I had a comment left after posting about why Floridians are moving to Texas.  The comment stated that there are many other southern states and Midwestern states in which the cost of housing and the cost of living wasn't expensive.  That is true, but Texas has some things going for it that some of the other states don't have.

First, we have a very solid economy.  Job growth is good and the unemployment rate is lower than the national average.  The cost of living is quite low compared to the national average.  Second, our weather is better than many other states.  I know that this is a generalization and that we do get pretty interesting weather across the state.  However, you usually don't see much of anything extreme, like heat and cold, as some Midwestern states especially.  Compared to other southern states and even east coast states, I don't recall Texas being pounded as often as some other states by hurricanes.  It is also mild enough most of the year to take advantage of over 600 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches.  Third, we don't have a state income tax.  OK, property taxes are high, but the lack of a state income tax is attractive for working people.  Fourth, we have the Spurs, the Longhorns, the Rangers, the Stars the Aggies and awesome high school football.  OK, that is a stretch, but Texas has a lot to offer in terms of recreation.  Fifth, we generally have good values. We treat our families well and take good care of our kids - we have good schools.  Sixth, Texas is a huge state and has great diversity.  You want city living?  We've got that.  You want a 25,000 acre ranch where you won't have many neighbors?  We've got that.  You want golf courses?  We've got over 900.  State parks?  Tons.  Want a horse farm?  Try Boerne, north of San Antonio or McKinney, north of Dallas.  You want to be in pine woods or on the beach or in the desert or in the high plains or in mountains or on a lake or in the Hill Country?  We've got all of that.

Finally, we're a pretty friendly bunch here.  Not that other southerners aren't, but Texas and even transplants from other states still will open a door for someone, smile and say hi, wave at a passing car and it is all genuine.  In addition to being friendly, we're pretty darned polite to each other.  We remember our manners.

Last thing - if you do more here you don't have to learn to say y'all, but it won't hurt to do it!