What You Need to Know About Moving from California to Texas—and Why the Texas Hill Country Is Leading the Trend
Over the past few years, a major migration trend has emerged across the United States: thousands of people are moving from California to Texas.
While cities like Austin and Dallas often grab the headlines, many newcomers are discovering something even more appealing—the Texas Hill Country.
Located between Austin and San Antonio, this region offers stunning scenery, thriving communities, and far more affordable housing compared to California’s major metro areas. For professionals, families, and retirees seeking a better quality of life, Texas Hill Country real estate has become one of the most attractive relocation opportunities in the country.
If you’re considering relocating to Texas from California, here’s why the Hill Country is at the top of so many people’s lists.
The Economic Advantage: Cost of Living California vs Texas
One of the biggest drivers behind people moving from California to Texas is simple economics.
Housing, taxes, and everyday expenses are dramatically lower across much of Texas—especially in the Hill Country.
Housing Prices: California vs Texas Hill Country
When comparing California vs Texas housing costs, the difference can be staggering.
Typical California Housing Costs
In major markets like the Bay Area or Los Angeles:
- Median home prices: $900,000 – $1.4M+
- Smaller homes and dense neighborhoods
- High insurance and regulatory costs
Texas Hill Country Real Estate
In communities like New Braunfels, Boerne, and Fredericksburg:
- Median home prices: $350,000 – $600,000
- Larger homes and larger lots
- New master-planned communities
- Modern homes with upgraded features
For many Californians selling a home, this means they can buy a significantly larger property in Texas and still save money.
That’s one of the biggest reasons Californians are moving to Texas Hill Country in record numbers.
Texas Has No State Income Tax
Another major financial advantage when moving from California to Texas is the tax structure.
California has some of the highest state income taxes in the country, reaching over 13% for high earners.
Texas?
0% state income tax.
For professionals relocating from places like Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, or San Diego, this can result in tens of thousands of dollars in annual savings.
Quick Cost Comparison: California vs Texas
California
- State income tax up to 13.3%
- Higher housing prices
- Higher fuel and utility costs
Texas
- 0% state income tax
- Lower housing costs
- Lower overall cost of living
When people research the cost of living comparison CA vs TX, the financial benefits become obvious.
The Lifestyle Upgrade: Living in Texas Hill Country
While economics bring many people to Texas, the lifestyle is what makes them stay.
The Texas Hill Country offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and welcoming communities.
What Makes the Hill Country Special
Unlike the dense urban environment of many California cities, the Hill Country offers:
Rolling limestone hills
Live oak trees and wildflower fields
Open space and breathtaking sunsets
Charming small-town downtown districts
A strong sense of community
Cities like New Braunfels, Boerne, and Fredericksburg offer a lifestyle that feels relaxed without sacrificing convenience.
For many people relocating to Texas from California, it’s the perfect balance between peaceful living and modern amenities.
Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty
The Hill Country is known for its incredible outdoor experiences.
Popular activities include:
Tubing the Guadalupe River
Boating and fishing at Canyon Lake and fishing the Guadalupe and Blanco Rivers
Hiking and biking through Hill Country trails
Visiting wineries throughout Fredericksburg wine country
Exploring state parks and scenic drives
For families and retirees, the region provides a refreshing contrast to crowded urban environments.
Silicon Hills: Why Tech Workers Are Moving from California to Texas
Another major factor behind the surge of Californians moving to Texas is the rapid growth of Austin’s tech industry.
Often called “Silicon Hills,” Austin has become a major hub for technology companies relocating from California.
Major companies with significant operations in the region include:
Apple
Tesla
Oracle
Google
Samsung
Dell
Because of this growth, many professionals working in tech are choosing to live in Hill Country communities near Austin while enjoying more space and lower housing costs.
Best Texas Hill Country Cities for Californians
If you’re researching where Californians are moving in Texas, these Hill Country communities consistently stand out.
New Braunfels
Located between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels Texas real estate has become extremely popular among people relocating from California.
Reasons people choose New Braunfels include:
A charming historic downtown
Access to the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Easy commuting distance to Austin and San Antonio
It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas—and for good reason.
Boerne
For buyers seeking a slightly more upscale Hill Country experience, Boerne Texas real estate is highly desirable.
Highlights include:
Beautiful historic Main Street
Excellent schools
Easy access to San Antonio
Luxury homes and Hill Country estates
Boerne is particularly popular with professionals relocating from Los Angeles and Orange County.
Fredericksburg
If you’re drawn to scenic beauty and wine country culture, Fredericksburg Texas real estate may be the perfect fit.
Fredericksburg offers:
Over 50 wineries nearby
Incredible Hill Country views
A charming historic downtown
A slower pace of life
Many retirees moving from California choose Fredericksburg for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting.
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Remote Work Makes Moving from California to Texas Easier
The rise of remote work has made interstate relocation easier than ever.
Today, many professionals can:
Keep their California salary
Enjoy Texas cost of living
Upgrade their home and lifestyle
This is one of the reasons Texas Hill Country real estate continues to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals.
For many Californians, relocating to the Hill Country means finally having more space, lower costs, and a better work-life balance.
Planning Your Move from California to Texas
Relocating across the country can feel overwhelming.
Many people considering moving from California to Texas have questions like:
How much house can I afford in Texas?
What are property taxes like?
Can I qualify for a mortgage before moving?
What are the best Hill Country communities?
Getting answers early makes the relocation process far easier.
FAQ About Moving From California to Texas
Why are so many people moving from California to Texas?
The biggest reasons people are moving from California to Texas include lower housing costs, no state income tax, and a lower overall cost of living. Many Californians also seek more space, better home affordability, and a slower-paced lifestyle. Areas like the Texas Hill Country offer scenic beauty, growing job opportunities, and proximity to major cities like Austin and San Antonio.
Is the cost of living really lower in Texas than California?
Yes, the cost of living comparison between California and Texas is one of the biggest factors driving relocation. Home prices in many California cities can exceed $1 million, while comparable homes in the Texas Hill Country may range between $350,000 and $600,000. Additionally, Texas has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home income for many households.
What are the best Texas Hill Country cities for Californians?
Some of the most popular destinations for Californians relocating to the Texas Hill Country include:
New Braunfels – a fast-growing city between Austin and San Antonio with strong schools and outdoor recreation
Boerne – known for its charming downtown and upscale Hill Country homes
Fredericksburg – famous for its wineries and scenic landscapes
Dripping Springs – a popular Austin-area suburb with beautiful Hill Country views
Each of these communities offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger job markets.
Can I keep my California job if I move to Texas?
Yes. Many people moving from California to Texas are now able to keep their jobs thanks to remote work. Austin’s thriving tech industry—often called “Silicon Hills”—also offers opportunities for professionals in technology, engineering, and startups. This combination of remote work and local job growth has made Central Texas one of the fastest-growing relocation destinations in the country.
How do I qualify for a mortgage if I'm relocating from another state?
Qualifying for a mortgage when relocating is typically straightforward. Lenders will review your income, credit history, employment stability, and down payment just as they would for any home purchase. If you’re moving from California to Texas, it’s often helpful to get pre-qualified before your move so you know exactly how much home you can afford in the Texas Hill Country market.
Is the Texas Hill Country a good place to raise a family?
Yes. Many families relocating from California choose the Texas Hill Country because of its strong schools, outdoor lifestyle, and safe communities. The region offers access to rivers, lakes, parks, and family-friendly events throughout the year, making it a great place for children to grow up while still being close to larger cities like Austin and San Antonio.
Why do some Texans say they don’t like Californians moving to Texas?
“Don’t California My Texas!”
You may occasionally hear jokes or comments online about Texans not liking Californians moving to Texas, but the reality on the ground is much more welcoming. Texas has always been a state shaped by newcomers, and communities across the Texas Hill Country—including New Braunfels, Boerne, and Fredericksburg—have welcomed thousands of new residents from across the country.
Most concerns you may hear come from rapid population growth, rising home prices, or differences in politics and culture. In everyday life, however, people relocating from California typically find Texans to be friendly, helpful, and community-oriented. Many Hill Country neighborhoods already include families who moved from California, making it easy to connect with others who made the same transition.
In my experience, the vast majority of Californians who have moved to Texas did so for a reason, wanting to embrace what makes Texas unique. The best way to feel at home in Texas is simple: get involved locally, support local businesses, and embrace the culture and hospitality that make the Hill Country such a special place to live.
Learn More About Moving to the Texas Hill Country
