Relocating from California to Texas can be rewarding!
Relocating from California to Texas can be rewarding, but it comes with clear contrasts in lifestyle, costs, and expectations. Here’s the breakdown: 1. Housing Costs and Property Taxes Home prices in most Texas markets are 30–50% lower than comparable areas in California. However, property taxes are significantly higher—often ranging from 2% to 3.5% of the assessed value versus California’s average of 0.73% . Unlike California, Texas has no state income tax , which offsets some of the higher property tax burden. 2. Utilities and Insurance Expect higher utility bills in Texas due to hotter summers and independent electric grids. Home insurance costs more because of severe weather risks like hail, flooding, and hurricanes in certain regions. 3. Real Estate Process Differences Texas uses title companies instead of escrow firms for closings. Disclosures are less extensive; buyers rely heavily on inspections. Agents must follow TREC (Texas Real Estate ...
