Why Are So Many Californians Moving to Texas?

• Tens of thousands of Californians move to Texas each year, with roughly 77,000 making the move in 2024. 
• Housing opportunities, taxes, employment and lifestyle are among the factors behind California-to-Texas migration. 
• Texas has no individual state income tax, though homeowners should account for local property taxes. 
• Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio each provide different combinations of jobs, housing, recreation and lifestyle. 
• California-to-Texas migration has persisted for years, though the number of people relocating fluctuates from year to year.

Why Are So Many Californians Moving to Texas?

For Californians considering a move, Texas can present a different combination of housing, taxes, employment opportunities and lifestyle. Those differences have helped make California-to-Texas relocation a topic of interest for households looking for a change.

But California's move to Texas isn't about one single factor. Understanding why people are relocating, and what Texas metros offer, can help homebuyers decide if the move makes sense.

A Popular Path from California to Texas

Tens of thousands of Californians move to Texas each year. In 2024 alone, roughly 77,000 people relocated from California to Texas, showing just how substantial the flow between the two states remains.

The number changes from year to year, but California-to-Texas migration has lasted for years. It is not a short-term shift. The movement also extends across Texas, with newcomers settling in major metro areas and surrounding communities throughout the state.

While migration patterns will keep changing, the steady flow from California to Texas has drawn close attention nationwide.

What’s Behind the Move?

There is no single answer to why Californians are moving to Texas. Housing is one consideration. Buyers from high-cost California markets may find more affordable homes in parts of Texas. This is especially true if they look in suburban areas.

Taxes can also factor into the decision. Texas does not have an individual state income tax, while California does. Texas homeowners should still account for local property taxes when determining their overall housing budget.

Employment, space and lifestyle can matter just as much. Texas has several large metropolitan areas with a variety of career opportunities, entertainment, recreation and suburban communities. For some buyers, that combination can create more flexibility when deciding where and how they want to live.

Four Texas Metros to Consider

Where you land can shape your experience as much as the decision to leave California. Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio each bring a different mix of employment, recreation, entertainment and surrounding communities.

Austin is associated with technology, live music and Central Texas recreation. Dallas-Fort Worth combines large employment centers with numerous suburban communities. Houston brings together a diverse business landscape and big-city amenities, while San Antonio is known for its history, culture and proximity to the Texas Hill Country.

Coventry Homes builds across all four metros, giving relocating buyers different areas of Texas to consider. If you're weighing your housing options, Coventry's guide to buying a new vs. used home can help you think through which path better fits your move.

Will Californians Keep Moving to Texas?

Migration patterns aren't fixed. Housing markets, employment opportunities, remote-work policies and personal priorities can all influence where people choose to live.

Rather than trying to predict whether the trend will accelerate or slow down, prospective buyers can focus on what Texas provides for their own situation. Consider your career, housing budget, preferred community, commute and the lifestyle you want before deciding whether a move is right for you.

For Californians considering Texas, that means researching beyond the headlines and comparing specific locations and housing choices. Learn more about Coventry Homes and explore new-home opportunities across Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio as you determine where your next move could take you.

FAQ

How many Californians have moved to Texas in recent years?

Tens of thousands make the move each year. In 2024, roughly 77,000 people relocated from California to Texas.

What’s driving the migration from California to Texas?

Housing opportunities, Texas’ lack of an individual state income tax, employment and lifestyle can all factor into the decision to relocate.

Which Texas cities are most popular with California transplants?

Major metros including Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio attract new residents with different combinations of employment, housing, recreation and lifestyle opportunities.

Is the trend expected to continue?

Migration levels can change from year to year based on housing, employment and economic conditions, but California-to-Texas relocation has remained a notable migration pattern in recent years.