Why Move to the South?
Southern Living is attractive to many homeowners due to the warm temperatures and lack of snow, but why now are so many people moving to the South? Is it because the snowbirds no longer want to live two separate lives? Or is it because the South offers far more than the North? Most Americans moving to southern states are in sync with the trend of moving out of the Midwest and North East. It is also not uncommon to see people from California moving farther south to Texas to escape the California traffic and high housing prices. Many people are leaving the hustle and bustle of northern states to find a better quality of life in the south, but that is not the only reason for this recent migration trend.
Not only is the weather beautiful in the south with warm temperatures, but states in the south are also experiencing job growth due to companies relocating or opening branches there. With more jobs comes more availability in the housing market. The cost of living in the south is also significantly lower than in the north. Many recent graduates or young families are drawn to this since living in the north is so expensive. Some southern states, including Texas, have no state income tax. One of the reasons houses are cheaper in Texas is due to the vast amount of buildable land. The same goes for renting an apartment or house. The cost of living in Texas is lower than in most states. You know the saying: everything is bigger and better in Texas!
Those looking to get out of congested areas look to the south for more open space to live rurally. However, the proximity to cities is convenient enough to take a quick day or weekend trip. Texas has plenty of open land and major cities, including Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. You’re never too far from anything in Texas. More open land means more room to expand, which is why you see bigger homes on larger lots. Sprawling suburbs can be found scattered in the south as well as more green space and parks. Traffic is typically less congested due to the open space. The pace of life is slower mainly because of the heat, but also because of the southern-living mindset. Northerners moving to the south may feel like they are on a constant vacation for a while and want to take things slow. The fast-paced life of the north will be a thing of the past.
Mild seasons and hot summers mean more time outside. Depending on where you live in the south, you could hike a mountain, kayak a bayou, or go for a swim in the ocean. Winters in the south are still warm enough to get out and be active, as opposed to winter in the north where most people are cooped up in their homes due to the cold and snow. Though it has been known to snow in Texas on rare occasion, there will always be an abundance of outdoor activities and you will never be bored, no matter what season you're in. Imagine sitting on a beach during Christmas with a piña colada. You can’t do that in Wisconsin! Going out to bars, restaurants, or festivals tends to be easier and more enjoyable when the weather is warm.
Overall, if you are considering moving to the south, you won’t regret it! The weather will be warm, the drinks cold, and the atmosphere calm. Job hunting should be no issue due to the abundance of jobs and companies moving to the south. Housing is cheaper than in the north, and you will get more for your money. Rural living in the south is relaxed and less congested. Being close enough to major cities is convenient for many who don’t like city life. There is always something to do outside because of the warmer temperatures. Moving to the south might be one of the best decisions you will ever make!
Contact us at Sullivan Brothers Builders today to learn more about available homes and property in the Galveston-Houston areas!
