You might think of Texas as the land of wide-open spaces and warm welcome, and while that’s true, plenty of people seem to be heading for the exit in this state. It has its perks, but there are issues here that are making some Texans rethink living in the Lone Star State. Here are 18 reasons why people are deciding that Texas might not be for them.
Tech Industry Troubles
Although cities like Austin have plenty of companies, the tech scene as a whole in Texas is pretty one-note as it’s focused on just a few businesses. People looking for a bigger startup culture or more diverse opportunities might find Texas a little too limiting. They might even have to look for better communities elsewhere.
Water Problems
Texas’s water scarcity problems have become pretty infamous, but those aren’t the only water issues here. In some places, the water quality leaves a lot to be desired, as hard water is causing some serious plumbing problems. Some people have to use water softeners, which adds up in costs and hassle, meaning they’re looking at moving to places with cleaner water.
Urban Heat
The heat in Texas is no joke, especially in the concrete jungles of its biggest cities like Houston and Dallas. These urban places trap the warmth, making summers even more unbearable and sending air conditioning bills through the roof. For anyone who wants a cooler climate, this can be a major turnoff.
Unpredictable Weather
Apart from just the heat, the weather in Texas can be pretty unpredictable, and it can swing from hot to cold in just a matter of hours. This lack of consistency can be challenging for people who prefer something a little more stable. After all, planning a BBQ only to need a jacket is never fun.
Overwhelming State Pride
Texans’ pride in their state is legendary, but it can be a bit much if you’re not from around here. It can make newcomers feel like outsiders if they don’t completely support Texas culture, so they move to places that feel more inclusive. It’s not easy if you don’t know all about state history and traditions.
Limited Beaches
Although Texas has a coastline, access to nice beaches is pretty limited compared to states like Florida or California. For beach lovers, Texas shores might not scratch that beach-day itch, and they start dreaming of coastlines elsewhere. During the summer months, this can be a real bummer.
Too Many Chains
Foodies might find Texas lacking, especially outside of major urban centers, where chain restaurants dominate the culinary scene. If you’re looking for a diverse or independent dining experience, prepare to be underwhelmed. It’s particularly bad in smaller towns because big-name fast food and nationwide chains have overshadowed local cuisine.
High Sales Tax
Uncle Sam always gets his money some way, and while there might not be any state income tax here, its sales tax is one of the highest. This high cost can offset any cost-of-living savings, which is particularly hard for families on a tight budget. You can only take huge cuts into your budget every so often, and it’s making other states look more appealing to some people.
Poor Conservation
Texas isn’t exactly well-known for its strong wildlife conservation efforts, which can be a huge problem for residents who are more environmentally conscious. These people care a lot about protecting Mother Nature, but they don’t see the state government doing the same. They’d rather move someplace where they can help local wildlife better.
Too Much Oil
Texas’s economy relies quite a lot on the oil sector, and in recent years, it has been pretty unstable. Anyone concerned about long-term economic stability might be worried about this, especially since the world’s moving towards more renewable resources. They might rethink moving to a place where the economy is more stable.
Poor Mental Health Resources
The state consistently ranks low in terms of mental health services and resources, which can be serious for people who take accessible mental health care seriously. They might struggle to get the help when and where they need it. It’s no surprise that they’ll consider moving elsewhere for a better quality of life.
Fewer Public Libraries
For any book lovers or those who rely on public libraries for resources or community resources, Texas is definitely not the state for you. If the government isn’t banning books, it’s closing library facilities. This can seriously affect families and people in the community alike, as they’re losing plenty of learning opportunities.
Limited Arts Support
Unlike some other states, the government in Texas only gives limited support to artists and performers, which can stifle creativity. Anyone who’s a fan of more culturally rich places will have to look elsewhere since it’s hard to survive here as an artist. You’re best off going for somewhere that’ll support your artistic ambitions.
Frequent Dust and Sand Storms
Some parts of Texas, particularly in the west, experience dust and sand storms way too often, which can be both a health hazard and a nuisance. After all, this constant dust can cause major breathing problems and affect people’s quality of life. This forces some people to look for somewhere that’s a little more hospitable.
Too Many Mosquitos
In Texas, mosquito season feels like it lasts all year long, especially with the constant heat and humidity. It’s the perfect breeding ground for these pests, which, unfortunately, can carry diseases like the West Nile Virus. It’s no surprise that people who prefer the outdoors are looking for places with fewer bugs.
Severe Allergies
If you have allergies, then you’ll probably know how painful every spring is in Texas. Cities like Austin have become infamous for releasing allergens that can knock you off your feet, especially that awful mountain cedar. These allergy issues are enough to make people move to places where they can breathe a little easier.
Sun Exposure
With severe heat comes severe sun exposure, leading to a higher risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. It’s a problem even on the cloudiest days, which can be pretty off-putting for anyone worried about their skin health. Nobody wants to be constantly lathering on that sunscreen.
Worried About Wild Animals
As cities in Texas are getting bigger, they’re pushing more into wild animal habitats, meaning that coming across dangerous animals, like snakes and coyotes, is more common. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to deal with these animals. So, some people would rather move somewhere where they don’t have to worry about the local wildlife.
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