TEXAS — Texas grew by nearly 16% in the last decade, according to 2020 U.S. Census data, bringing in almost 4 million new residents. The Lone Star State was behind Utah and Idaho as the third biggest population growth in the United States.
Among the new Texans are hundreds of thousands of arrivals from California, just as that state saw a much slower growth rate at just 6.1% in the last decade.
What You Need To Know
- Californians are moving to Texas at a rate of about 82,000 a year, according to a new study analyzing U.S. Census data
- The most popular places for Californians were in the so-called Texas Triangle area of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston
- The survey cited Texas’ robust economy, employment opportunities and low housing costs as motivating factors for Californians making a move to the Lone Star State
(Video) Woman moving from California to Texas says movers ditched her things in Washington storage unit
Almost 700,000 Californians have relocated to Texas since 2010, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data by StorageCafe, an online platform that compiles storage unit listings across the nation.
So, when Californians come to Texas, where do they go?
Not surprisingly, most California transplants head for the Texas triangle, which is the region that makes up the state’s largest metropolitan areas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin.
The group identified the 25 most popular routes for people leaving California for Texas by examining county-to-county migration data from the U.S. Census in 2019.
(Video) Texas is becoming the next California
The top destination for all Californians was Harris County. The Houston area was particularly popular with Los Angeles movers, who accounted for almost 40% of the new Californians who moved to the city in 2019.
In fact, Angelenos dominated most of the California movers to Dallas and the surrounding North Texas counties, including Denton, Tarrant and Collin. The Southern Californians also moved to Travis County, the second most popular county in Texas for Californians, as well as Bexar County, which was fifth on the destination list for those movers.
El Paso and Bell County were big draws for those coming from San Diego, with those counties being nine and 10 on the list of the most popular destinations for Californians.
The survey suggested that Californians were largely drawn to the Lone Star State for economic opportunities. In fact, many formerly California-based tech companies have made the southwest migration in headline-making moves over the past year alone. Fortune 500 tech giants Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced that they were moving last year to Texas. Then Elon Musk announced that his Tesla company would relocate to Austin.
(Video) 10 Reasons Everyone is Moving to Texas in 2023.
The real estate company CRBE and Charles Schwab have moved their headquarters recently from California to the Dallas area.
In fact, some 114 companies relocated their headquarters from California to Texas between January 2018 to June 2021, according to a report from the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
Texas’ growing economy and the opportunities that come with it, coupled with a robust workforce and zero state income tax, all contribute to Californians' attraction to the state. The lower cost of housing compared to the Golden State’s prices must also be a huge factor for Californians looking to relocate to Texas, the StorageCafe report said.
Texas homes are 59% less expensive compared to California, while also providing 14% more space, the study showed. For example, the median house price in Santa Clara in Northern California’s Silicon Valley was 72% higher than in Dallas County. Just north of Dallas, a typical home in Collin County was 1,000 square feet bigger than a home in Santa Clara County, the study found.
(Video) Californians Move to Texas | Episode 5: Buc-ee's
A typical home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is 52% cheaper than in Los Angeles County, resulting in a list price gap of $438,000, the study showed.
So, will the influx of some 82,000 Californians into Texas each year over the past decade have a long-term effect?
Texas Republicans, while supportive of the Texas government’s hands-off approach to business that has attracted the Californians, who come from a Democrat-run state, certainly hope not. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2018 ran for office with “Don’t California My Texas” campaign stickers.
Bumper stickers against the “Californication” of their state aside, Texas Republican lawmakers this year appear to have made sure to secure GOP dominance in state politics with the recent redistricting maps drawn up in the special session of the legislature.
(Video) Californians Move to Texas | Episode 2: The Cookout
The new maps for the State House, Senate and Congressional districts will tighten Republican control while reducing Black and Hispanic communities’ political influence. As for areas where Californians are moving in, Abbott once countered the argument that more Californians moving to Texas didn’t necessarily mean they would be liberals, insisting that his internal polling suggested that Californians who relocated to Texas were more conservative than Texans as a whole.
The redistricting maps await Abbott’s signature.
FAQs
Why do people from California want to move to Texas? ›
One of the BIG reasons to move to Texas from California is the taxes. California state income tax is the highest in the country, on all levels. Californians pay as much as 13.3% in state income tax and, depending on local rates, between 7.25% and 10.75% in sales tax.
View More ›
Benefits of Moving From California to Texas
Because Texas is growing so rapidly, it can be an excellent place for people searching for new job opportunities. Housing costs are a huge issue in California—the average cost of rent for an apartment is $1,600, while the average cost in Texas is a little over $1,000.
Discover More Details ›
FAQ about Moving to Texas
Texas is among the fastest-growing states in the nation, and for a positive reason. A cheap housing cost, promising employment market, temperate weather, and a lot to see make Lone Star State a great choice for newcomers. Find out more about Texas before you pack and move there.
Learn More ›
Texas is currently the number one destination state for those leaving California. That's been true for several years, though some of the other top destination states have shifted recently.
See Details ›
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FAQs
Why do people from California want to move to Texas? ›
One of the BIG reasons to move to Texas from California is the taxes. California state income tax is the highest in the country, on all levels. Californians pay as much as 13.3% in state income tax and, depending on local rates, between 7.25% and 10.75% in sales tax.
Is moving to Texas a good idea from California? ›Benefits of Moving From California to Texas
Because Texas is growing so rapidly, it can be an excellent place for people searching for new job opportunities. Housing costs are a huge issue in California—the average cost of rent for an apartment is $1,600, while the average cost in Texas is a little over $1,000.
The highest number of new Texans from other U.S. states relocated from California and Florida, respectively. Other top states for people moving to Texas included Louisiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Georgia and Arizona.
Why are houses cheaper in Texas than California? ›One reason contributing to a lower cost of living and affordable housing is that Texas has no state income tax. Texas is one of seven states in the U.S. to not have an income tax. In comparison, as of 2022, the states with the highest income tax rate are Minnesota (9.85%), New York (10.90%), and California (13.30%).
What city in Texas are most Californians moving to? ›From his research, Clark has found that Californians are almost exclusively moving to Texas' four large metro areas — Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
Where in Texas do most Californians move to? ›Travis County — home to Austin — attracted the largest group of California residents, according to the Express-News data analysis. And it's not just residents leaving the Golden State. According to news channel CBS 13, 153 California companies relocated from California to other states in 2021.
Will Texas be as expensive as California? ›Nevertheless, the data does suggest that it is relatively less expensive to live in Texas than in California. In fact, the Lone Star State is home to three of the most-affordable burgs in America: Harlingen, McAllen, and Amarillo all rank in the top five of Kiplinger's "Cheapest U.S. Cities to Live In 2021" survey.
What are 3 good reasons to move to Texas? ›- Cost of living. One of the main reasons why people are moving to Texas is that the cost of living is much more affordable compared to expensive coastal states. ...
- More affordable housing. ...
- No state income tax. ...
- Job market. ...
- Great schools. ...
- Climate. ...
- Diversity.
Though Texas has no state-level personal income tax, it does levy relatively high consumption and property taxes on residents to make up the difference. Ultimately, it has a higher effective state and local tax rate for a median U.S. household at 12.73% than California's 8.97%, according to a new report from WalletHub.
What is the cheapest state to live in Texas? ›- Breckenridge. The cheapest place to live in Texas is Breckenridge. ...
- Beaumont. The second cheapest city in Texas is Beaumont. ...
- Wichita Falls. Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a cheap destination for nature lovers. ...
- Harlingen. ...
- Texarkana. ...
- Abilene. ...
- Amarillo. ...
- Odessa.
Is it really cheaper to move to Texas? ›
Texas is one of the more affordable states in the country. Compared to the national average, your living expenses will be 7 percent cheaper — though the exact figure will vary based on where you choose to live in the state.
Is it smart to move to Texas right now? ›Warm and tax-friendly, living in Texas is a great idea. With many diverse cities and endless job opportunities, Texas is a popular destination for young professionals, families, and retirees. Compared to living in Florida, Texas is slightly cheaper and just as warm as the sunshine state.
Where is the safest place to live in Texas? ›Frisco, Texas, was ranked as the safest city in the nation for a second year in a row, according to a new report from SmartAsset. The city, located north of Dallas, was joined by McKinney and McAllen, Texas, which ranked second and third overall, respectively.
Can I buy a home in Texas if I live in California? ›Qualifying for a mortgage to buy a home in another state is as simple as finding a lender licensed in that state. For a primary residence, you do not need to move to the new state before you apply for the mortgage as long as you plan to move into the property when your loan closes.
Is it cheaper to own a home in Texas or California? ›The cost of a home in Texas is drastically cheaper than owning a home in California. The average cost of a home in the U.S. is $231,000. A home costs 60% more in California compared to Texas. In Texas, the median home price is only $195,000, which is lower than the national average.
What is the best small town in Texas to live? ›1. Fredericksburg, TX. Fredericksburg is one of the best small towns in Texas. It's known for its strong German influence, delicious peaches, and outstanding local wineries — which makes sense since it's located in the heart of Texas wine country.
What is the best state for Californians to move to? ›Assuredly these are not the only states attracting Californians; states such as Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado all present enticing benefits. Texas, Arizona, and Oregon simply appear to be the best positioned and data indicates they are benefiting most thus far.
Why do people keep moving to Texas? ›No Income Tax
This incentive draws people to the state in the hopes of keeping more of their income. Combined with the low cost of living, the lack of income tax makes it easier to live the way you want in Texas.
- Frisco. Frisco is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. ...
- New Braunfels. One of the most beautiful cities in the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels has a laid-back character but enjoys a robust economy. ...
- McKinney. ...
- Cedar Park. ...
- Austin. ...
- San Antonio. ...
- El Paso.
The analysis from the website HomeSnacks.com factored in poverty rate, median household income, unemployment rate and where the richest people in the state live. In order to make the list cities also had to have a population of at least 5,000. Southlake topped the list with a median income of $239,833.
What is the safest route from California to Texas? ›
Our recommendation is to take the I-40 between California and Texas for the safest possible drive, but whichever route you take there are things you can do to reduce some of the risks of taking this trip.
Who has a better economy Texas or California? ›The economy of the State of Texas is the second largest by GDP in the United States after that of California. It has a gross state product of $2.355 trillion as of 2022. In 2022, Texas led the nation with the most companies in the Fortune 500 with 53 in total.
Will Texas ever surpass California? ›If Texas continues to expand at this rate, while California plateaus or even declines, the population of Texas could overtake California in the next several decades. For example, if Texas were to continue to grow by 1.3% per year, while California grew at 0.1%, Texas would pass California in 2045.
Is electricity more expensive in Texas or California? ›Comparing Energy Prices in Texas and California
California has higher electricity and natural gas prices than Texas, and this is reflected in the latest data published by the US Energy Information Administration. The following table compares the electricity prices reported in March 2022 for Texas and California.
- Expect Warmer Weather. ...
- Taxes are Lower than You Would Expect. ...
- Cost of Living in Texas Can Be Affordable. ...
- You May Pay Less for Electricity. ...
- Texas Holds a Booming Job Market. ...
- Texas is Diverse. ...
- Texas has Heavy Traffic. ...
- Texas is Great for Food Lovers.
- Get a Texas driver license.
- Register your vehicle in state.
- Locate your child's new school.
- Find a job.
- Check if your moving company is licensed in Texas.
There are plenty of building supplies available for new homes. The cost of living is affordable, the state has low tax rates, and it has a strong economy. These reasons and more make Texas a cheap state and a great place to live. What is this?
What city in Texas does not pay property taxes? ›The City of Stafford holds the unique distinction of being the largest city in Texas to abolish city property taxes. This includes both commercial and residential properties. In addition to a lack of city property taxes, the State of Texas has no state property taxes.
Will property taxes go down in Texas? ›The proposals target the taxes homeowners pay and require school districts to lower their tax rates.
What is the property tax in Texas? ›Texas has no state property tax.
The Comptroller's office does not collect property tax or set tax rates. That's up to local taxing units, which use tax revenue to provide local services including schools, streets and roads, police and fire protection and many others.
What is the safest city in Texas 2023? ›
Four out of the top five safest cities in America are in Texas, according to a new report from SmartAsset. Frisco, McKinney and McAllen are the top three safest cities in the country, while Plano ranks at No. 5, according to the finance site's “Safest Cities in America – 2023 Edition” report.
Where is the cheapest place to buy in Texas? ›Rank | City | Median Home Price |
---|---|---|
1 | Amarillo | $147,611 |
2 | Brownsville | $118,205 |
3 | Wichita Falls | $116,290 |
4 | Laredo | $162,457 |
Nearly all residents of Carrizo Hill live below the poverty line. The local poverty rate in the town stands at a staggering 96.9%, compared to the statewide poverty rate of 14.0%. All data in this story are five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2021 American Community Survey.
What is the cost of living in Texas 2023? ›Average Cost of Living in Texas: $45,114 per year.
What is a comfortable living salary in Texas? ›With that in mind, a good salary in Texas is between $55K and $73K. To live comfortably anywhere, it helps to track your spending and saving with SoFi Insights.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Texas? ›According to the study, a North Texas resident without children would need to make $64,742 after taxes to live comfortably. The study is based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which uses the cost housing, food, transportation, medical care and more.
What months are best to move in Texas? ›Heat. Texas gets hot in the summer, and that can make your move uncomfortable, sticky, and sweaty. Unless you are moving to the cooler mountains, plan to contend with the Texas heat for any move between May and September.
Are more Californians moving to Texas? ›Texas is the top state Californians are moving to. Based on U.S. Census American Community Survey migration data from 2009 to 2019, Texas has been the #1 destination for departing Californians within the last decade. During that time period, an average of about 68,700 Californians moved to Texas each year.
What is the average age of people moving to Texas? ›Age and Sex.
We see that the 18-44 year old age group accounts for the majority of domestic migration to and from Texas.
San Antonio
The Alamo City wins out, and for a lot of different reasons, according to the article.
What is the safest small town in Texas? ›
- Trophy Club.
- San Elizario.
- Fair Oaks Ranch.
- Colleyville.
- Wolfforth.
- Fairview.
- Memorial Villages.
- Murphy.
El Paso. El Paso is often ranked as the cheapest place to retire in Texas, but it also gets high marks for the overall happiness rating of its residence. You'll get access to high-quality healthcare, recreation, and cultural attractions.
Does Texas pay property tax on homes? ›Texas has no state property tax.
The Texas Constitution and statutory law authorizes local governments to collect the tax. The state does not set tax rates, collect taxes or settle disputes between you and your local governments. Who administers the property tax system?
Texas home buyer stats
“Minimum” down payment assumes 3% down on a conventional mortgage with a minimum credit score of 620. If you're eligible for a VA loan (backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs) or a USDA loan (backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture), you may not need any down payment at all.
No. Texas does not have reciprocity with any state. To become licensed, you must satisfy all current Texas licensing requirements.
What is the cheapest state to own property in? ›- West Virginia. West Virginia is the cheapest state to buy a home. ...
- Arkansas. A typical home in Arkansas costs $169,867, the third-lowest in the country. ...
- Oklahoma. ...
- Iowa. ...
- Kentucky. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Kansas. ...
- Ohio.
One reason contributing to a lower cost of living and affordable housing is that Texas has no state income tax. Texas is one of seven states in the U.S. to not have an income tax. In comparison, as of 2022, the states with the highest income tax rate are Minnesota (9.85%), New York (10.90%), and California (13.30%).
Why are houses in Texas so expensive? ›A research economist at Texas A&M says housing supply has been lagging since before the pandemic while demand has grown, causing home prices to surge. The supply of houses on the market are outweighed by demand, causing prices to surge.
What are three reasons why people would want to move to Texas? ›- Cost of living. One of the main reasons why people are moving to Texas is that the cost of living is much more affordable compared to expensive coastal states. ...
- More affordable housing. ...
- No state income tax. ...
- Job market. ...
- Great schools. ...
- Climate. ...
- Diversity.
Unique Culture. There is no place quite like Texas. Bold, big, and distinctive, the friendliness of its people, the vibrancy of its art scenes, the distinctiveness of its cowboy culture, and the richness of its diversity make it a one-of-a-kind place to live and work.
Why do people want to leave California? ›
Why? Well, there are a few reasons. The decision to leave were partly fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, including new opportunities for people to work from home. Also, the high cost of living in California also drove people out.
What is a reason to move to Texas? ›The overarching reason to move to Texas is an improved quality of life. Texas offers low living costs but great work, leisure, and entertainment opportunities. The Lone Star state is hospitable, welcoming to people of all kinds, and rich in diverse culture and history.
What are the pros and cons of moving to Texas? ›- A broad range of living environments.
- Reasonable cost of living.
- Plentiful job and education opportunities.
- No state income taxes.
- Gentle winter climate.
- High potential for severe weather.
- High property and sales taxes.
- Consequences of urbanization.
Texas is internationally regarded as the best state in the US for business due to its prosperous economy and low taxes. It's also a safe state to live in and offers plenty of opportunities for its citizens. Adding vast landscapes, natural beauty, and the friendliness of Texans makes Texas the best.
Why is Texas so cheap? ›There are plenty of building supplies available for new homes. The cost of living is affordable, the state has low tax rates, and it has a strong economy. These reasons and more make Texas a cheap state and a great place to live. What is this?
What are the benefits of living in Texas? ›Some of the most significant advantages of moving to Texas include highly affordable cost of living, tax free income, delicious and vast cuisine, diverse cities, rich history, and varied career opportunities. It also boasts some of the biggest oil reserves, the NASA space center, and other world-famous attractions.
What are the top states people are leaving California for? ›According to the Allied and Zillow 2021 Magnet States Report, most of those relocating for work are headed to Texas, while others they describe as “consumers” favor Florida.
What states are people moving out of? ›Top states residents are leaving
The annual 2022 United Van Lines National Movers study is out! But it wasn't good news for New Jersey or New York. A similar report from United Van Lines showed New Jersey as the top outbound state, followed by Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Wyoming. The full list is below.
The population dropped by nearly 140,000 last year while housing grew at the highest rate in 14 years. “The total population dropped to an estimated 38.9 million at the start of 2023, down from 39.1 million at the start of 2022, a 0.3% decline,” reports Sophia Bollag for the San Francisco Chronicle on May 1.
What city is everyone moving to in Texas? ›The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is the big winner, according to a report from moveBuddha, which measured the number of people looking to move into each city versus moving out in the first half of 2022. Of the 20 Texas cities with the highest in-to-out ratios, eight of them were around DFW.