From New England to New Braunfels: 5 Things I Didn’t Realize About Moving to Texas

I often catch myself looking out at the Texas Hill Country sunset and thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Growing up in New England, Texas felt like a different planet. I actually had a sliding-doors moment back when I was in grade school; my father was seriously considering taking a job in Fort Worth. We didn’t go, and I stayed up north for decades. Looking back, I wonder how my life would have been different if we had made the jump then.

But I’m here now. As the saying goes: “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as quickly as I could.”

If you are sitting up north shoveling snow and scrolling through Zillow listings in Comal County, here are 5 things I didn’t realize until I unpacked my bags.

1. It’s All About Trade-Offs (And I’ll Take These Any Day)

Before I moved, friends warned me about the “wild” nature of Texas. Snakes, scorpions, spiders and red centipedes (profanity warning). And sure, nature is different here, but life is about trade-offs.

In New England, you trade snakes for swarms of mosquitoes. Honestly? I haven’t seen a single mosquito since moving to the Hill Country. Back home, you couldn’t sit outside in July without being eaten alive, with the added risk of getting EEE in the summertime.

Then there are the scorpions. They exist, yes. But I will happily trade the occasional scorpion sighting for ticks. Up north, walking through tall grass meant a full body check for ticks and the constant anxiety of Lyme disease. That is a trade-off I win every time.

And finally, the weather. Yes, the heat is intense. I am still getting used to it. But you don’t have to shovel heat. You don’t have to scrape ice off your windshield at 6:00 AM in a suit. I traded blizzards for sunshine, and I’m not looking for a refund.

2. The Mexican Food “Awakening”

Growing up in an area without authentic Mexican food, you simply don’t know what you don’t know. You think you’ve had a taco, but you haven’t had a taco.

Learning to love Mexican food wasn’t hard—it was instantaneous. The depth of flavor, the spices, the breakfast tacos (a food group of their own)—it is something I didn’t appreciate until I lived here. In New England, “Mexican night” meant a box of hard shells from the grocery store. Here, it’s a culinary culture that I can’t imagine living without now.

3. The Coast is Underrated (Even if I Miss the Lobster)

I have to be honest—New England still holds the crown for cold-water seafood. I miss the sweet lobster, the steamers, and the cold-water cod. You trade the lobster rolls for the world’s best brisket here, which helps ease the pain, but I definitely appreciate those cold-water catches a lot more now.

However, the Texas coast itself was a massive surprise.

When I told my new Texas friends I was planning a trip to Port Aransas (“Port A”), many of them scoffed. They told me to “lower my expectations” because it wasn’t the Cape. But you know what? They were wrong.

I found Port A to be pretty cool. It has a beautiful beach, incredible sunsets, and a genuinely fun vibe that isn’t pretentious. It’s a different kind of coastal living, but it’s fantastic.

That said, you have to stay sharp. Cape Cod definitely does not have rattlesnakes in the sand dunes!

4. Real Estate: It’s Not Just “Cheaper,” It’s Diverse

Everyone knows real estate prices are generally lower here than in the Northeast, but what I didn’t realize was the sheer variety.

In many parts of the country, your options are “expensive old house” or “expensive new condo.” In the Texas Hill Country, there really is something for everyone. We have sprawling ranches where you can’t see your neighbors, gorgeous mini-mansions that would cost triple up north, quality trade-up homes for growing families, and tons of starter home options for first-time buyers.

Check out my Texas Home Affordability Calculator to see what you can buy here.

Whether you want 10 acres of land or a master-planned community with a pool, the inventory here is incredibly diverse.

5. The Spirit of Freedom and Respect

This was the biggest surprise. I have never lived in a place where people love their state so much, but it goes deeper than just state pride.

There is a palpable sense of freedom here. People genuinely respect each other and cherish their liberty. It’s a culture where neighbors look out for one another, but they also respect your space and your right to live life on your own terms. Whether you are a lifelong Texan or a transplant like me, there is a shared understanding that freedom is something to be protected and enjoyed.

The “Texas Pride” is real, as it’s backed by a fierce independence that creates a really unique, positive energy.

The Bottom Line

I may have missed my chance to become a Texan back in grade school, but I’m making up for lost time now. If you are on the fence about relocating, take it from a guy who traded the snow shovel for sunscreen: Come on down.

Thinking of making the move to the Lone Star State? Whether you’re looking for that starter home or a ranch to spread out, I can help you crunch the numbers. Contact me today to get started.