10 Things You Should Not Do When Moving from California to Texas

Moving from one state to another is always a big step, but when you’re transitioning from the Sunshine State of California to the Lone Star State of Texas, there are particular pitfalls that can catch you off guard. The following list outlines ten common mistakes people make, so you can avoid them and feel confident in your relocation journey.

1. Underestimate the Cost of Living Differences

It’s easy to assume that moving to Texas will automatically be cheaper, and indeed, on many fronts it can be. However, if you simply compare home prices on Zillow or Redfin without deeper research, you might miss hidden costs that come with life in Texas.

For instance, while housing tends to be more affordable in many parts of Texas than in major California markets, utilities, especially during a hot Texas summer, can add up quickly. Similarly, property taxes in Texas are often significantly higher than in California, which can offset some of the savings on the purchase price. If you don’t take the time to map out your monthly expenses beyond rent or mortgage..utilities, groceries, gas, and even entertainment, you may be surprised when you sit down to balance your new budget.

Instead, create a detailed cost-of-living spreadsheet that factors in everything from utility spikes in July to seasonal clothing swaps for humidity and heat.

2. Neglect to Research the Climate and Lifestyle Changes

California’s coastal breezes and mild winters can lull you into believing that all warm weather is created equal. In Texas, however, summers can be sweltering, winters can bring unexpected freezes, and humidity can feel like a constant companion. Skipping research on local weather patterns isn’t just an inconvenience, it can affect your daily routine, your wardrobe choices, and even your health. You might find yourself caught off guard by thunderstorms that roll in with little warning or by winter nights that dip below freezing in a region you assumed would remain temperate.

The lifestyle shift goes beyond weather: if you’re used to fueling up on local farmers’ markets or fresh Baja-inspired cuisine, you may need to adapt your palate to Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex variations, and the higher likelihood of driving longer distances for errands. Take time to explore regional blogs, check the long-term forecasts for your target city, and plan a visit, ideally in July, to experience the height of Texas heat before you sign any lease or mortgage papers.

3. Overlook the Importance of Property Taxes and Insurance

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is how property taxes and insurance premiums can differ from what they’re accustomed to in California. In Texas, property taxes are calculated at the county level, and rates can vary widely even between neighboring counties.

For example, those moving to areas near major metropolitan hubs (think suburbs of Houston, Dallas, or Austin) might find property tax rates that are a few percentage points higher than in more rural counties. And when you factor in homeowners’ insurance, premiums can climb steeply. It’s not uncommon to see higher insurance rates because of hail, flooding, or hurricane risk, depending on your locale.

Before assuming you’ll pay $200 less on your monthly mortgage, check local tax appraisal district websites and get insurance quotes from multiple carriers. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect come tax season and won’t be blindsided by unexpectedly high annual bills.

4. Skip Understanding the Texas Real Estate Market Dynamics

The Texas real estate market moves differently from California’s in several key ways. First, properties here are often sold on a first-come, first-served basis without contingencies that you might see in more competitive California markets. If you hesitate, even by a day, to put in an offer on a home you love, you could lose out. Another dynamic is that new construction in Texas tends to be more plentiful, yet inventory can still tighten quickly around major job centers or top-rated school districts.

If you just browse listings online and assume everything stays on the market for weeks, you’re in for a rude awakening: listings can go under contract in days, and sometimes hours, especially if the home is priced well and located in a popular suburb. Take the time to partner with a REALTOR® who knows the specific ins and outs of Texas neighborhoods: they’ll alert you to upcoming open houses, possible multiple-offer scenarios, and local zoning differences that often vary county by county.

Touring a few homes in person before making any decisions will help you avoid falling into a situation where you’re forced to make hasty, regrettable choices.

5. Ignore Local Culture and Community Nuances

Texas is large enough that each region has its own personality, and communities can range from fiercely traditional to ultra-modern. While California has diverse subcultures too, the way people socialize, celebrate holidays, and engage in civic life in Texas can feel different. In some towns, Friday-night high school football is the primary social event of the week. In others, weekend farmers’ markets revolve around local cattle ranchers showcasing their goods. There’s often a strong sense of local pride. Town festivals, barbecues, and rodeos might become staples of your social calendar whether you want them to or not.

If you blow past researching cultural norms, you could feel out of place at local gatherings or miss opportunities to connect with neighbors, which can be crucial when establishing a support network. Before you arrive, browse community forums, neighborhood Facebook groups, or Nextdoor boards for cities you’re considering. That way, you’ll have a sense of whether you’re joining a close-knit community with block parties or a more suburban locale where people mostly keep to themselves.

6. Forget to Update Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

California DMVs are infamous for long wait times and complex online appointment systems, so it’s tempting to delay updating your license and registration after moving. But in Texas, you only have 30 days from your move-in date to secure a Texas driver’s license. If you miss that window, you could face fines when you renew or if you’re pulled over.

Similarly, Texas requires that your vehicle be registered in the state within those same 30 days. Insurance companies often adjust rates based on your address, so if you let your California plates linger, you might be inadvertently violating your auto insurance terms or facing penalties when you finally switch over.

It’s wise to schedule an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as soon as you have a Texas address, even if it’s with a friend or rental agreement, to begin the driver’s license process. For car registration, you’ll need proof of insurance from a company licensed in Texas, an inspection certificate from a state-approved inspection station, and title paperwork. Gather these documents ahead of time so you can avoid multiple frustrating trips to the county tax office.

7. Under-Budget for Moving and Housing Expenses

It’s tempting to estimate moving costs by simply calculating the square footage of your California home versus your Texas home. In reality, moving a household across the width of two states involves more than just paying movers by weight or distance. Fuel surcharges, insurance coverage for long-haul moves, and possible third-party storage fees add up. If you assume you’ll pay the same per cubic foot as local moves in California, you’ll likely run out of cash before you unload the last box.

Moreover, temporary housing costs such as a short-term rental or extended-stay hotel, might be higher than you expect, especially if you’re moving into a high-demand area like Austin or Dallas during peak season. Factor in costs for connecting utilities (some Texas utility companies charge deposit fees if you don’t have a long credit history in the state), and you’ll see why a cushion of at least 10–15% above your initial moving quote is wise.

Get multiple quotes from moving companies, ideally three or more, and ask for detailed line-item breakdowns. That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for: packing materials, overtime labor charges, toll road fees (yes, those exist here), and storage if needed.

8. Disregard Employment and Career Opportunities

While Texas is known for a booming job market especially in technology, energy, and healthcare, jumping in without a plan could leave you underemployed or commuting far longer than you’d anticipated. If you’re used to the tight networking communities of Silicon Valley, you may be surprised to find that certain Texas metros center around different industries or have different hiring seasons.

In cities like Houston, energy companies might dominate, whereas Austin’s tech scene has its own hiring cycles and “startup culture” that you won’t find in Dallas or San Antonio. Before firming up your moving date, spend some time applying to local roles, reaching out to recruiters, and connecting with professional groups on LinkedIn.

If you’re eyeing a specific field or company, understand that salary expectations can differ: a “competitive” pay package in California could translate differently in Texas after adjusting for taxes, cost of living, and company benefits. Make sure you obtain at least a verbal job offer or have a solid pipeline of interviews before signing an expensive long-term lease, or you might find yourself hitting pause on your relocation plans until the next quarter.

9. Overlook School Districts and Education Options

Even if you don’t have children, the quality of local schools can have a major impact on your property value and community feel. In California, you might be used to a certain level of school performance ratings or access to magnet programs, but in Texas, school districts can be large and ticketed by neighborhood boundaries that change over time.

If you bypassed researching school zones because you’re childless or don’t plan to have kids, know that future resale value of your home could hinge on which district you’re in. Plus, neighborhoods with highly rated schools often come with higher HOA fees, more traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, and community events centered on scholastic calendars.

If you’re planning to start a family, make it a priority to tour local schools, meet with PTA representatives, or attend school board meetings online to get a sense of curriculum philosophies. Even if you don’t have kids, buyer interest in top school districts often drives up home prices and affects how quickly you’ll be able to sell if you decide to move again.

10. Rely Solely on Online Information Without Visiting

It’s tempting to base your entire move on Zillow photos, Google Street View sweeps, and Yelp reviews for local coffee shops. But nothing replaces a site visit when you’re making a life-altering move from California to Texas. By visiting in person, you’ll get firsthand insight into commute times, both on weekdays and weekends, noise levels, local traffic patterns, and neighborhood personalities.

A street that looks quiet on Google might actually have a nearby bar or industrial site you didn’t notice on satellite view. The best way to know whether you’re comfortable in a new city is to experience it at different times of day: drive through at rush hour, stroll local parks after sunset, pop into grocery stores on a Saturday morning.

You’ll also be able to talk to actual neighbors, check out parks for pets if you have furry friends, and sample the local barbecue joints or craft breweries that help define life in Texas. Even a short two- or three-day visit can reveal things you’d never pick up online, so resist the urge to pack up everything sight unseen and give yourself the gift of boots-on-the-ground research.

Relocating from California to Texas can be an exciting new chapter by avoiding these ten missteps, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more confident transition. From budgeting properly to understanding local culture, each step is crucial in making your move feel less like a leap of faith and more like a carefully planned adventure.

Post written by Kim Mendoza from Living Local Texas.