If you are thinking about moving from Utah to Texas, then this guide is for you. From lower taxes to greater job opportunities, Texas has a lot to offer. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about relocating to Texas, including some of the pros and cons of the state.
Keep reading to learn all about moving from Utah to Texas and what this relocation entails!
Why Is Everyone Moving To Texas?
By some estimates, about 1,000 people move into Texas each day. That’s a significant number of people coming into the state. According to data from one resource, 596,000 people moved from other states in the country to Texas in 2020. In another report, nearly 500,000 people moved to Texas in 2021. This is at a much faster rate than other states in the U.S.
Reasons To Move To Texas
So, why is everyone moving to Texas then? The benefits of moving to Texas are many. Here are some of the most impressive reasons why people are moving to the state.
- There’s no state income tax: Texas is one state out of nine that does not charge income tax. That means that people keep 4 to 12 percent more than they do in states that collect income tax.
- Competitive home prices: Home prices in Texas are competitive and, in some areas, quite low. Though some cities are on the rise and limited inventory pushed home values high, they haven’t risen to unreachable levels as they have in other states.
- The weather: Let’s face it – Texas has a great year-round climate that can be enjoyed in every way imaginable. It’s possible to swim well into the fall, and you may be able to wear shorts in January.
- Excellent schools: Texas school systems range widely, but many are noted for providing superior education and producing well-rounded students. Consider individual school districts carefully, but from elementary through college, there are both public and private schools that are some of the nation’s leaders.
- Lower cost of living: Compared to states with the same economic resources, Texas has a much lower cost of living.
- A thriving economy: Texas has not only a growing economy but one that is versatile, with many industries served. That includes oil and gas but also financial industries, manufacturing, and agriculture.
When considering living in Texas, the pros and cons definitely point in favor of making the decision to live here. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind when making the move.
- There are sales taxes, which are slightly higher than in some other states, though they range in value throughout the state.
- That weather is a great thing if you like heat. Texas heat can become unbearable and dangerous storms are not uncommon here.
- Not all cities offer the same level of affordability. Be sure to compare markets carefully to find those best suited to your needs.
Now that you have a bit of insight into what moving to Texas’s pros and cons are, the question is, can you do it? The financial aspect of moving to this state is also something to consider carefully.
Cost Of Moving To Texas
How much does it cost to move to Texas? Well, that greatly depends on whether you decide to work with a professional moving company or not. If you do, the most effective way to figure out the cost is by asking for a quote. As for the actual move, it’s typically priced based on the distance traveled and the size of the move.
The cost of moving beyond just the actual moving fees may also include the following:
- The cost to apply for and obtain housing, either through a rental agreement or buying a home
- The cost of updating and modernizing a home to make it ready to move into
- Costs associated with setting up utilities and services
Best Place To Live In Texas
In general, the best places to live in Texas are the larger cities, like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, living in the suburban areas surrounding them can provide you with a lower cost of living without sacrificing the advantages of close proximity to the city.
In the 2022 Niche Best Places to Live in Texas awards, the top 5 neighborhoods include:
- Cottonwood Creek South (Located in Richardson, Texas)
- Heights Park (Located in Richardson, Texas)
- Cinco Ranch (A suburb of Houston, Texas)
- The Woodlands (City in Texas)
- Canyon Creek South (Located in Richardson, Texas)
Cheapest Places To Live in Texas
Are you looking for the most affordable place to call home in Texas? There are some regions of the state that are more affordable than others. Consider the cost of living in these areas:
- Amarillo: The median home price here is $147,600 with a cost of living index of just 80.1 (100 is the national average).
- Brownsville: This community on the cost has a median home price of just $118,200 with a cost of living index of 70.3.
- Lubbock: The cost of living index here is 79.9, and the median home price stands around $159,000.
Cost Of Living In Texas
The cost of living in Texas is an important factor to think about as you make your move to the Lone Star state. According to recent data, the cost of living in Texas is more competitive than what could be expected in other states of similar size.
The Texas Realtors Association found that the median cost of a home in 2023 was $326,800 here, which is under the national average of $388,800.
Another way to estimate the cost of living is to consider location. For example, the cost of living in Plano is a shocking 31% higher than in the rest of the country. However, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio offer a much more affordable cost of living that’s 2 to 8 percent lower than the rest of the country.
Preparing To Move To Texas
As you are preparing to move to Texas, there are a lot of things to consider. Work with a real estate agent in Texas to help you find the ideal property. Then, once you do, consider a few other steps:
- Hire a dumpster rental company to clean out your existing home. Minimizing the amount of stuff you have to take from Utah to Texas will reduce your overall moving costs.
- Hire a professional moving company to help you pack and transfer your belongings from one state to the next. It takes some time to do this, but professionals can streamline the process for you.
- Work to set up utilities in your new area while also shutting them down where you live now.
- Prepare for a road trip as you make the journey from Utah to your next home in Texas.
- Be sure to alert all of your credit card companies and other financial obligations and assets about your pending move.
Final Thoughts: What To Look For In A Long-Distance Moving Company
Now that you have decided to relocate from Utah to Texas, your next big step is to decide how you will move all of your belongings to your new home.
While moving everything yourself via a rental truck can seem like the most hassle-free option initially, it ultimately ends up being pretty costly when you factor in gas prices and physical labor. By comparison, a full-service moving company can offer you the convenience and support you need for a smooth transition.
When looking for a long-distance moving company to put your trust in, look for one that offers:
- Transparent Pricing: Always seek out companies that offer free and transparent pricing so that you aren’t tricked into paying hefty hidden fees.
- Great Reviews: The best way to discover whether a moving company is worth the investment is by reading online reviews! Companies with a majority of good reviews are much more likely to provide you with a good experience.
- Mover’s Insurance: Whenever possible, opt for a company that has mover’s insurance options that you can select that will protect you and your belongings in the event of an emergency or other unexpected scenario.
With all of this in mind, get to shopping for the right moving company for your big move from Utah to Texas!
To receive a free estimate from Word Of Mouth Movers for your big move from Utah to Texas click here.
