Why Is Everyone Moving to Texas?

This surge in popularity is about more than home affordability, of course. There are a combination of several different factors bringing new people to Texas.

“Texas continues to shine as a relocation destination due to our robust economy, diverse job opportunities, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other states,” says Houston-area real estate agent Lydia Ezeakor. “The lack of state income tax and a business-friendly environment have also made it an attractive option for both renters and companies. Renters also are drawn to our diverse cultural scene, favorable climate, and a strong sense of community, which are important factors that many consider prior to making the move.

While the entire state has a lot going for it, each of these three cities has something specific to offer those who are considering the move.

Austin

Median asking rent: $1,394

Austin, Texas has long been known for its music. The city, with just under 1 million people, hosts the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival every year, and the nightlife of the famed Sixth Street neighborhood is well known. But there’s more to Austin than excellent music and nightlife. “We have an incredibly collaborative culture here in the entrepreneurship world in which colleagues genuinely celebrate each other’s success,” says Austin-area real estate agent Austin Stowell. He explains that this collaborative spirit means that, regardless of your job, “You’ll find a tribe in Austin.”

He also points to the amazing food scene in Austin. “Dining out seems to be a professional sport in Austin but I love that there are still plenty of places that are popular that you don’t need a reservation, and you don’t need to valet everywhere.”

Austin is about more than food and culture, of course. You can’t mention the city without considering the easy access to the great outdoors. “All of the lakes in and around Austin are highly accessible to enjoy,” Stowell tells House Beautiful. “Running the trail around Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake if you’re new here) is better than any therapy money can buy. Zilker Park and Barton Springs are such an incredible asset to our city and one of my favorite spots to take in a nice day.”

Dallas

Median asking rent: $1,460

Dallas is bigger than Austin at about 1.3 million people, and it seems to have a different flavor than its laid-back, and perhaps slightly more popular, counterpart. Which is exactly what might recommend it to newcomers. While the focus in Austin is all about culture and city vibes, Dallas/Fort Worth real estate agent Todd Luong tells House Beautiful that this city is all about being family-friendly.

“Dallas has always been a great family-friendly city, especially in the suburbs, which are known for having excellent schools and safe, welcoming communities. I always tell people that in Dallas, you get all the big-city amenities but with a suburban feel. In other words, you can enjoy all the opportunities of a major city without the overcrowding that typically comes with one.” Luong notes access to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, a cultural melting pot, and a particularly robust economy as major selling features for moving to this city. “The city is a melting pot of communities, with people from all over the U.S. and the world. Compared to other cities in Texas, Dallas provides a much more cosmopolitan experience.”

Fellow Dallas real estate agent Christy Berry told House Beautiful that now is the time to move to the city before prices go up. “We have plenty of new apartments coming online and with the World Cup coming in 2026 there is sure to be a shortage soon. High rise apartment living in centralized locations such as Knox-Henderson, Uptown, Legacy in Plano and the PGA have all become highly sought after areas.”

Houston

Median asking rent: $1,239

Finally, Houston, at a population of 2.3 million people, has a whole lot to recommend it. “Houston is massive with many different neighborhoods and suburbs, each with its own unique flair,” Lydia Ezeakor explained to House Beautiful. “Houston is a big city, renters can move from one neighborhood to another and it has the ability to make them feel as though they’re in a new and exciting environment. This keeps things fresh and is just one of many reasons why Houston is a great place to call home.”

Beyond these perks, there are also plenty of career opportunities to be had in the booming job market of Houston. The city is home to NASA, but it’s also known as the Energy Capital, and of course Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world. The city’s museum district is world-renowned, and there’s no shortage of sports teams in the city to cheer on with seven national teams in total. Add to that the culinary scene and the fact that you could well run into local celebrities like JAY-Z and Beyoncé, and Houston is a real winner.

It’s not all perfect in Texas, of course. Anyone considering a move needs to be aware that the summers are famously hot and humid. The state suffers from a shortage of public transportation, meaning traffic congestion is a real issue. And unfortunately, these big populations also come with higher crime rates.

Still, what they say is true: Everything really is bigger in Texas.

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