Moving to Texas, also known as the Lone Star State, is an exciting idea! This part of the US has a strong defining culture and a bustling economy across a broad range of industries.
Whether you are looking to relocate to Texas to be near family, to pursue study or career opportunities – or you just want to experience the Texas lifestyle, The Moving Company can help you get your belongings and your pets there safely.
While moving to a new country can be a little daunting – especially when it will involve a fairly major culture shift – we have put together a list of seven must-read insights for Kiwi’s moving to Texas. .
Read on to explore some considerations to keep in mind to make the move from New Zealand to Texas less stressful and more enjoyable.
Experience the Famous Texan Hospitality
Texans are famed around the globe for their particular style of Southern hospitality. The American South has a deep sense of community, and no one does a welcome quite like the Texans! While Kiwis may have a more laid back approach, you can expect to be greeted with warmth, openness and genuine enthusiasm when moving to Texas – especially with that New Zealand accent to get you noticed. Kiwis are loved across America and, when you relocate to Texas, you should try and embrace this hospitality by saying yes to invitations, participating in community events and making a real effort to get to know your neighbours.
Embrace the Texas Lifestyle
From rodeos to barbecue festivals and debutante parties, if you are moving to Texas you will discover the locals know how to have a good time. Friday night football, Tex-Mex cuisine, from the steakhouse to the State House, Texans love nothing more than to gather to eat, dance and socialise. Sports are a huge part of the Texas lifestyle and American football is the number one sport across the state. Joining the crowd at a local game is a great way to get to know the locals and learn the rules. Just like rugby games in New Zealand, the games are an occasion, but like everything they do, Texans supersize it into a festive event.
Iconic Outdoor Living
Texas has some great natural reserves and parks, and there are lots of rivers for fly fishing, hills for hiking, and if you are moving to Texas, you must go rafting down the Rio Grande. This incredible natural wonder forms the border between Mexico and Texas, and it runs through incredible, ancient rocky canyons. Some of the cliff faces stand 1500 feet tall, and the ride down the river narrows in some places to passages where you can touch the rock on both sides. Of course, Texans love huntin’’ shootin’ and fishin’, so if that’s your style, this is definitely the place to explore it!
Get to Know the Climate
Texas is the second largest state in the union after Alsaka. This means it has a diverse range of climatic conditions, ranging from hot and dry through to subtropical and snowy, with everything in between. Significant flooding has occurred across Texas throughout history and some areas are prone to tropical cyclones and hurricanes, plus Texas ranks number one in America for Tornado occurrence.
The heat can hit pretty hard in summer, with temperatures going over 35 degrees Celsius in some areas for weeks at a time. The winters, by contrast, are fairly mild in most areas. While Texas weather can be pretty wild, there are processes and procedures in place across the state to deal with the occasional extremes, so familiarise yourself with local tornado shelters when you relocate to Texas and talk to locals about flood-prone areas before you rent or buy.
Cost of Living
Texas is huge, so the cost of living varies depending on where you are going to settle. From contemporary apartments in Austin, Houston and Dallas to spacious suburban properties with pools in places like Plano and Sugar Land, there is a full range of options for Kiwis moving to Texas. Some areas will come in cheaper than New Zealand for housing, transport, petrol and food, whereas the bigger cities sit on a fairly even keel with the types of rents and purchase prices you might find in Auckland and Wellington. If you compare apples to apples, Texas housing runs at about 17% cheaper than the national US average.
Moving to Texas? Enjoy the Food!
Texas is famous for its food. Alongside the proud tradition of the Texas barbecue, there is a robust Tex-Mex tradition. Food trucks are a big thing, steakhouses abound, and there is nothing Southerners love more than putting on a big home-cooked spread. The traditional barbecue comes with regional variations, with different smoking styles, sauces, and sides preferred as you travel across the state. You should try Texas chilli, and the fajitas, burritos, and queso are loved far and wide, with different spins depending on the table they are served at.
Where Should You Live?
Texas has more than 1200 incorporated cities, so if urban living sounds appealing, you have lots of choices. Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have populations of over a million people, so these are places to look at if you want to go large. Depending on why you are heading to Texas, you might need to do some research about the work opportunities in your industries, the reputation of schools in the areas you are considering and the amenities that will be available within an easy commute.
Urban areas offer the convenience of proximity to work, entertainment, and dining options, while suburban and rural areas provide more space and often a quieter environment. It’s a good idea to conduct some research and, if possible, visit or stay in potential neighbourhoods before you commit to a lease or purchase.
Relocate to Texas with The Moving Company
When you are looking to relocate to Texas, the team at The Moving Company can help. With competitive prices for door-to-door shipping and moving services for both air and sea freight options, we have helped hundreds of Kiwis get their belongings and their pets safely to Texas.
We are New Zealand’s largest private moving company, and we handle thousands of export and import shipments to the USA each year, so choose the experienced team at The Moving Company when you are moving to Texas and access exceptional service and peace of mind.
If you are ready to relocate to Texas, contact us now for a free quote. Our experienced team can get you there on time and within your budget.
