texas

Welcome to Texas.

Even though not all posts will be about moving to Texas, or for newbies, this is one of them.

If you’re considering moving to Texas, there are a few things you should know.

1. First and foremost: We love our state!

   When we pledge allegiance to the US flag, we also pledge allegiance to the Texas flag. Texas sees the rest of the country as foreigners. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, so long as you’re here because you love Texas and all it stands for. If you’re here to change it to be like the crappy state you just left, they’ll kindly suggest you find another place to live. Texas doesn’t want or need change for the most part. We are happy with the way things are.

2. We also love our history!

   “No one seems to care we got our asses handed to us on a platter at the Alamo, with only a handful of people still standing after the fighting was over. We are proud, proud, proud. “The final attack came before dawn on March 6. Mexican troops breached the north wall and flooded into the compound, awakening many of the Texans inside. The fighting lasted 90 minutes, some of it hand-to-hand combat. Bowie and Travis were killed, as was Crockett, although reports differ as to exactly how and when.” ~ Wikipedia

   From Dinosaur Valley State Park to the Alamo, the state is steeped in interesting history.

3. BBQ is king

   You can buy brisket, pork and chicken in many forms with an array of different BBQ sauces. Even the smallest towns have a BBQ restaurant (or three), and BBQ food trucks abound.

4. Shiner Bock is the beer of Texas.

   But we also have an extraordinary number of craft breweries. Cypress Creek Southern Ales is one of my favorites. You can find craft breweries in more than just the big cities.

5. Texas has Blue Laws

   Dry counties are a thing. This means you may not be able to buy any alcohol, or maybe just beer and wine in your county. Strangely, our county is dry, but the county seat is wet. This was not easy to get used to when we were able to buy liquor at the grocery store when we lived up north. So, if you like your home bar, you’ll want to check the county you’re moving to.

6. We have no state income tax.

   The good thing about this is less taken from your paycheck, but you’ll pay from your wallet instead. Counties and cities have their own taxes, significantly raising the state sales tax of 6.25% in some areas. Property taxes are also significant. Being ag exempt is a plus, so if you own an acreage or are looking to buy one, check to see how you can save.

7. Homes are affordable

   For the most part, if you avoid the major metropolises. Just recently our neighbors sold their home for $250K. It was a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1700 square foot home on 10 acres, fenced and cross-fenced, with 3 small barns. I don’t know what you think is affordable, but that’s pretty darned reasonable. Homes in the city limits of smaller towns easily sell for under $100K.

8. We love our guns

   Concealed carry, open carry, we carry guns, and we are proud of our rights regarding the 2nd Amendment. You’ll see signs that say, “We don’t call 911” and they aren’t kidding. When we had a possible burglar run into the woods on our property, all of our neighbors came out, well armed. They had covered the property long before the deputy arrived. LTC (license to carry) classes are easy to find, and inexpensive. If you’re not familiar with guns, it might be time to start. If there’s ever a revolution, I dare anyone to try to take on Texas.

9. Texas is HOT

   In more ways than just the weather, which is probably why more than 400 people a day are moving here. But I’m just talking about the weather. Tornado season ends just in time for the triple-digit “feels like” temperatures. June is usually mild at 80-90 degrees, but it’s not unheard of to have temperatures over 100 degrees most of July and August. The humidity makes things a little uncomfortable, but in reality, the humidity and sweat help us stay cooler. I know it doesn’t make sense. I actually wear a tank top under any shirt I wear, because that tank holds the fabric close to my skin and keeps it wet.

10. Don’t be shocked when a teenager opens a door for you

    The first time it happened to us, we were walking into a convenience store. A young man held the door open for us to enter first. WHAT?!?! I looked around for a parent, and there weren’t any. I said, “Thank you” and he said, “You’re welcome, ma’am.” Texans raise their kids to have manners. From the time they are young they use “ma’am” and “sir” and if they have permission to use your first name, it’s “Miss Jamie” or “Mr. Mike.” Such a breath of fresh air. The respect taught in the south could be used in the rest of the US.

11. Finally, don’t mess with Texas

    If you aren’t a native, don’t you dare move here and start trashing anything about our great state. We live in the greatest state in the union, regardless of what others think about their states. We don’t tolerate Texas being trash talked, whether it’s our way of life, or how we handle a snowpocalypse.

So “welcome to Texas” and if you don’t love us the way we are, feel free to go back where you came from, and “bless your heart.” (see 21 Texas Sayings You Should Know #2)

With much love!