What keeps you in Texas? (Tyler, Lone Star: property taxes, vacation, jobs)

[lovintexas]

Natives and non-natives alike:
1. What makes your state special, in your opinion?
2. What keeps you there? Do you see yourself living elsewhere?

Please give me more answers than "we were our own country" or "we can fly our flag the same height as the U.S. flag." I think those are cool facts myself, but a state as large and as rich in history as Texas offers so much more.

I'm looking forward to leaving Kentucky and moving to the Lone Star State! Thanks!

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

Native Texan here, trying to get out. The only thing keeping me here is getting the house ready to sell and finding another job in Tennessee. I would leave today if I could.

[RSTX]

Texas is the only state I've ever lived in. I've vacationed in a few others, and I have found beautiful places and people all over. My wife and I are both native Texans and we just don't want to move. Neither of us like cold weather and we enjoy good BBQ and Mexican food. Plenty of all that here.



Home is where you are happiest.

[lovintexas]

Wow, two answers already! Keep it up.

What attracts me to Texas the most is its friendly people. When I was there, I felt like I was a home and not a guest. I loved it!

But, I love the heritage and culture (and appreciation thereof) of Texas. I like the hot, dry weather (crazy as it may sound.) I think it's a great blend of western climate (west of I-35), midwestern values, and southern hospitality. It is very beautiful, has a diverse landscape, and is also the ABSOLUTE cleanest state I've ever been to.

[Trainwreck20]

Have you seen this thread?

why do you live in texas?

It has a lot of what you are asking in it, too.

[cdelena]

I wound up in Texas many years ago and jobs, kids, and inertia kept me there over 30 years. The heat, property taxes, and growing congestion drove me to get out. I now live in the PNW.

[Roma]

The OP asked....

"2. What keeps you there? Do you see yourself living elsewhere?".......

What keeps us here????..We own several properties and we can't move until they vested to where we feel comfortable to sell them.

Yes, We see ourselves living elsewhere!!! California Dreamin' !!!!

[lovintexas]

One thing that DRAWS me, strangely enough, is the same thing that keeps so many people away: the overwhelming sense of pride. I met a church group from Tyler, TX about ten years ago, and as I was telling them about my state (Kentucky), they were giving me information overload about Tyler and what's so great about it. I eventually had to shut up because I knew I wouldn't "win" the argument. (They were nice and friendly people nonetheless.)

The whole "biggest and best" attitude that Texans have is unashamed and unabashed. Since I grew to admire the state, I think I can handle that attitude. I think most Texans keep it in good taste and will respect anybody who respects them as a state and as individuals.

[AnthonySA]

I'll answer this question with this song I found on youtube...
YouTube - What I Like About Texas (new)

[robinhood]

As a Native Texan I must say that this state is not special to me at all. The only thing keeping me here is the lack of money saved up to move and my family. Once our vehicles are paid, I think we will probably sell our house and move North.