Moving to Texas? 10 Things You Need to Know

At a time when many can´t get a job, my husband landed a doozy. That´s why….we´re headed to Texas! Many people will tell you moving to Texas is like moving to another country; it´s huge, it´s friendly, and the residents are fiercely loyal to their roots. But knowing all this doesn´t give you much practical guidance, so I´ve put together a list of ten things you need to know if you´re going to be living in the Lone Star state. Planning on moving to Texas like me? These are the things you need to know:

Woo Hoo Money Savings!

There is no personal income tax in Texas. This is one of the perks of living in the state and a major reason why more and more people are moving to Texas. If you´re from a state with steep state income taxes, you´ll celebrate every April 15th.

Making a Stop at the DMV

You need to register for Texas license plates and a Texas driver´s license within thirty days of becoming a resident. When you apply for a driver´s license, you´ll have to provide a thumb print. You´ll also have to surrender your current driver´s license. The state is strict about the need to get an in-state license and registration, so don´t put it off.

More Money Savings….Schweet!

Between January 1 and March 30 of the year you move to Texas, apply for a Homestead exemption on your home. This is a tax exemption that will significantly reduce the property taxes on your primary residence. Housing costs are about 20% below the national average, and far below most major cities, but the Homestead exemption can save you even more money every year.

North or the South?

Northern Texas and southern Texas are vastly different. In a state as big as Texas, everything from temperatures to scenery changes drastically depending on location. If you´re going to ask someone what living in Texas is like, be sure you´re asking someone from the right region. One constant – it´s hot most of the year. It may be dry in some areas and humid in others, but except for the mild winters, temperatures are often among the highest in the country.

Scenery

Grass doesn´t last through the hotter months of summer, so a lush, green lawn is difficult to achieve. As compensation, you´ll be amazed by the colorful, abundant wildflowers that grow everywhere. The state flower is the blue bonnet, and they thrive everywhere. Driving down any highway, you´ll be surrounded by a carpet of blue, red and yellow flowers.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Critters are everywhere, including scorpions, spiders and snakes, all of which are adept at getting into houses and sand boxes, so keep things closed when you aren´t using them. Learn to recognize which ones are dangerous and which ones are harmless.

Diversity

Texas is culturally diverse and packed with things to do. Houston, San Antonio and the Dallas-Forth Worth area are three of the nation´s top ten metropolitan areas and they are all rich with museums, museum venues, and fine dining.

Tolerance is key to Texas living. True Texans are willing to let everyone live their lives regardless of how eccentric and odd those lives are. Austin, Texas even has a motto that celebrates its diversity, "Keep Austin Weird."

How Bout Them Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys are loved by nearly every Texan, but high school football is practically a religion. In many towns, stores and diners close on Friday nights so everyone can attend the local high school football game.

Food

Even living in the heart of a city, you can purchase fresh produce, eggs, meat and milk that is straight from the farm. In smaller towns, you can drive to local farms and buy your food directly from the farmer that produced it. Food just doesn´t get any fresher than it does in Texas.

Are you planning on moving to Texas soon? These are just a few of the things you should know before you do. Wish me luck in my journey to the south this fall, and shopping for Dallas real estate!