The Pros and Cons of Living in Texas

When you move to Texas, you'll find that many people consider the state to be one of the best places on the planet to live. With no state income taxes, an impressive dining scene, and plenty of activities to do, it's easy to see why. But there are also some potential drawbacks to living in Texas that you should consider before making the move. You'll discover that not everything is bigger in Texas, as there are several small towns available in the state if you prefer a quiet and serene environment.

Loving County is the least populated area of its kind in the United States, where the seat of Mentone County has a total population of just 19 people. For 12 hours in either direction, you'd still be in Texas. If you got in the car in Atlanta and drove 12 hours west, you would end up in Dallas, Texas, after having traveled through four states. The California invasion is truly surprising when you consider the political climate in Texas.

While having no income taxes is definitely attractive, Texas can make up for it by raising property tax rates. It is approximately 60% higher here than elsewhere in the country. There are 89 state parks, in addition to 14 federally managed locations and an entire coastline of beaches. Welcome to Texas, where there are no state income taxes.

Although this sounds great in theory, it increases sales taxes. Most purchases will entail an 8.25% sales tax, one of the highest sales taxes in the country. If you live near Houston or Dallas, you can reach almost anywhere in the United States in less than three hours with a direct flight from one of these cities' airports. If the presence of weapons makes you feel uncomfortable, this problem is likely to fall into the category of disadvantages.

You can also find live music almost every night available in the city and, at the same time, have access to the rest of the state to explore. Compare that to a state like Illinois, where if you want to live in a big city, your only option is Chicago. At 627 square miles, Houston is a bustling city with a thriving job market, an impressive dining scene, an affordable cost of living and plenty to do. If you enjoy diversity, big skies, modern cities, and the chance to visit the beach, then you may discover that Texas could be the perfect place to live. Or you could always live in a border city close to a state with a lower sales tax percentage and buy your food there. The pros and cons of living in Texas are a mix of potential advantages and disadvantages that may or may not apply.

Before making your decision on whether or not to move here, make sure you weigh all your options carefully.