Relocating to Texas? Here’s what executives need to know about property taxes, cedar fever, traffic, heat, and lifestyle before moving to Central Texas.
*While I am a licensed Realtor®, I am not acting as your Realtor. Every real estate situation is unique, so please consult a professional who can provide advice tailored to your needs.*
If you’re relocating to Texas for work, your search history might look chaotic.
Are there snakes?
Is traffic unbearable?
Are property taxes going to bankrupt me?
Is it hot all the time?
Here’s the honest truth: relocation fear is real, but not all fears deserve equal weight. About 20 percent of our buyers are relocating from out of state, with many coming from major tech hubs like California and Washington looking for opportunity, space, and better cost of living after transfers or job changes.
Let’s break down what actually matters – from bugs to commute strategy – using clear, actionable data.
Fear #1: Bugs, Snakes, and “Texas Critters”
Does It Matter? Yes — but it’s manageable.
Texas has wildlife. Yes, venomous snakes and scorpions exist, but encounters are rare in planned neighborhoods across Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, and the suburbs. Most homeowners rely on quarterly pest control, proper landscaping, and regular inspections to keep critters at bay.
California transplants often mention termites. While California’s drywood termites can cause extreme damage quickly, Texas species tend to work more slowly and are easier to catch early with inspections and prevention plans. A California executive client nearly backed out over this fear but ended up moving forward – quarterly pest treatments and new turf in the backyard later, they’re thriving without issue.
This fear only matters if it stops you from looking at homes strategically – location and maintenance beat internet horror stories every time.
Fear #2: Texas Property Taxes
This one actually matters. Educate yourself.
Texas does not tax income, which is huge for high earning professionals. But property taxes fund local services like schools and fire protection, with rates that vary significantly depending on:
- City limits versus unincorporated county
- School district
- Utility districts
- New construction valuations
Property tax rates in Central Texas often fall between about 1.8 percent and 2.8 percent of home value (though individual bills may vary widely by exact location and exemptions). This is not a doom sentence – it just means you need to model your future tax bill realistically before buying.
This is a planning fear, not a panic fear.
Fear #3: Austin Traffic and Commute Strategy
This one matters – but it’s about choice and planning.
Traffic in Central Texas is real – and the 2025 Urban Mobility Report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute shows that Americans lost more time in traffic in 2024 than ever before, with congestion patterns spreading beyond classic rush hours. Congestion costs the economy billions of dollars and delays grew compared to prior years.
But here’s the thing executives relocating here need to know:
Real Commute Times (Typical Conditions)
This is without major accidents or construction — just regular morning traffic patterns:
| Start | Destination | Typical Time |
| Georgetown ? North Austin | ~30 min | During rush hour ~45–60+ min |
| Round Rock ? North Austin | ~20–25 min | Slightly less than Georgetown |
| Cedar Park ? North Austin (via 183) | ~15–20 min | |
| Cedar Park ? Downtown Austin | ~25–30 min | |
| Leander ? North Austin | Add ~10 min to Cedar Park | |
| Liberty Hill ? North Austin | Add ~20 min to Cedar Park |
The main highways that get congested during peak periods are I-35 and MoPac — but routes like US-183 and toll options generally move better, just with a daily toll cost.
Commute Strategy for Executives:
- Direction matters: commuting with the flow can reduce delay drastically.
- Toll roads like 183A move much faster but cost money – weigh time versus budget.
- Hybrid or flexible schedules significantly reduce time spent in traffic (and stress).
Traffic isn’t a deal-breaker. It’s a location-and-schedule conversation.
Fear #4: The Heat
Real. But not life-ruining.
Yes, Central Texas gets hot. Summer will routinely bring highs into the upper 90s and beyond. Most homes here have robust AC systems, many buyers actively seek homes with pools, and lifestyle patterns change with the seasons.
Executives relocating here often tell me within a few months they wonder why they ever stressed about the heat – outdoor life moves to the mornings and evenings, and the weather becomes part of the rhythm, not the burden.
Fear #5: Cedar Fever
Real, seasonal, and manageable.
Here’s one no relocation calculator tells you about: cedar fever. From late fall through winter, cedar pollen in Central Texas can make even the toughest personalities feel miserable.
Here’s how we coach clients:
- Use allergy drops under the tongue as recommended by a doctor
- Shower before bed to get pollen off hair and skin
- Stay inside on very windy cedar high days
Most newcomers don’t realize they have it until after year two – but once they do, these simple habits make life 100% easier.
Fear #6: Schools and Fit
School numbers aren’t the whole story.
A lot of buyers fixate on rankings. What matters far more is fit:
- Curriculum specialties
- Supportive community
- Extracurricular options
- Growth over time
Use school ratings as a starting point, not the final decision. Meet administrators, visit campuses, and get clarity on goals.
Fear #7: Making Friends and Finding Community
This matters more than people admit.
Texas culture is friendly – genuinely so – but building a meaningful community still takes thought.
Look for neighborhoods with:
- Community events
- Trails and social spaces
- HOA activities
- Local hubs within walking distance
Intentional placement = accelerated belonging.
Why Companies are Moving to Texas
Remote work is here, but corporate relocations aren’t going away. Texas continues to attract companies for its:
- No state income tax
- Central location
- Business friendly climate
- Lower operating costs than coastal markets
Executive relocations often come with opportunities — and a strategy to choose the right place to live makes all the difference.
What We Tell Every Relocation Client
“There isn’t a perfect place. Texas comes with its own things, but the people are wonderful and friendly, the food is great, the state has culture and personality, and it’s a great place to live, work, and play.”
Quick FAQs About Relocating to Texas
Is traffic really that bad in Austin?
Not necessarily. It depends on routes and timing – and options like toll roads move consistently faster.
Are bugs worse here than other states?
There are critters, but with prevention and yard maintenance they’re much less of an issue than internet fear suggests.
Should I consider a pool?
Many executives do, especially if they plan to stay long term – it’s a lifestyle plus in Central Texas summers.
Is cedar fever something I should prepare for?
Yes – but it’s seasonal and manageable with the right plan.
Thinking About Relocating to Central Texas?
If you are considering a corporate transfer or strategic move to Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, or Liberty Hill, let’s talk commute goals, lifestyle priorities, and long-term strategy. Relocation is not about eliminating fear – it’s about navigating it with confidence and clarity.
T. Kerr Property Group is the #1 team in Williamson County for listings sold and buyers represented and ranks within the top two teams in Travis County. We are PT50 winners, ABJ Residential Real Estate Award recipients, Featured in Real Producers, and voted Best in Round Rock and Georgetown (in 2024 and 2025) by the community. With deep expertise in Georgetown, Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and surrounding areas, we help executives and working professionals relocate with intentional planning and insight that actually matters.