When it comes to the best places to live in the U.S., Texas leads the rankings across the board. For repeated years now, cities in the Lone Star state have ranked highly as some of the best places to buy a home, raise a family, and even has some of the best secret destinations in the U.S. In fact, 5 of the top 25 places in the Best Cities to Live rankings are occupied by cities in Texas. According to the Texas Realtors Association, more than half a million people have chosen Texas as their new home in 2019- for the 6th consecutive year. With more people flocking to the state, here are the top 10 reasons behind the surge towards buying a home in the Lone Star state.

There Is Great Weather Most Of The Year

One of the great things about Texas is its weather. Cities like Lubbock, Austin, and El Paso average 293 clear days every year. Average high temperatures range between 60 to 70 degrees celsius. Cities in Texas like Brownsville are also ranked as one of the safest cities with lower chances of natural disasters, lower crime, and lower fatality rates. If peace of mind and safety is a must for you, Texas should be on your moving list.

Take Advantage Of The Booming Economy And Job Growth Opportunities

The Texas economy is now the second-largest in the U.S.- valued at over $1.9 trillion, and the prospects for the coming years are optimistic. Among some of the industries driving the boom in Texas, the economy is the leisure, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. In recent years, the financial services industry has also begun to build a presence in Texas. As of August 2020, the sector employed over 809,000 people.

There is also a thriving oil and gas sector in Texas, which accounts for 3-4 percent of employment opportunities. With ample employment opportunities and plans for sustained growth, Texas can be the land of opportunity for you and your family.

Get More Bang For Your Buck In Real Estate

Land prices are generally cheaper in Texas than elsewhere. Even with a 6.4 percent increase in the last year, the average price per acre in Texas is $2,972. Compared to other states like Arizona where the land ranches can average $446,135, families looking to maximize their budget would do better in the Lone Star state. Not only are the prices of Texas land for sale lower but there is also much more land space which allows for land building and home construction as you would like. Residents in Texas can enjoy more space and perks like waterfront properties, for a fraction of the price it would cost elsewhere.

Enjoy Better Financial Balance With Affordability Housing Prices

With homes being more affordable in Texas, the burden on household incomes is less. This means families can improve their financial standing due to the lower costs of living. For instance, the median home value in Dallas is $19,726, and mortgage costs are $799 monthly. Compared to the national median average of $231,000, this represents significant savings and Texas is paying significantly less mortgage debt than other states.

Live In One Of The 7 Cities Without Income Taxes

Another great thing for your budget is that Texas happens to be one of only 7 states without an income tax charge. Residents in Texas are not taxed on their income but do still have to pay property taxes. Still, with income taxes averaging 29.8 percent for the average American, this can mean a pretty saving on your salary or self-employed income- and better affordability for your household. Currently, income tax and social security contributions account for 76 percent of the total tax wedge in the United States of America.

Explore The Thriving Food And Entertainment Scene

For those that are after the social aspects of city life, the state offers a thriving entertainment scene. Known for some of the best foodie destinations in the U.S., Texas cities like Austin and Dallas are home to some of the best barbeque and food truck establishments. For the nightlife, the popular House of Blues and Sixth Street are just some of the popular nightlife destinations that give a glimpse of the rich cultural and musical talent that exists in Texas.

Experience Cultural Diversity In Your Daily Life

Another reason to make Texas your next home is its rich diversity. Texas is one of the most diverse states, according to Wallethub- second only to California. Around 70 percent of the immigrant population settle in 7 states-California, New York, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Its embracement of diversity means you can enjoy a rich cultural lifestyle and varied experiences, in and out of the workplace.

Texas Is The Center Of An Industrial Revolution- And Possibly Your Career Revolution

With Texas being an economic activity hub, the chances of career progression are also high. According to The Dallas Morning News, there were almost 1,000 jobs added each day in the Texas economy in 2019. Occupations like Wind Turbine Technician and Nurse Practitioners are also high in demand across Texas. With many multinationals establishing industrial or regional hubs in the state, you won’t have to travel far to have a successful and productive career.

Access Great Educational Resources

Texas has also been repeated ranked as one of the best states when it comes to education. The state is home to 2 of the largest public universities- The University of Texas and Texas A&M University. For families with younger children, Texas also has a high ranking in the K-12 category- coming in at 34 in the national education rankings.

Pick A Town With A Loyal Track Record For Families

The lone star state has a long-standing reputation for family loyalty. In fact, 75 percent of Texas-born Texans still live in the state and according to The Texas Politics Project, Texas-born Texans have consistently made up the largest share of the state’s population since 1850. The locals love it and have passed on this affinity for generations which makes it the perfect place to begin your family tree and history.

If you are looking for the best place to call home, Texas is certainly a contender. With ample opportunities for professional and personal success, the state has a lot to offer new residents of all ages and budgets.