Texas offers undeniable charm, but living there isn’t for everyone. Brutal summers, economic shifts, and evolving politics make life in Texas more complex than it appears. If you’re weighing your options, here are some reasons to think twice before calling Texas home.
Texas Heat
Summers in Texas aren’t just hot—they’re relentless. Temperatures soar past 100°F for weeks, and the humidity makes it worse. Air conditioning becomes a lifeline, and stepping outside feels like entering an oven. For those unprepared, the scorching heat can turn the Texas dream into a sweaty struggle.
The Traffic Is Terrible
Public transportation is unreliable, and the sprawling cities make car ownership a necessity. Whether it’s daily errands or long commutes, you’ll spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
Houston, in particular, ranks as the third-worst US city for traffic congestion, testing the patience of even seasoned drivers. If you’re moving to a major city, brace yourself—rush hour can feel like an endurance challenge.
Healthcare Leaves Much to Be Desired
Texas frequently falls among the lowest-ranked states for healthcare. Despite having top-ranked medical facilities, Texas often struggles with accessibility. The state has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the country—18.4% of Texans lack health coverage, far above the national average.
Rural areas face even greater difficulties, with limited hospitals and specialists. Long wait times, hard-to-schedule appointments, and inconsistent care can pose serious concerns, especially for retirees and those with ongoing health needs.
Gun Culture
In Texas, guns aren’t just a right—they’re a part of everyday life. Open carry laws mean you’ll likely spot firearms in grocery stores, restaurants, and public spaces. For many, it’s second nature. But if you’re coming from a city with stricter regulations, the normalization of gun ownership might take some adjustment.
The Hurricane Season
Texas faces a steady risk of tropical storms from June through November, with hurricanes most active in August and September. Historic storms like Hurricane Harvey (2017) and Hurricane Ike (2008) serve as reminders of the state’s vulnerability. Flooding is a serious concern, making flood insurance a crucial consideration for homeowners, especially in coastal areas.
Public Schools In Financial Mess
Quality varies widely across Texas school districts, with some excelling while others struggle with funding shortages, overcrowding, and outdated facilities.
The issue is so widespread that over 500 school districts serving 3.3 million students sued the state for inadequate and inequitable education funding. Many families carefully navigate school zones or turn to private education for better opportunities.
A Strong Conservative Identity
Texas has long been a Republican stronghold, with conservative values shaping much of daily life, especially in rural areas. While cities like Austin lean more progressive, the overall political culture remains firmly right-leaning.
Newcomers with liberal views may take time to adjust, though Texas is known for its friendliness regardless of political affiliation.
Frequent Power Outages
Texas operates on its own power grid, which means it isn’t connected to the rest of the country. While this reflects the state’s self-reliance, it also leads to frequent power outages.
In 2022 alone, Texas experienced 82 outages, and over the past decade, the number climbed to 1,565—accounting for 14% of all outages nationwide. When extreme weather strikes, the system struggles to handle demand, leaving residents vulnerable to blackouts.
High Property Taxes
Texas may not have a state income tax, but its property tax is among the highest in the country. With rising real estate prices, annual tax bills can be a hefty surprise.
The state’s average property tax rate of 1.63% is 59.8% higher than US national average (1.02%), with El Paso County topping the list at 2.14%.
Unreliable Water Quality
Texas ranks among the worst states for safe drinking water, with 15,340 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act in 2023, second only to Pennsylvania. Aging infrastructure—over 165,000 miles of pipes, some dating back to the post-WWII era—has led to frequent boil notices, contamination risks, and system failures. For residents, unreliable water quality remains a serious issue, especially after storms or freezes.
Stringent Abortion Laws
Texas has some of the most stringent abortion laws in the U.S., with severe penalties for providers and those who assist. Many residents must travel out of state for care due to limited clinic availability and legal barriers. Ongoing legal challenges continue to shape the landscape, but access remains highly restricted.
Uneven Protection for LGBTQ+ Individuals
While cities like Austin and Dallas offer supportive communities, many areas in Texas remain unwelcoming for LGBTQ+ individuals. Protections vary widely by location, affecting school policies, healthcare access, and legal rights.
In 2025, Texas lawmakers filed over 100 anti-trans bills, with less than 10 ultimately passing, restricting access to care and legal recognition. Advocacy groups warn that failed bills may resurface in future legislative sessions.
Work-Life Balance Is A Challenge
Texas ranks among the hardest-working states, with an average 40-hour workweek and 96% of the labor force employed. Despite long hours, 29% of workers don’t use all their vacation time, and commute times average 26 minutes one way.
While Texans dedicate about six hours daily to leisure, workers in 19 other states enjoy even more downtime, making work-life balance challenging for many.
The State Is Too Vast
Texas is vast, covering over 268,000 square miles. Driving across the state can take an entire day. Reaching nature spots like Big Bend or the Hill Country often requires hours on the road. If you’re used to quick getaways or short city-to-city trips, the sheer scale of Texas might be an adjustment.
