In the last five years, Texas has been the hot new place to move to for its lower taxes and high quality of life. But as you would expect, things aren’t as they are portrayed in the media. This article looks at 17 reasons why living in Texas might not be all that.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Texas is known for its harsh weather, which can range from scorching summers to severe storms. A few years ago, Texas even received some snow that was completely unexpected by everyone. With climate change, you can only expect this to get worse every year.
High Property Taxes
Living in Texas might mean dealing with some of the highest property taxes in the nation, as per SmartAsset. With many wealthy people choosing to live in Texas, house prices have shot up, meaning the taxes have followed the same course. Unlike some other areas, there are almost no tax relief options for homeowners in Texas.
Traffic Congestion
Traffic jams are a daily reality in Texas’s biggest cities, making commuting a headache. Major cities like Houston and Dallas are plagued with heavy traffic during rush hour. Like many cities in the United States, public transportation in Texas is very unreliable.
Large Insect Population
Insects are more than a minor annoyance in Texas; they’re a part of everyday life. Some of the insects you’ll have to deal with include mosquitoes, fire ants, and cockroaches. There are also some rarer bugs such as ticks and redbugs in the more remote areas of Texas.
Allergies
Many Texans battle severe allergies due to the state’s diverse plant life and changing weather. It has a very high pollen count, which makes the spring season an absolute nightmare for its residents. To make things worse, even though the spring season is the worst, allergies can get you at any time over there.
Water Scarcity
Water scarcity is a growing concern in Texas, affecting everything from gardening to daily water use. This is due to Texas’s near desert-like climate, but climate change also has a hand in the situation. This might mean water restrictions and higher utility bills in the future. What is especially worrying is that a large population in Texas depends on agriculture for its livelihood.
Lack of Statewide Healthcare Coverage
The state of Texas has some of the highest uninsured rates in the country, according to EveryTexan. In remote areas, people have trouble getting access to high-quality health care, especially outside business hours. Even when you’re able to get to a hospital, it’s not uncommon to wait for hours to get treatment.
Education System Challenges
In Texas, the education system faces big problems. Many public schools are too crowded, which makes learning tough for students. Some school districts don’t get enough money, which means they can’t offer a good education. Finally, students in different parts of Texas get very different levels of education.
Crime Rates
Crime is a big worry in Texas, especially in larger cities where more people live. Cities close to the border face drug trafficking issues. As cities grow, crimes like theft become more common. This makes living in these areas feel less safe, especially for women and children.
Risk of Natural Disasters
Texas is often hit by natural disasters because of its size and location. The Gulf Coast can see hurricanes. Places like Houston are at high risk for floods. Also, some parts of Texas face wildfires. These disasters can be scary and cause a lot of damage.
Competitive Job Market
Finding a job in Texas can be really tough, especially in areas like technology and energy. These jobs usually require people to have a lot of education and experience. There’s a big gap in how much money people can make in different jobs. Not everyone has the same chance to succeed.
Expensive Housing Market
Like other densely populated states, housing affordability is becoming a critical issue in Texas’s major cities, as per Texas A&M. Rent increases are quickly outpacing wage growth, resulting in affordable housing shortages. Many professionals are forced to share houses with others to afford to live in the better parts of Texas.
Cultural Homogeneity
In rural areas of Texas, there isn’t much cultural diversity. Certain ways of life and beliefs are more common, and there isn’t much influence from other countries except in big cities. This makes some places in Texas feel the same and not very welcoming to outside cultures.
Limited Public Services
In Texas, public services like buses and trains don’t get enough funding from the government. This is a problem, especially in suburbs that are growing fast. Important public places like libraries and parks aren’t as good as they could be because there isn’t enough money to support them.
Environmental Concerns
Texas has some big environmental problems. Some areas have poor air quality because of industries and lots of cars. These places also produce a lot of carbon emissions. Unfortunately, there isn’t strong action to fix these issues, which hurts the environment and people’s health.
Social and Political Divides
Texas’s social and political landscape is deeply divided, influencing daily interactions and policy. The more urban parts of Texas tend to lean left, while the old-school people in the rural areas have relatively right-wing views on life. While this might not affect your daily life, it can heavily influence things like job aspects, the media you consume, and the kind of education to expect from schools.
Heat and Hydration
The intense heat in Texas requires residents to stay hydrated and consider health and safety during outdoor activities. A water bottle is a must when heading out in the warm months in Texas. Some people have been found to pass out from dehydration after spending just a bit of time outdoors.
Read More: The Boomers Called It: 19 Stupid Trends That Backfired
Sometimes, we get carried away with trends that we think are cool at the time, only to realize later how utterly ridiculous they were. Join us as we take a cringe-worthy trip down memory lane and explore 19 stupid trends that backfired. Prepare for some facepalms!
The Boomers Called It: 19 Stupid Trends That Backfired
18 Reasons Why No One Is Interested in Working Anymore
The concept of traditional employment has taken a back seat in recent times with changes in economic and social factors, as well as individual preferences. Traditional jobs have also evolved, and many people don’t feel the need to take this route anymore. These are 18 reasons why no one is interested in working anymore.
18 Reasons Why No One Is Interested in Working Anymore
17 States Americans No Longer Want to Live In
America is constantly changing, and within it, so are its states. Some have new laws that residents don’t agree with, while others have increasing rates of unemployment or areas of extreme poverty. These aspects make it difficult for a person to stay in their home state. Here are 17 states that Americans are deciding to reconsider.