Let me start with this: I love living in Texas. I truly believe moving here was one of the best decisions my family ever made. But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. There are a lot of things about Texas that people don’t talk about until after you’ve unpacked the moving boxes and stepped outside into the 105-degree heat.

So, if you’re thinking about relocating to the Lone Star State, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. From stifling summers to wildlife you never asked for, here are 15 things you might absolutely hate about living in Texas, spoken from someone who actually lives here.

1. You’ll Probably Have to Start Every Conversation

Texans are kind and hardworking, but the service culture here? Let’s just say it’s different. Whether you're at a restaurant or getting your car fixed, don’t expect warm greetings right off the bat. You’ll likely get a blank stare until you make the first move. Once you speak up, people are usually friendly but it’s definitely a noticeable difference if you’re used to a more chatty atmosphere elsewhere.

2. The Allergy Situation is Next Level

Texas allergies especially in places like Dallas, are something else. The pollen count gets so high it’s almost comical. If you suffer from allergies, you really need to think twice before moving here.

3. The Heat Will Ruin Your Lip Balm (and Your Mood)

Chapstick? Melted. Sunscreen bottles? Exploded in the car. Water bottles? Hot enough to make tea. It’s not just the heat outside, your car becomes a furnace. Plus, if you’re a working parent, school breaks are frequent and summer is short, which makes planning a bit of a nightmare.

4. The Power Bills Can Be Ridiculous

Texas is a deregulated energy state. That means dozens of companies compete to sell you power and if you pick the wrong one, you could be paying hundreds more each month..

5. Attic-Based Water Heaters (Yes, Really)

Water heaters in the attic are common here. Sounds harmless, until you realize how hot it gets up there and how easy it is for things to leak, back up, and cause water damage in your ceiling. 

6. Storms Are No Joke

Rain here isn’t a light drizzle. It’s torrential, flooding-your-yard-in-minutes kind of rain. Thunder sounds like cannons. The ground doesn’t drain well because of clay soil, so even hours after a storm, there’s standing water. It’s wild and kind of exciting at first, until it ruins your landscaping.

7. Property Taxes Will Make You Cry

Texas doesn’t have state income tax, which is great… until you see your property tax bill. Even with supposed limits on how much it can rise, they’ll just crank up your home’s assessed value to squeeze more out of you. You can fight it (and you should), but it’s something many newcomers don’t know to expect.

8. The Roads Are Always Under Construction

Rapid growth means roads are constantly being widened. There’s construction everywhere, especially in suburbs trying to keep up. I’ve gotten more nails in my tires here than anywhere else in my life. Good news is, tire patches are cheap and easy to find.

9. Drivers Are… Intense

If you think you’re fast on the road, Texans will humble you. The speed limit might say 65, but locals are flying by at 85+. If you’re not used to aggressive drivers or seeing street races break out on the highway, brace yourself.

10. The Bugs are Next Level

Ants, mosquitoes, spiders, you name it. They’re everywhere. 

11. Then There Are the Snakes

Watch the ground every time you walk! Eventually, you get used to it (kind of), and most of them won’t hurt you, but yes, coral snakes, copperheads, and others are real and live near homes, especially by wooded areas.

12. Hogs in Your Backyard

Yep, wild hogs. They destroy yards by digging up sod and bark while looking for food. I’ve seen them near my house more than once. It’s surreal at first and then a nuisance. They’re huntable year-round, if that’s your thing.

13. Contractors Are Hit or Miss

With all the new growth, there are tons of contractors, but not all of them are good. Some are amazing. Others… not so much. Do your research, ask your neighbors, and never assume that someone who says they can “do it all” actually can.

14. The Heat Isn’t Just Hot? It’s Relentless

Summer in Texas doesn’t last a month. It lasts half the year. It feels like an oven outside, but then every building blasts the A/C to arctic levels. You’ll sweat through your makeup before lunch and then freeze at dinner. It’s a dance, and layering becomes a skill.

15. And Did I Mention the Spiders?

Seriously. The spiders and their webs are on a whole different level here. I’ve never cleaned so many webs off my garage, fences, and door frames. And don’t get me started on mud daubers, giant, terrifying-looking wasps that leave brown splats on your house. Good news? They eat black widows. So, they stay.

Still Thinking About Moving to Texas?

Despite all that, I love this place. The food, the people, the weather (when it behaves), the freedom, it’s got heart. But it’s not for everyone, and knowing the not-so-great stuff ahead of time can save you a lot of frustration.

And if you’re looking into relocating and wondering how to make the whole process easier, feel free to reach out!

Post written by Michael Stephens from Living Local Texas.