“My part of Texas is nothing like California.”
Maybe so, but as you say, it’s just “your part” of Texas. Texas big cities are NO DIFFERENT than those in Califiornia! But you just live in your insular “part of Texas” while the rest of it moves inexorably toward you. It will consume “your place” sooner or later!
You apparently do not know much about Texas, living in your insular part of California and all.