Texas is a place where sprawling countryside meets fast-paced city life, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to Austin’s live music scene, Houston’s massive job market, or the small-town charm of Hill Country, there are plenty of places to call home. The state’s low taxes, strong economy, and warm climate attract new residents every year, but life here comes with challenges, too—think brutal summers, unpredictable weather, and heavy traffic. This ApartmentGuide article breaks down the pros and cons of living in Texas, giving you a clearer picture of whether Texas is a good place to live.
Renting in Texas snapshot
1. Pro: From desert canyons to coastal escapes
No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, Texas delivers. The western part of the state is home to the dramatic peaks and vast desert of Big Bend National Park, where you can hike through remote canyons and camp beneath a sky untouched by city lights. Head east, and you’ll find the Piney Woods, a lush, forested region perfect for hiking and fishing. If water activities are more your speed, the Gulf Coast offers miles of shoreline where you can fish, kayak, or simply relax on the beach. With everything from rolling plains to hidden swimming holes in Hill Country, Texas keeps nature lovers busy year-round.
2. Con: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfire risks
Texas is no stranger to extreme weather, and depending on where you live, you’ll need to prepare for different natural disasters. Coastal areas like Houston and Corpus Christi often brace for hurricanes, which bring intense winds, flooding, and power outages that can last for days. The Panhandle and North Texas sit in the heart of Tornado Alley, where violent twisters can level neighborhoods in minutes. Further south and west, wildfires are a growing problem, especially during hot, dry summers. If you move to Texas, knowing how to prepare for severe weather is just as important as finding the right neighborhood.
3. Pro: Pick your industry in the booming job market
Austin has become a major player in the tech world, attracting big names like Tesla, Apple, and Google, while Houston remains a powerhouse for energy and medical research. Dallas-Fort Worth is a prime location for corporate headquarters, finance, and manufacturing, and San Antonio is steadily growing in healthcare and military-related jobs. On top of that, Texas is known for its business-friendly policies, making it an appealing place for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
4. Con: Traffic here is a daily battle
If you’ve never been stuck on I-35 in Austin during rush hour, consider yourself lucky. Traffic in Texas’ major cities is a constant headache, with congestion worsening every year as more people move to the state. In Houston, the Katy Freeway has a staggering 26 lanes in some sections, yet it still sees daily gridlock. Dallas’ mix of highways and toll roads can be confusing to navigate, and the suburban sprawl means longer commutes for many residents.
5. Pro: No state income tax means more money for you
One of the biggest financial perks of living in Texas is that the state doesn’t take a cut of your paycheck through income taxes. This means more money stays in your pocket, whether you want to save, invest, or spend it on weekend road trips. For high earners, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings each year. The tax-friendly environment has also made Texas an attractive place for businesses, which helps keep the job market strong. Of course, no income tax doesn’t mean Texas is cheap—other costs, like property taxes, can be steep—but many residents still see it as a worthwhile trade-off.
6. Con: Homeowners pay high property taxes
While skipping state income tax sounds great, Texas makes up for it with some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. Homeowners in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston can expect to pay thousands of dollars each year, with rates varying depending on the county. This can make homeownership less affordable, even in areas where real estate prices are relatively low. Renters aren’t entirely off the hook either, since high property taxes often lead to increased rental prices. For anyone planning to buy a home in Texas, it’s important to factor in these costs when budgeting for a mortgage.
7. Pro: Cowboy culture and heritage
Texas has a deep history, and you can see it reflected in everything from small-town rodeos to city-wide celebrations. In Fort Worth, the Stockyards keep the cowboy spirit alive with daily cattle drives, country music, and honky-tonks. San Antonio’s Fiesta takes over the city every April with parades, parties, and a celebration of its Mexican and Spanish influences. Meanwhile, Dallas hosts the State Fair of Texas, an annual event known for its massive Ferris wheel and outrageous fried food creations. Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is home to South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits, drawing artists and fans from around the globe.
8. Con: Good luck getting around without a car
Unless you live in a dense downtown neighborhood, owning a car in Texas isn’t just helpful—it’s a necessity. Public transportation is limited in most cities, and outside of a few areas in Houston and Dallas, buses and trains aren’t reliable for daily commuting. Many towns and suburbs are built with drivers in mind, so walkability is low, and bike lanes are scarce. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft help in a pinch, but they can get expensive if you rely on them regularly.
9. Pro: A food scene that’s as big as Texas itself
Texas takes its food seriously, and there’s no shortage of mouthwatering meals to try. Barbecue is practically a religion here, with places like Franklin Barbecue in Austin and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington drawing long lines for their slow-smoked brisket. Tex-Mex is another local favorite, with sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and fresh tortillas at every turn. Houston has an incredibly diverse food culture, where you can find everything from authentic Vietnamese pho to Louisiana-style crawfish boils.
10. Con: Air pollution is a real concern in industrial cities
With its massive oil refineries, heavy industry, and never-ending traffic, air pollution is a serious issue in some Texas cities. Houston, in particular, struggles with high levels of ozone and smog, making it one of the most polluted cities in the country. Dallas and El Paso have also faced air quality concerns, especially during the hot summer months when stagnant air traps pollutants. For people with respiratory conditions, poor air quality can make daily life more difficult.
11. Pro: Affordable living if you know where to look
Compared to places like California and New York, Texas still provides a relatively affordable cost of living, but prices vary widely depending on the city. Smaller towns and mid-sized cities like Lubbock, Corpus Christi, and Waco have far lower housing costs than booming areas like Austin or Dallas. In fact, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lubbock is $787 compared to $1,353 in Austin. Even within major cities, there are pockets of affordability—though rising home prices are making it harder to find good deals. Utilities, groceries, and transportation also tend to be reasonably priced, making Texas a more budget-friendly option for many people looking to relocate.
12. Con: Summer in Texas feels like living on the sun
If you think summer heat in Texas is just a mild inconvenience, think again. From June through September, temperatures often soar past 100°F, and in some areas, the heat index can make it feel even hotter. Humidity adds another layer of discomfort, especially in places like Houston and the Gulf Coast. Air conditioning isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity—and high energy bills come with the territory. Outdoor activities are often limited to early mornings or late evenings to avoid the blistering midday sun.
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide
