With a size large enough to fit North Carolina five times, Texas remains the second most populated state in the U.S. Although this countryside state is famous for its live performances, barbeque, and football, these aren’t the only reason why thousands of people are flocking to The Lone Star state yearly.
Texas boasts of relatively affordable housing, impressive job growth, and scrumptious barbeques. It’s easy to see why a potential house buyer will want to move here. This article will cover everything you need to know about moving to Texas, from the obvious details to the mundane ones, like getting a window replacement in Texas.
Affordable Housing
If you didn’t know this already, housing in Texas is relatively affordable; perhaps, this is one of your reasons for relocation. However, if you’re looking to purchase a new home, you need to understand what mortgage option is available. This includes the type of loans available (e.g. fixed rate home loans or adjustable-rate mortgages), the loan amount, and the loan term. For instance, a shorter-term mortgage will give you a lower interest rate but a higher monthly payment amount than, let’s say a 30-year mortgage payment.
Additionally, conventional mortgage loans typically need a credit score of at least 620 and a down payment of at least 20%. In contrast, the federal housing administration (FHA loan) can make do with a 580 credit score and 3.5%, which is a considerably low rate. However, the borrower will have to pay for private mortgage insurance throughout the life of the loan.
Get ready for the Texas heat.
If you’re not one for the warmer climates, perhaps, Texas isn’t for you as this city is hot (and is getting hotter) with temperatures rising to as high as 96°F in July and August. However, the weather gets chilly during the winter months and could be downright freezing like what was experienced during the power outages in February 2021.
Energy efficiency isn’t something to compromise on if you’re looking to stay warm and save cost. The trick here is to replace or install fixtures that adjust to the weather, like getting vinyl windows. This may require you to dabble a bit in the window world to find the best window company that offers the best price, durability, and warranty.
The lifestyle is different.
Texas is a city dipped in history, which sometimes affects how its indigenes live and interact. On the one hand, we have Spanish and Mexican history, and on the other hand, there’s the infamous fight for independence. So if you’re a history lover, you’ll love it here.
Moreover, one critical thing you should know is that guns are a controversial topic, and many homes have more than one. Although, if you want to own one, you’ll need to pay attention to permitting rules and guidelines for gun use during hunting and how to store them at home.
Barbecues are also a big deal in the Lone Star state, so get ready for mind-blowing beef brisket sandwiches. Lastly, Texans are huggers—the backslapping kind that might take a while to get used to.
Benefits of Moving to Texas
Having got down the things to know before moving to Texas, here are three benefits you should know to help you take that final step:
- Lower taxes: Texas is one of the few U.S. states that do not pay personal and state tax. Although, there’s a tradeoff as homeowners pay higher property taxes.
- Job opportunities: The Texas economy is booming, and job seekers have the opportunity of landing a good job anywhere across the state.
- Education: Getting an education is a big deal in Texas, and because they’re a family-friendly state, it’s easy to find top-notch schools that offer diverse learning opportunities.