If you are moving from Texas to New York, you will be in good company. In 2019, 5.1 percent of new New York residents hailed from Texas. And don’t worry that you have to give up the relative spaciousness and low cost of living of Texas for the urban life of NYC. New York has many opportunities to offer you, both in the Big Apple and throughout this large state. Here are some of the things you have to know before moving day.
Moving Costs
Moving from Texas to New York can be an exciting time, but overspending on your moving budget definitely won’t be. That is why Ward North American provides you with a reliable, accurate, and comprehensive quote for your moving services. Check out the average costs of moving with us, and then call us for a free quote tailored to your moving plans.
| Bedrooms | Moving Estimate |
| Studio | $1990 – $2500 |
| 1 | $2340 – $2940 |
| 2 | $2720 – $3420 |
| 3 | $3130 – $3930 |
| 4 | $3580 – $4490 |
| 5+ | $4050 – $5090 |
There is more to New York than NYC
Usually, when people think about New York, they think about the Big Apple, with its ultra-urban atmosphere, sky-high housing costs, intricate subway system and endless activity. However, the reality is that the state has more than 54,000 square miles of space for you to explore, including abundant scenery and a whole Upstate culture that is very different from New York City’s vibes.
If you are moving from Texas to New York, this diversity is good news. It means that you can find a place to live that fits your lifestyle preferences, whether that be the excitement and opportunities of the big city, the cultural distinctiveness and space of the Upstate region or the breathtaking mountains of the Catskills.
The New York cost of living is higher (sometimes)
Paying for essentials such as housing, transportation and groceries is an unavoidable part of life, no matter where you call home. The less you can put toward these items, the more you have to put toward more enjoyable pursuits, such as hobbies, recreational activities, or little luxuries.
While the cost of living in New York State is about 47 percent lower than the cost of living in NYC, it is still 21 percent above the national average, and about 27 percent higher than the cost of living in Texas.
These numbers could quickly discourage you from moving away from your Texas home. However, one thing to keep in mind is that New York City’s extraordinarily high costs of living can influence the overall costs of the state. The reality is that you could encounter expenses that are the same as or even lower than what you pay in Texas, depending upon where you choose to live.
For example, the Upstate city of Buffalo has a cost of living that is about 12 percent lower than the national average and about 13 percent lower than the average in Dallas, TX. Don’t assume New York State is unaffordable. Do make sure you know what the cost of living is like in your chosen city, and how it compares to your current Texas locale, and then budget accordingly to make sure that you can enjoy a good life without financial worries in your new state.
New York has 4 distinct seasons
You could argue that Texas also gets all four seasons. However, some of the seasons tend to be relatively short, and may not be quite as predictable weather-wise as those in northern states. For example, the “transition” seasons of fall and spring can vary widely in how warm they are, and in how much precipitation you receive.
New York, on the other hand, boasts 4 very distinct seasons that are relatively predictable in their weather patterns and that have some famous pros and cons. For example, in fall, you will experience gradually cooling temperatures and breathtaking foliage, particularly in the mountains. In the spring, you will enjoy gradually warming temperatures, the last of the snow for the year and extravagant blossoming and greening of the plants that declare the end to winter.
New York winters are cold and snowy
You will also experience longer, colder winters than you do in Texas, and you should expect snow in any part of the state during the winter months. The amount of cold and snow you experience will depend upon where you live.
Syracuse, for example, is one of the snowiest cities in the entire country, with average snowfall of about 114 inches every year. On the other hand, New York City receives some of the lowest snowfall totals per year in the state – around 30 inches (or less) per year.
Regardless of where you choose to settle, however, you will need to invest in a wardrobe that includes warm clothing, boots, winter coats and hats and waterproof gloves. You may also want to avoid moving from Texas to New York during the winter months. The snow and cold can delay your plans and make moving day less uncomfortable.
Switching your driver’s license is easy
With 30 days to turn in your Texas license for a New York one, this is one task you will need to complete in a timely, but unhurried, manner. The process is very easy:
- Find your closest DMV office.
- Pass a vision test.
- Turn in your old license.
- Bring proof of your identity.
You should also note that in order to transfer your license to a New York one, you must currently be in possession of a license that
- Is not expired by more than 24 months
- Has your photo on it
- Is not lost or stolen
- Has not been suspended
- And meets certain other requirements that make it eligible for transfer within New York State
New York has tougher gun laws
When you move to New York from Texas, you will need to take the state’s gun laws into consideration. New York does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state, and reciprocity agreements tend to be more complicated and restricted in New York. Here are some other differences between your current state and your new one:
- New York’s gun law strength is 2nd in the nation, as opposed to Texas’ ranking of 32.
- Background check required
- Concealed carry permit required
- Secure storage or child access prevention required
- Assault weapons prohibited
New York is politically liberal
If you love the conservative, red-state politics of Texas, you should prepare for a change when you move to New York. The state is the 5th most liberal state in the country, and has voted for a Democratic president in at least the last 12 elections. The state is also currently run by a Democrat supermajority in both houses.
However, you should also be aware of New York City’s influence on the politics of the state as a whole. For example, Upstate New York tends to be Republican and conservative, while NYC tends to be strongly Democratic. That means you should be able to live somewhere you find politically comfortable, no matter where you lean.
New York has a diverse job market
The availability of jobs in New York depends in large part on where you settle. However, one of the most positive aspects of the NY job market is the presence of jobs across almost industry. Looking for entertainment work? Tech work? A healthcare job? You can find it in New York. Here are some of the state’s most popular industries:
- Healthcare
- Financial services
- Technology
- Biotech
- Education
- Digital game development
- Manufacturing
Before moving to NY from TX, just make sure the job you want is easy to get in the city where you plan to settle. For example, entertainment jobs may be more abundant near NYC.
New York taxes are very high
New York State has one of the highest tax burdens in the country (12.75 percent). That means that you could pay up to 42 percent more in taxes by moving from the alone Star State to New York. Make sure you understand how these taxes will affect you, and your budget, so you can avoid expensive surprises once you settle into your new home.
The best thing you can do to prepare for your Texas to New York move is to hire a reliable mover who takes your move as seriously as you do. Ward North American has the highly-trained teams, commitment to excellence and dedicated customer service you require to relocate without stress. Contact us today for your quote!
