Texas has long been a magnet for those seeking new opportunities, and in 2024, the Lone Star State is drawing even more residents—not just from California, but from a surprising array of places across the country.
New data from U-Haul’s one-way trip records reveals a compelling narrative of migration patterns that underscore Texas' growing appeal. As people pack up and move to major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, they’re bringing with them the diverse influences of their former homes, enriching the state’s cultural and economic fabric.
Houston: A Crescent City Influx
In Houston, the top source of new residents is Louisiana, with New Orleans ranking as the number one out-of-state metro area sending newcomers. The appeal of Houston, with its robust job market and lower cost of living, is evident. The city’s median home list price of $375,000 is enticing for those coming from New Orleans, where prices are slightly lower but offer less value in terms of square footage.
Dallas-Fort Worth: A Blend of Southern Charm and Sunshine State Vibrancy
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is attracting a diverse group of new residents, with Oklahoma, Florida, and Louisiana leading the charge. Oklahoma City, in particular, tops the list of origin metros, followed closely by Denver. This influx highlights the draw of Texas’ booming economy, which offers plenty of jobs, affordable housing, and a lifestyle that balances big-city amenities with Southern hospitality.
San Antonio and Austin: The Texafornia Phenomenon
The Texafornia trend is still alive and well, particularly in San Antonio and Austin, where many Californians are trading in the West Coast for the heart of Texas. In San Antonio, however, the top out-of-state origin city isn’t from California, but Phoenix, Arizona. Meanwhile, Austin continues to lure Angelenos, with its relatively affordable housing (compared to Los Angeles’ sky-high prices) and vibrant tech scene.
Austin’s median home list price of $540,000 may seem steep within Texas, but it’s a bargain for those moving from Los Angeles, where the median price hovers around $1.2 million. This price disparity continues to make Austin an attractive destination for Californians looking to stretch their dollar further.
The Forces Behind the Migration
Texas’ population surge is fueled by a combination of factors—economic growth, lower taxes, and a more affordable cost of living chief among them. From 2000 to 2020, the state saw a staggering 40% population increase, driven by natural growth and a steady stream of domestic and international migration.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, shifting domestic migration to become the primary driver of Texas’ population growth. Between July 2020 and July 2023, nine of the ten fastest-growing cities in the United States were in Texas, all suburban communities expanding on the fringes of major metro areas.
Take Celina, for example, a small city on the northern edge of the Dallas metro area. Its population skyrocketed by 143% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting the outward sprawl that’s defining Texas’ growth trajectory.
Why Texas? The Economic and Cultural Appeal
What’s drawing people to Texas in droves? It’s a combination of economic opportunity, affordable housing, and the state’s unique cultural blend. While home prices vary across the state, the overall affordability—especially compared to states like California and Colorado—makes Texas an attractive proposition for those looking to relocate.
For instance, San Antonio’s median home list price of $350,000 stands in stark contrast to Phoenix’s $528,000. In Houston, while the median price is slightly higher than in New Orleans, the per square foot value makes Houston a better deal for buyers seeking more space and better amenities.
Texas: The Next Frontier
As Texas continues to grow, it’s not just the size of the population that’s expanding, but its diversity and cultural richness as well. The influx of new residents from across the country is helping to shape Texas into a dynamic, multi-faceted state where innovation and tradition coexist.
The Lone Star State is not just a place to live—it’s a place where communities thrive, stories unfold, and new opportunities are forged.
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