There’s no denying that Texas has a lot of charm, like its huge skies and friendly smiles everywhere you turn. But lately, more and more people are saying goodbye to the Lone Star State while others are thinking twice about calling it home. Today, we’re looking at 20 reasons to explain what’s going on.
Too Hot to Handle
A Texas summer is no joke as the weather can, and often does, hit over 100 degrees, which is downright unbearable for some people. Even the most die-hard Texans are starting to question whether or not they can stay for another scorcher of a summer. And with climate change messing with the temperatures even more, it’s no surprise people are leaving Texas behind.
Tax Trouble
Without a state income tax, Texas has to make up the money with other taxes. According to research by WalletHub, the state’s taxes are, overall, 14.84% higher than the national average. For some, this is a big reason to move somewhere where they can keep more of their money. Can you blame them?
Stuck in Traffic
If you’ve ever driven through Austin or Houston during rush hour, you’ll know it’s an absolute nightmare. It’s normal to get stuck in traffic jams for hours every week, and that’s hardly anyone’s idea of fun. This is enough to drive some Texans to consider living in places that aren’t anywhere near as congested.
The Politics Problem
Politics is a touchy subject in every state, but perhaps no more so than in Texas. Some people aren’t happy with how political tensions are rising in the Lone Star State and feel less comfortable getting involved in these kinds of discussions. Democrats and left-leaning people, in particular, would rather move somewhere that fits their worldview a little more.
Natural Disasters
Over the last few years, Texas has had its fair share of natural disasters, including floods and even a deadly snowstorm in 2021. The weather seems to be getting more extreme, which is forcing people to move to areas that are a little safer. After all, do you really want to deal with insurance claims and the constant threat of another disaster?
Environmental Issues
Speaking of the weather, natural disasters aren’t the only issues here, as even day-to-day problems like air quality can be a headache. In cities like Houston, air pollution alerts are a regular part of life, and there’s a clear environmental cost of living near industrial areas. Some people would rather move somewhere a little healthier and greener.
Changes in the Job Market
Although Texas does have a good job market, sudden changes, and economic issues in some industries, have made certain jobs a little less appealing. For example, the energy sector is facing some serious challenges, while tech companies are becoming more competitive. This is enough to make some people look for a career in other states instead.
Increase in Cost of Living
Texas has a reputation for being an affordable state, but it looks like this is changing in some areas as the cost of living has risen. This is affecting all parts of people’s lives, including groceries and healthcare. In some cases, it’s forcing people to think about whether they could get more bang for their buck elsewhere.
Educational Concerns
Public education in Texas has had its fair share of issues recently in terms of both quality and funding. For example, research shows that the state has some of the lowest-funded schools in the country. Parents who are worried about their children’s education believe that moving to another state could give them a better head start in life.
Worried About Water
While some parts of Texas are dealing with floods, other areas don’t have enough water, which is making daily life a challenge. Regular droughts and strict regulations about using water are enough to make people want to leave. It’s a particularly bad problem for anyone who’s a farmer or anyone who enjoys a little bit of gardening.
Public Transportation Problems
Outside of the major cities, Texas’s public transportation options are practically non-existent, and you’ll have to have a car to get anything done. People from bigger cities are used to having many public transit options, so for them, Texas can feel like a step backward. They’d rather live somewhere that’s not so car-dependent.
Healthcare Accessibility
In some areas of Texas, particularly the rural ones, healthcare services are limited, which is a serious issue for families and elderly residents. After all, nobody wants to live in a place where the nearest hospital or clinic is miles away. Trying to get routine care is a challenge in itself, and it’s making some people relocate to places with more accessible healthcare.
Too Much Tradition
Of course, Texas can be pretty forward-thinking at times, but it’s generally quite a traditional state. Texans tend to support a more conservative and past-focused worldview, which doesn’t always gel with everyone. For people who are looking more towards the future, this can be a major problem.
Housing Market
The Texas housing market can be pretty unpredictable, even at the best of times, thanks to sudden price increases and bidding wars. This is pushing some potential homeowners to places with more stable housing markets because the stress of finding affordable properties just isn’t worth it. They’d rather live somewhere they can count on the real estate market to stay where it is.
Difficult for Retirees
The overall cost and quality of living for retirees in Texas isn’t exactly great, especially when you compare it to other places like Florida, which are like paradise for retirees. After all, the state has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, and healthcare options aren’t good either. Some retirees are looking to other states for better benefits and lower costs.
Urban Sprawl
Many Texan cities like Dallas and San Antonio are getting bigger by the day, and while this can be a good thing, it’s also making it harder to feel connected. Bigger cities mean longer commutes and a greater sense of isolation from the community. For some people, this can be a huge problem, and it makes them want to move to places with more of a connection.
Too Much Noise
Similarly, Texas cities are getting louder, and noise pollution has become a real issue, especially in places like Dallas and Houston. People are constantly dealing with construction noise early in the morning or with the endless drone of highway traffic. It’s making some people think about moving to a state where silence is the norm.
Less Public Spaces
In some of the faster-growing areas, the rush to build more housing and commercial spaces means there are not enough places for greenery. For people who love their morning jog or weekend picnics in the park, this can be a huge downside. They’re looking for literal greener pastures elsewhere.
Rising Crime Rates
Sadly, in some areas of Texas, violent crime and property crime rates are higher than the national average. Data shows that these rates are also increasing slightly, and residents in the state are more worried about crime than the average American. These issues are enough to make people move to states where they believe they’ll be safer.
Long Distances
One thing you hear a lot in Texas is, “Everything’s bigger here,” and they’re not kidding, especially when it comes to distances. If you’re living in one of the larger cities, just getting out of town becomes an all-day affair. Some people crave the convenience of being able to visit their friends or explore new friends without spending half their day on the road.
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