Texas Grass is Indeed Greener than Elsewhere

From: Texas A&M Real Estate Center
July 15, 2009

Despite the recent lack of rain, the “grass” in Texas is much greener than in most states. At least that’s the picture according to the U.S. Census Bureau and recent rankings by Forbes and Business Week.

The combination of rising unemployment, rapid market undulations, stingy credit, diminished home values, and consumer restraint in regard to major purchases has left many Americans finding that the careers and communities with which they have identified themselves for lengthy periods are no longer as economically dependable as they once assumed.

All states have been affected by the national economic downturn, but a handful of states, especially Texas, remain relatively healthy and inviting for those seeking greener pastures.
Geographic mobility has become the password for job-seekers with flexibility in terms of skills, family responsibilities and the marketing of their homes.

According to the online moving-services company, Relocation.com, although the economy has placed a strain on migration to some extent and is causing fewer people than normal to move from place to place, for those able to relocate, Texas is the most popular draw among all states.
Forbes reports that of the top five cities to which Americans are resettling, two are in the Lone Star State — Austin, number two nationally, and Dallas, in fifth place.

The most distinctive characteristic of these locales, as well as the others on the list — Raleigh, Charlotte and Phoenix — is the prevalence of varied business opportunities.
Other qualities shared by those on the list include generally pleasing climate and affordable housing.

Based on a recent study published by Business Week, three Texas metro areas are among the 20 best places in which to start a new career or a new life.

They include Amarillo at number 9, followed by Beaumont-Port Arthur and Waco, at 12 and 14, respectively.

The rankings were based on the percentages of companies that anticipated increasing their employment roles during the third quarter of this year.

There are many other reasons why people want to come to Texas.

According to a survey of CEOs by Chief Executive Magazine, for the fourth year in a row, Texas is the top state in terms of job growth and business development.