apartment or condo in Texas, residents have seen rent prices rise in the current rental housing market. This has been the result of growing house sales, rigorous zoning laws, higher demands, and population growth.

The average rent for a one-room apartment in Texas ranges from $911 to $1476 – depending on the location, neighborhood, home size, and property features.

State highlights

The state boasts iconic landmarks such as the Gulf Coast, the Texas Hill Country, Big Bend National Park, Palo Duro Canyon, and the Chihuahuan Desert.

Texas is home to several vibrant and culturally rich cities, including Houston, Dallas, Austin (the state capital), San Antonio, and Fort Worth. Each city has its own unique charm, offering a blend of history, arts, music, entertainment, and culinary experiences.

What’s more, the state is known for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.

The famous Texas State University is a public research university located in San Marcos, Texas, United States. It offers a wide range of academic programs, experiential learning, and a vibrant campus life.

Another thing Texans are passionate about is sports – especially football. Besides, Texas has a rich history, with influences from Native American tribes, Spanish colonization, Mexican rule, the Texas Revolution, and the Republic of Texas.

There are some great historical sites to explore such as the Alamo in San Antonio, the San Jacinto Monument, the Texas State Capitol, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas.

And last but definitely not least, Texas is known for its distinctive cuisine, including mouthwatering dishes such as Tex-Mex, barbecued meats, chili, and pastries.

Geographic location

Texas is the second-largest state in the country – both area-wise and by population. It covers an area of about 268,820 square miles and has a population of over 29 million people. The state exhibits a diverse landscape – right from the coastal plains and prairies to rolling hills, mountains, and deserts.

Geographically, Texas is in the southern-central part of the United States. It is bordered by the states of Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, Louisiana to the east, New Mexico to the west, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south. Texas has a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast.

Climate

The climate of Texas is generally a diverse one, with different regions experiencing varying climatic conditions. Overall, Texas has a predominantly semi-arid to arid climate – with some regions with a more humid subtropical climate.

In terms of temperature, Texas is known for its hot summers. The western and central parts of the state tend to have long, hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and sometimes reaching well over 100°F.

In contrast, the eastern part of Texas, closer to the Gulf Coast, experiences milder temperatures due to the influence of the ocean. Winters in Texas are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 40-60°F in most areas, although it can occasionally get colder in the northern parts of the state.

Precipitation patterns in Texas vary significantly across the state. The eastern and southeastern regions receive more rainfall compared to the western and southwestern parts. The Gulf Coast experiences a humid climate with relatively high annual rainfall, often influenced by tropical systems during hurricane season. The western and southwestern regions, including the Big Bend area, are much drier and have lower annual rainfall.

Texas is also prone to extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Thunderstorms are common, particularly during the spring and early summer months, and can bring heavy rain, lightning, and hail. Tornadoes can occur throughout the state, with the central and northern regions being more prone to their occurrence. The Gulf Coast region is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Demography

After California, Texas has the second-highest population in the country. The largest ethnic group in Texas is Hispanic and Latino, who make up a sizeable portion of the state’s population. The second-largest group is made up of non-Hispanic Whites, who are then followed by African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans.

Texas has a slightly younger median age than the rest of the US, at about 34 years old.

Since urban and rural locations coexist in Texas, the state draws visitors from a variety of backgrounds.

Keep in mind that demographics keep changing over time due to factors such as migration, birth rates, death rates, and economic conditions.

Cost of Living

The average annual cost of living in Texas is approximately $45,114. This figure is according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2021. Remember that Texas is a big state – the cost of living can vary depending on the city or region you are in.

Generally, Texas is known for having a relatively low cost of living (which include housing costs, transportation costs, healthcare expenses, utilities, groceries, and entertainment) compared to many other states in the United States.

Housing costs in Texas can be relatively affordable compared to other states, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. However, major cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston have experienced significant growth in recent years, leading to increased housing costs.

The average salary in the state of Texas is approximately $52,026 a year.

Transportation

In Texas, driving is by far the most popular mode of transportation. Without a car, it would be difficult to navigate any of the main cities, and some distant locations. For instance, Big Bend National Park is virtually unreachable if you do not have a private vehicle.

Because of the big size, it’s difficult and time-consuming to get to and from different destinations – no matter which type of transportation you choose.

For instance, the travel time between big cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Houston is about three to five hours. It may take significantly longer to drive to places such as South Padre Island or El Paso.

Some Texas residents feel that the highway networks of the state are complicated – more so in major cities where traffic is heavy.

There is also the option of in-state domestic flights for traveling within Texas.

Trains aren’t the most common mode of transportation here. They are slower than road travel, costly, and less frequent. That said, you have the option of taking the Amtrak routes Heartland Flyer, which connects Gainesville and Fort Worth; the Sunset Limited, which connects Houston and El Paso; and the Texas Eagle, which connects Dallas and El Paso.

Buses may be the most affordable method of travel in Texas but only a few people prefer it over taking their car. You have the choice of bus providers such as Vonlane, Greyhound, and Megabus.

Overall, Texas cities’ public transportation systems are less developed and effective than other US cities. No wonder, cars remain the preferred means of transportation here.

Schools

Some of the top schools in Texas include Pope El, KIPP Unity Primary School, Mcspedden Elementary School, School For The Highly Gifted, Spring Branch Academic Institute, Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Beckendorff J High School, BASIS San Antonio- Shavano Campus, Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute, and Silva Health Magnet High School.

Some of the best colleges include the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Houston, and Texas Tech University.

What is the state like?

One of the best parts about living in Texas is the strong sense of community and friendly hospitality that is ingrained in the Texan culture. Texans are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making it easy for you to feel at home and build relationships with neighbors and fellow residents.

The state’s vast size and diverse landscapes offer a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty to explore. Additionally, Texas boasts a thriving economy, affordable cost of living, and a rich cultural heritage that includes delicious cuisine, vibrant music scenes, and a deep appreciation for traditions.