Thinking About Moving to Texas? Here Are Some Tips

Texas is a popular destination for people leaving higher-cost states. If you’re thinking about moving to the Lone Star state, here are some tips that can help.

Understand the Cost of Living

The cost of living has a direct impact on your lifestyle. Plus, it may dictate how much you need to earn to remain comfortable. Here is an overview of key aspects of the cost of living in Texas.

Housing

In Texas, the median home price is around $350,000. Monthly rents can vary, with costs between $1,020 and $1,519 per month for a one-bedroom unit and a two-bedroom running between $1,214 and $1,856 in the state’s four larger cities.

Groceries

For a single adult without children, spending $3,428 per year on food is the norm. If it’s a family of four, an annual grocery bill closer to $10,084 is typical.

Utilities

While Texas doesn’t have the cheapest utility bills, it is below the national average. Monthly, Texans typically pay around $409.78 for electricity, natural gas, water, internet, and cable.

Education

In-state college tuition runs $11,460 annually, a full $3,460 below the national average.

Childcare

Childcare costs in Texas usually fall in the $589 to $777 per month range, depending on the child’s age.

Transportation

For transportation-related expenses — including vehicle insurance, maintenance, and fuel — a single Texan can expect to pay an average of $5,113 per year.

Pack with a Strategy

Having a reliable packing strategy is essential if you want a streamlined move. Begin by separating your everyday items from the items you only use occasionally or rarely. This allows you to group must-have items, ensuring you can unpack the essentials fast.

It’s also intelligent to color code your boxes. Use different color tape to identify boxes that belong in various rooms. Along with speeding up unloading, it streamlines unpacking.

As you pack, declutter. Along with the boxes you’ll bring to your new home, designate one box for donations and another for garbage. That allows you to sort your stuff quickly and get donations and trash to the proper destination faster.

If you need professional assistance with packing as well as moving services, trust the experienced professionals at Webster & Co Moving Services to take care of you throughout your move.

Conduct a Remote House Search

Even if you don’t want to buy or rent until you see a property in person, you can still begin the process with a remote house hunt. Online listings with photos and virtual tours can narrow down your options with surprising speed, simplifying your search once you arrive.

In some cases, you may want to fly or drive to the location to tour properties before your move. That way, you can place offers or provide deposits confidently, ensuring a home will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Getting Settled

Getting established in a new area after a move presents many challenges, particularly if you want to see a doctor as a new patient. As an alternative, however, you can take your pick of online doctors when you have an appointment via a telemedicine platform. Then you can meet from the privacy and comfort of home without having to spend a day traveling to and from an office with a wait in between. Plus, any prescriptions you need can be sent to your local pharmacy.

Prepare for a Job Hunt

As of May 2022, the unemployment rate in Texas was reasonable, sitting at 4.2 percent. Overall, that’s a tad higher than the national average.

Job searches take time, so it’s best to start your search early. Usually, you have two approaches. First, you can search for openings using major job boards. However, if you’re looking for something more specific and want help from an area expert, you might want to team up with a recruitment agency. The recruiters will know the ins and outs of the local job market, making it easier to find opportunities with employers of choice.

Start a Business

Alternatively, you may discover that it’s the perfect time to launch a company. When starting a business in your new state, create a business plan to improve your chances of success. Your business plan should detail your sales and marketing strategies, how your business will be structured, financial projections, and any funding needs.

As you can see, Texas is an affordable state to move your family to. Use the tips above and help from Webster & Co Moving Services for a smooth and stress-free transition.

 

Special thanks to Michael Longsdon of Elderfreedom.net for this excellent piece for our blog.

Contact: info@elderfreedom.net