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Three Reasons to Move to Texas: Here are a few benefits of relocating to the Lone Star State.
Kiplingers ^ | 09/08/2023 | KATELYN WASHINGTON

Posted on 09/08/2023 8:54:14 PM PDT by SeekAndFind

If you’re considering a move to Texas, join the crowd. According to the US Census Bureau, Texas’ population grew by 9,085,073 between 2000 and 2022, which is more than in any other state. Roughly 29% of Texas’ population growth was due to out-of-state relocations. 

Why are so many people moving to Texas? There are plenty of reasons so many people move to Texas, not the least of which is lower taxes.

Some people move to Texas for low taxes 

Moving to Texas can come with big tax benefits for people of all ages, and some people in higher-taxed states have taken notice. For example, Kiplinger reported on IRS migration data showing Texas among the most commonly moved-to states for people living in high-tax states, such as California and New York.

Texas doesn’t have an income tax 

Nearly everyone can enjoy the fact that Texas is a state that doesn’t impose a personal income tax. The "working class" doesn’t pay state tax on wages, retirees don’t pay state income tax on retirement benefits, and investors don’t pay state tax on investment income. 

That means you don’t need to worry if your income source changes (for example, if your income changes from wages to 401(k) distributions when you retire). How your income is taxed at the state level in Texas won’t change unless Texas law changes. 

Texas cities with low property taxes 

Currently, most Texas property taxes are fairly high compared to those in most other states. However, some areas of Texas impose lower property taxes than others. According to Texas Real Estate Source, average annual property tax bills fall below $400 in these Texas counties.

  • Terrell County ($285)
  • Ward County ($342)
  • Zapata County ($359)
  • Upton County ($359)
  • Zavala County ($369)
  • Kent County ($396)

Additionally, a recently passed Texas property tax relief package could lower property taxes for all Texas homeowners. If voters approve the package in November, homeowners should see lower school tax bills and an increased homestead exemption of up to $100,000 ($110,000 for people with disabilities and those 65 and older).

Texas sales tax exemptions 

Other recently passed legislation includes a Texas sales tax relief bill, which will make several items tax-free in Texas, beginning this month, i.e., September. 

  • Maternity clothing, nursing bras and nursing pads will be tax-exempt.
  • Baby wipes, baby diapers and baby bottles will be tax-free.
  • Some women’s hygiene products will be tax-exempt.
  • Wound care dressings (such as bandages) will be tax-free.

Texans already enjoy some sales tax exemptions not available in all other states. For example, Texas doesn’t tax groceries like neighboring states Arkansas and Oklahoma do. Additionally, Texas holds an annual ‘tax-free weekend’ that makes certain clothing and school supply items tax-exempt. 

Also, Texas shoppers no longer pay state sales tax on menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary pads. As of September 1, Texas is the 25th state to eliminate sales tax on feminine hygiene products, also sometimes referred to as the "pink tax" or "tampon tax."

Pros and cons of moving to Texas 

While the overall tax burden in Texas is low, some types of taxes aren’t as appealing. One of these taxes is a new Texas tax on electric vehicles that will increase registration costs for EV owners by nearly as much as 800%. 

Other pros and cons of moving to Texas depend on who you are. For example, the weather in Texas is a pro for some people since the state has generally mild winters. (According to the Texas Film Commission, snow is uncommon in most of the state.) 

But of course, before making the move to Texas (or any other state) some people may consider everything from cost of living and political climate to proximity to family, and job opportunities. Families should weigh the pros and cons of moving to a new area, so they can make the best decision for their circumstances.

Related Content



TOPICS: Business/Economy; Society
KEYWORDS: migration; relocation; texas
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1 posted on 09/08/2023 8:54:14 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

Don’t believe this! Stay where you are! Glowbull warming will fry you in Texas!


2 posted on 09/08/2023 9:04:06 PM PDT by EastTexasTraveler
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To: SeekAndFind

“According to the Texas Film Commission, snow is uncommon in most of the state.”

Yes, always consult the state’s film commission for potential weather events.

When a hurricane is bearing down on the Texas coast, or there are tornado outbreaks on the plains, all Texans tune into the Texas Film Commission.


3 posted on 09/08/2023 9:05:01 PM PDT by Round Earther
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To: SeekAndFind

Texas is a terrible place. Do not come her!!


4 posted on 09/08/2023 9:05:36 PM PDT by stanne
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To: SeekAndFind

Heat, feral hogs, hurricanes, illegal aliens...no thanks


5 posted on 09/08/2023 9:05:50 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Our Greatest Ally Evah)
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To: SeekAndFind

Those counties listed above are either border counties or close to the Mexican border. Not a good reference point for property taxes.


6 posted on 09/08/2023 9:08:04 PM PDT by Texas resident (We are living through Barak's fundamental transformation)
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

Heat, hogs, hurricanes, gators, illegals, mosquitos and chupacabras. Sometimes all in one day.


7 posted on 09/08/2023 9:09:34 PM PDT by Texas resident (We are living through Barak's fundamental transformation)
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To: SeekAndFind

It was hot as blazes this week in H town.

On the plus side, humidity was only 90% overnight, so we had that going for us.


8 posted on 09/08/2023 9:10:11 PM PDT by absalom01 (You should do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, and you should never wish to do less.)
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To: Round Earther

According to the Texas Film Commission, snow is uncommon in most of the state.”

Except when it isn’t.

Couple of years ago, Victoria Texas got 12 inches of snow in December.

Victoria is about 300 miles from Mexico and near the Gulf of Mexico.


9 posted on 09/08/2023 9:11:50 PM PDT by Texas resident (We are living through Barak's fundamental transformation)
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To: stanne

10 posted on 09/08/2023 9:12:52 PM PDT by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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To: dfwgator

Ya. We’re really stupid. Stay where you are. Don’t move here


11 posted on 09/08/2023 9:16:39 PM PDT by stanne
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To: Round Earther

Lol!!!


12 posted on 09/08/2023 9:19:50 PM PDT by pax_et_bonum (“Killer rabbit jokes have a long tradition in medieval literature.“ - Dr. James Wade)
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To: stanne

Ha too late, been here 33 years.


13 posted on 09/08/2023 9:23:00 PM PDT by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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To: SeekAndFind
We've been in the state for almost five years. Our kid for seven years. There are some good and bad things about living here. For those considering Central Texas, be forewarned that the growth rate has far exceeded the area's ability to manage water resources properly, among other things.

I thought California was bad at water management. Holy crackers! We've been on water restrictions (once a week outdoor water) for over three years now. It isn't getting better with the continued drought in the state. In 100F+ degree summer weather with little to no rain, the landscapes are getting fried. We're in the middle of the dark red blob in the center of the state. Ugh.

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/currentmap/statedroughtmonitor.aspx?TX

14 posted on 09/08/2023 9:35:47 PM PDT by CatOwner (Don't expect anyone, even conservatives, to have your back when the SHTF in 2021 and beyond.)
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To: EastTexasTraveler

Stay away!

We have massive tarantulas, brown recluse, fire ants, destructive tornadoes, winter freezes, blistering heat, no EV charging stations, lots of guns, and plenty of triggering Trump flags.

We don’t need more damn yankees or Californians looking to turn Texas blue.


15 posted on 09/08/2023 9:40:47 PM PDT by TheWriterTX (Trust not in earthly princes....!)
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To: SeekAndFind

If I hadn’t moved to NC, I would have moved to Texas, one son lives there and I love it there.


16 posted on 09/08/2023 9:47:14 PM PDT by yldstrk (Bingo! We have a winner!)
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To: Round Earther
I remember that it snowed once in San Antonio while I was in basic at Lackland AFB. Some of us had to explain to the southerners what it was.

So by the time I got to Shepard for tech school and it snowed there, most people had an idea what snow was. Wichita Falls; 85 degrees during the day and snow overnight. The world travelers among us explained that the weather there was because there was nothing more than 2 stories tall between us and the North Pole, so when the wind came down from the north in February you could smell the moose poop,

17 posted on 09/08/2023 9:54:39 PM PDT by Bernard ("No matter where you go, there you are." (Buckaroo Banzai))
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To: Bernard

I lived in Amarillo for a couple of years. There was an expression there that there was nothing between the panhandle and the north pole but barbed wire fence.


18 posted on 09/08/2023 9:57:06 PM PDT by Texas resident (We are living through Barak's fundamental transformation)
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To: SeekAndFind

“Wound care dressings (such as bandages) will be tax-free.”

That would be a HUGE plus in Chicago.


19 posted on 09/08/2023 10:10:13 PM PDT by ProtectOurFreedom (“Occupy your mind with good thoughts or your enemy will fill them with bad ones.” ~ Thomas More)
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To: SeekAndFind

Who the hell would want to move to Texas when Biden is going to force illegals to remain in Texas?


20 posted on 09/08/2023 10:18:31 PM PDT by mass55th (“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ― John Wayne)
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