Moving to Texas?
Texas is one of the most heavily populated states in the country – in fact it is the third most populous in the United States. The entire population of Texas is about 24 million, out of which 70% of the population lives within 200 miles of Austin. Texas is about 267,339 square miles which is a total of 7.4% of the nation’s total area.
The great wide open expanse of most of the state has long since been the backdrop for many picturesque scenes and harkens back to the days of the timeless Westerns that so many people associate with the state of Texas. Visions of cowboys riding atop horses into the sunset are what many see when they think of Texas, but it is deeper than that. The great American sense of freedom and independence are the main values and ideals that native Texans hold dearly. Americana is rich in the state of Texas, and it is very much alive.
If you’re moving to Texas, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Texas
Texas Climate
The average January temperature for Amarillo is 36.7 degrees and the average winter temperature for Brownsville is 61.4 degrees. Brownsville recorded a maximum temperature of 106 degrees on March 27, 1984 and Amarillo has reported snow and a temperature of 35 degrees. Basically, the temperature throughout the state can vary wildly, from extremely hot and dry during the day in the summer, to much cooler temperatures at night when the sun goes down. Although mostly covered by plains, 10% of Texas is covered by forest, which includes four national and five state forests. The average rainfall record in West Texas is less than 8 inches and in East Texas exceeds 56 inches. The summer of Texas 2012 was the hottest since 1895.
Registering your Car
The first few weeks can be a busy time for anyone who is new to Texas. One must make sure to register their vehicle as soon as they can. In order to do that one can find a local car service provider who will inspect your vehicle. There are also vehicle inspection stations available where one must show detailed proof of adequate insurance and your driver’s license.
Obtaining a Texas Driver's License
Upon moving to Texas, one must also apply for a Texas Driver’s license. One must go to a driver’s license division office of the Texas Department of Public safety. Unless you are a student or a military member you must submit any existing license and apply for a new license here. One has 90 days upon arrival to have a Texas driver’s license. You must also make sure to learn about the Texas point system as getting a ticket in Texas can be very expensive.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Texas was ranked 37th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 40 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
The economy of Texas is heavily dependent on agriculture, manufacturing, mining and the service industry.
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Agriculture Among all states Texas is ranked #1 for total live stock and live stock product receipts. The top 5 agricultural products in Texas are beef cattle and calves, cotton, broilers, greenhouse, nursery products and dairy products.
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Manufacturing Texas is a leading manufacturing state. It is ranking first in the manufacturing of computers and other electronic goods. In the manufacturing of chemicals, Texas is ranking second and they are currently ranked third in the manufacture of foods and beverages such as beer, soft drinks, baked goods, preserved fruits and vegetables.
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Fishing The fishing industry in Texas is constantly rising in production. Texas fishing is known for its shrimp, crabs, flounder, oysters, red snapper, and sea trout. There are also farm-raised catfish which are raised in the state.
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Services Texas offers the biggest service industry which includes community, business and personal service groups. Wholesale trade is famous for its food products, vehicles and petroleum products. Finance, insurance and real estate services also play an important role in the economy of Texas.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Texas had an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent. In the state of Texas, the civilian labor force is comprised of over 9.8 million citizens, 8.9 million of which are currently gainfully employed and a little less than 900,000 who are unemployed.
Average Income
The per capita personal income (PCPI) in Texas is $28,472 and the median household income is $39,842.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for moving and storage companies in Texas, there are many available that can help you with the relocation process, however, one must make sure that moving and storage corporations are providing the proper insurance. One can log onto the following link to get more information about moving into Texas.
Real Estate
One can find homes in Texas at variable costs. Some of the prices for houses in Texas can range from $59,900 to $279,900. For more information about the price of housing in Texas and the current Texas housing market, there are various online resources that can help you find the property you’re looking for.
Major landmarks and attractions
The Alamo, Texas State Capitol, San Jacinto Monument and Museum, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Point Isabel Lighthouse, Battleship Texas, San Antonio Missions, Bishop's Palace, Texas State Cemetery, Moody Mansion.
Largest Cities: San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Galveston, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Tyler, Lubbock, Waco
Schools
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is constantly putting in all of its efforts to increase student success. It is making higher education more affordable and cost effective. Texas has made great strides in this and the progress made can be seen in the Texas Public Higher Education Almanac. Among the diverse public school systems that can be found throughout the state, there is also a wide selection of public and private universities that one can choose from including, but not limited to, the University of Texas, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, Rice University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas-San Antonio, the University of Texas-El Paso and Baylor University. One can log onto the following link to know more information about education in Texas.
National Parks
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Amistad National Recreation Area
Big Bend National Park
Big Thicket National Preserve
Chamizal National Memorial
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
Padre Island National Seashore
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
State park System
Texas offers a wide range of state parks, historic sites, natural areas, and Wildlife Management Areas such as the Parrie Haynes Ranch Sea Center, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and the World Birding Center. One can find the state parks which are close to their location by logging on to the following link for more information on state park system.
Major Airports
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
San Antonio International Airport
Dallas Love Field