According to recent statistics, Texas is one of the most popular states people are moving to. It is estimated that roughly 1000 people move to the Lone Star state each day. Since 2010, Texas welcomed more than 4.6 million new residents. Clearly, everyone has fallen in love with Texas! It is easy to see why. The low income tax and plentiful job opportunities make it desirable for young and old. However, before you start packing your bags you should carefully consider if Texas is the right fit for you. And if you are moving from Tennessee to Texas, your decision will not be easy as both states have their pros and cons. Join us here at Verified Movers as we take a deep dive into this topic.
First – a geography lesson
Before you embark on this journey, you should know how far you will be traveling. After all, it is going to influence the price of your relocation. Interstate moving companies Texas charge by distance and the number of items you are transporting. You could move to Texas from Tennessee on your own but it is a long drive. Depending on the city, you can expect to be on the road anywhere from 9 to 14 hours.
Another thing to note is how much bigger Texas is. If you have never visited before, it could be a shock. The total area of Texas covers more than 670,000 square kilometers – making it 535% larger than Tennessee. Since Texas is roughly 6 times bigger, it also has a higher population count. Around 18 million more people live here. Getting used to living in a more densely populated area could be a challenge if you decide to move. However, it also means more opportunities to explore, and more things to see and do.
Moving from Tennessee to Texas comes with a higher cost of living
When people move to Texas, they usually mention the low cost of living as one of the main benefits. Compared to most of America, Texas is a pretty cheap state. The cost of living is certainly below the national average. So, those people are not wrong but your situation will be different. While Texas is affordable, Tennessee is even cheaper. The Volunteer State has a cost of living index of only 87.6. This makes it roughly 12 percent more affordable than Texas.
This mostly comes down to the housing market. You will have to set aside more money to purchase a home in Texas. The median home price is somewhere around $244,000. Meanwhile, in Tenessee, it is $230,000. However, the final price you pay will largely depend on which specific city you choose to move to. For example, Nashville, TN is actually a lot more expensive than Houston, TX. Doing proper research is as important as finding some of the best cross country movers Tennessee has to offer.
One of the main reasons people move to Texas from Tennessee is the job market
To say that Texas has a bustling economy would be an understatement. It is in a constant process of growth and expansion, attracting millions of young professionals, companies, and startups each year. Even with so many newcomers coming here looking for jobs, it is showing no signs of cooling off. In fact, the unemployment rate keeps falling, month after month. The boom started with the oil and gas industry exploding. It turned Houston into the energy capital of the world. You can find more than 4000 energy related businesses in the area. If you are in this field, the advantages of moving to Texas are clear as day.
However, it is important to remember that Texas is a huge state. Which city you move to matters quite a bit, as every area has something different to offer. While Houston is the energy giant, Austin would be a better pick if you are in the IT or tech sector. Amazon has built not one, but two tech hubs in Texas – one being in Austin. Aside from that, you can also find plenty of job postings in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, transportation, education, and government. Texas really has it all!
Top cities to choose from in Texas
Picking just one city to recommend would be an impossible mission. Texas is home to 6 of the largest cities in America, which is a lot more than many states in the nation can boast. Whether you are looking for a fast-paced urban environment or top places for families in Texas, there is no shortage of options. Here are our top picks in no particular order:
- Austin – Technology hub and home to the University of Texas, a great choice for families
- Houston – The energy capital of America and beyond, offering numerous job opportunities
- Dallas – A cheaper alternative to Austin and a great mix of urban and suburban living
- San Antonio – Historical charm and renowned attractions give this city a special charm
- El Paso – The spot for festivals and outdoors recreation
- Kileen – An underrated gem in the very heart of Texas, best if you are looking for a quiet life
In conclusion, Texas certainly has a lot to offer. It beats Tennesse in many aspects such as the growing economy, size, and the sheer amount of things to do. Sure, it comes at a slightly higher price but millions of people seem to think it’s worth it. Now that you know what to expect, moving from Tennessee to Texas should be an easier process. The Lone Star State is going to welcome you with open arms.