Moving To Central Texas? Things You Should Know Before You Relocate

Moving to Central Texas is an exciting idea for many families and professionals. If you’re considering moving to Central Texas, there are practical lifestyle and financial details that will shape your day-to-day life. I moved here from Las Vegas and learned quickly that the region offers amazing culture and outdoor access, but also a few surprises worth planning for. Below are the five most important things to consider before you make the move.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Reason 1 - Central Texas Weather: Heat, Cold Snaps, And Seasonal Shifts
• Reason 2 - Bugs In Central Texas: Mosquitoes, Termites, And Pest Prevention
• Reason 3 - Central Texas Property Taxes: What To Expect And How To Lower Them
• Reason 4 - Central Texas Allergies: Cedar, Ragweed, Grass, And Mold
• Reason 5 - Tornadoes In Central Texas: How Common They Are And How To Prepare
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs

Introduction

I relocated from a desert city, so some things felt familiar while others required a real adjustment. The decision to move should balance what you love about a place with the real costs and environmental factors that affect daily living. Central Texas has a lot going for it, but understanding weather, pests, taxes, allergies, and severe weather will help you settle in with fewer surprises.

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Reason 1 - Central Texas Weather: Heat, Cold Snaps, And Seasonal Shifts

When it’s hot, it’s really hot. When it’s cold, it can feel really cold. Summers typically include a few intense months of heat, while springs can be absolutely beautiful. You'll enjoy lakes, hiking trails, and plenty of outdoor activities during the milder months, but be ready for the heat during peak summer.

Practical tips for the heat:

• Insulate and seal your home to reduce cooling costs.
• Plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings in summer.
• Check landscaping for drought-tolerant plants to reduce water bills and maintenance.

Reason 2 - Bugs In Central Texas: Mosquitoes, Termites, And Pest Prevention

Central Texas has a noticeable insect and arachnid presence. Expect large mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, scorpions, and termites in some areas. Water attracts mosquitoes, and warm seasons bring more activity.

How people manage pests here:

• Regular pest control plans for homes, especially for termites and scorpions.
• For home buyers, consider a wood destroying insect inspection to identify termites before purchase and arrange treatment if needed.
• Keep yards tidy and remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.

These bugs are a nuisance, not usually a deal breaker. With routine prevention and treatment, most families adapt quickly.

Reason 3 - Central Texas Property Taxes: What To Expect And How To Lower Them

One common surprise for people moving from other states is that property taxes can be higher here, even when housing prices look lower. The upside is that Texas does not have a state income tax, which offsets some of the overall tax burden.

Ways to manage property tax costs:

• Claim exemptions such as the homestead exemption, disabled veteran exemption, or the over-65 exemption to lower taxable value.
• Work with services or local experts who can help appeal valuations or reduce your tax bill.
• Factor property taxes into monthly housing budget planning rather than focusing only on mortgage rates.

Reason 4 - Central Texas Allergies: Cedar, Ragweed, Grass, And Mold

Allergies are seasonal and vary by person. The common allergens in Central Texas include grass pollen, ragweed, cedar, and mold. Some people find allergy seasons mild with limited impact, while others need allergy shots or medications.

Managing seasonal allergies here:

• Track local pollen counts and plan activities on lower-pollen days.
• Consider consulting an allergist about immunotherapy if symptoms are severe.
• Use air purifiers indoors during high pollen seasons and maintain HVAC filters regularly.

Reason 5 - Tornadoes In Central Texas: How Common They Are And How To Prepare

Tornadoes are a frequent topic of concern for people moving to Texas. While the state experiences tornadoes across many regions, catastrophic tornadoes are relatively rare at a community level. Most residents go many years without experiencing a serious event, but it is wise to be prepared.

Practical tornado preparedness:

• Know your local warning systems and sign up for emergency alerts.
• Identify a safe place in your home such as an interior closet, basement, or reinforced room.
• Keep an emergency kit with water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
• Have a family plan and practice sheltering steps before storm season arrives.

Community response after storms tends to be strong and organized, which is a reassuring aspect of life here.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, culture and community matter a lot. For many people, the values, outdoor access, and lifestyle of Central Texas outweigh the inconveniences. If you enjoy a family-friendly environment, festivals, local food, and nearby lakes and trails, moving to Central Texas can be an excellent choice.

Plan realistically for weather and pests, understand property tax implications, prepare for allergy seasons if they affect you, and have a simple tornado response plan. With those elements in place, you’ll be able to enjoy what makes Central Texas special without unnecessary surprises.

If you’re serious about moving to Central Texas, connect with me,  pest control professionals, tax advisors, and allergists—to make the transition smooth. The right preparation turns potential drawbacks into manageable parts of daily life. If you need to buy a home, contact me — call or text 254-598-0010  and I’ll help you find the right fit.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN CENTRAL TEXAS

FAQs

Is Central Texas unbearably hot during the summer?

Summers include several very hot months, but spring and fall are pleasant. Proper home cooling, scheduling outdoor activities for cooler times of day, and choosing heat-tolerant landscaping help make summers manageable.

Should I worry about termites and scorpions?

Termites are common enough that a wood destroying insect inspection is a standard recommendation during home purchase. Scorpions and other pests are nuisance factors but can be controlled with professional pest management and home maintenance.

Are property taxes higher in Central Texas than other states?

Property taxes are often higher than in many states, but Texas has no state income tax. Use exemptions like homestead or over-65 to reduce taxes, and work with local experts if you need help appealing valuations.

How bad are allergies in Central Texas?

Allergy impact varies by person. Common triggers include grass pollen, ragweed, cedar, and mold. Many people manage seasonal symptoms with medication, allergy shots, or proactive home measures like air filtration.

How common are tornadoes and what should I do to prepare?

Tornadoes happen across Texas, but severe, community-damaging events are not an every-year occurrence in many Central Texas neighborhoods. Be aware of local alerts, know safe shelter locations, and keep an emergency kit and family plan ready.

READ MORE: New Construction Homes in Central Texas: Finding the Perfect Home UNDER $400K