What does Texas have that LA does not?
Ever since the 2008 U.S recession, a substantial number of Californians have opted to make the move from L.A to Texas; Austin, Texas to be more specific. California has been considered to be a dream location for many with the sandy beaches, the Hollywood sign, and a picture-perfect state, it could be argued that that is enough for any Californian to never leave, yet between 2010 and 2014, Austin saw an increase in new residents; approximately 15,000 new Texan residents had come from California alone. So, what is the deciding factor?
What does Texas have that California does not?
For starters, the cost of living in California is only continuing to increase with house prices forever rising and the daily cost of living being something unattainable for some. Categorically, everything from housing, groceries, childcare, health insurance, and any other factor which attributes to a standard of living is generally more costly when residing in California. The cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than it is in California; California is 31.4% more expensive than Texas which leaves a percentage of Californians living from paycheque to paycheque and subsequently being unable to save. It’s said that living in Texas as a contemporary nuclear family – mother, father, two children – can enable a family to save up to 60% of their combined income whilst also being able to maintain a good standard of living.
Good employment rate of Texas
The improved cost of living and the desire to effectively maintain an individual’s lifestyle is argued to be upheld by the mass amount of job opportunities Texas has to offer. Austin, Texas is ranked high on the list of cities in America with a low unemployment rate. The low unemployment rate is facilitated by the aforementioned job opportunities escorted by a flourishing economy. Austin is more commonly recognized at present for being one of the top 10 cities for patent activity and start-ups. The prosperity in Austin has the city labeled as a ‘Boomtown’, many leading American and global businesses inclusive of Google and Apple often end up setting up corporate offices in Texas due to having a better chance of being successful than in any other state such as California and or San Francisco.
No tax benifits
In addition to all of this, it is also worth acknowledging that Texas does not have personal or corporate income tax which is advantageous to corporations and individuals. The benefits of not having to give away a percentage of your income to the state can ensure that businesses can use the money that would be given to the state to ensure job opportunities and or aid the business in further expansion. As for Texan residents, the percentage which would be given to the state can aid in being placed into savings, contributing to a better standard of living, and or aiding in affordable education and childcare, dependant on the individual.
Transportation services of Texas
However, having acknowledged the positives behind why businesses and Californians end up residing in Texas, it is also worth acknowledging the bluffs which may hinder one’s experience. For example, Texan residents must have a Texan drivers license and Texan car registration; the cost of transportation services are up to 17% more than the cost of transportation in California; the weather although cooler than California, is generally largely unpredictable; Texas being a southern state is largely an indication to some heavily held conservative views which they might have, which would need to be taken into consideration of exploring a potential move.
Conclusion
Conclusively, it is clear as to why California natives and businesses decide to make the move from California to Texas. There is an increase in employment opportunities Texas has to offer, an increase in being able to maintain a standard of living that enables individuals to be able to save money, which is something which California is not widely renowned for. Having recognized the pros to Texas, the cons can be viewed to be a cause for concern due to the weather being unpredictable, the cost of transportation, and the conservative views which are upheld in southern states. Having said all of that, it is worth noting that those who make the move are well informed of the lifestyle, the politics, and the potential of Texas before residing.
5 Reasons Why So Many Californians Are Relocating To Austin, TX (jbgoodwin.com)
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Texas (californiamoversusa.com)
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