Texas Big Country and Big Cities

The saying goes, “everything’s bigger in Texas.”  That certainly goes for the size of the Lone Star state and its growing population.  Texas is home to 23,507,783 people living in an area of 261,797 square miles, making it the second-largest state in the U.S. in both population and land area; and it’s the only state in the country that has three cities with over 1-million residents: Houston, San Antonio and Dallas - 3 of the 10 largest cities in the U.S.  Austin, El Paso and Fort Worth (ranking 16, 19 and 21 in size respectively) are all home to more than 500,000 residents. 

The state’s current slogan says “It’s Like Another Country.” Texas does have seven, distinctively different regions that could be countries unto themselves, and with the exception of Dallas and Fort Worth, the state’s largest cities are all located in a different region.  So if you’re looking into Texas new homes, you’ll want to explore what each region of the state has to offer.

Choosing a Texas New Home Destination

Big Bend Country

The majority of Big Bend Country is covered by the Chihuahuan Desert - a rugged landscape of arid, sandy plains dotted with scrub brush, cacti and rolling tumbleweeds.  But the diverse terrain also includes mountains, valleys and a variety of climates.  This region pays homage to the days of the open frontier and life in the Old West, with its saloons, face-offs and gunfights, and stagecoach and bank robberies.  Near the Mexican border is the large city of El Paso, a city heavily influenced by the culture South of the Border.

Hill Country

Hill Country is what you would imagine - a region of rolling hills and lush green landscapes.  The area, rich with lakes and rivers, is an outdoor lover’s dream.  The region is known by another nickname as well, the Silicon Hills, with Austin being home base for many of the country’s high-tech and computer companies.  Billed as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has a young, upbeat, hip attitude and plenty of places to meet, greet and enjoy music of all genres.  The region has much to see and do, like honoring the past in one of the many heritage and historical musems or visiting historic sites, sampling wine on a vineyard tour, appreciating nature at one of the region’s wildflower or nature attractions, or kicking back at one of the dude ranches.  

Panhandle Plains

With its wide-open spaces and rolling plains, there may not be a better place to view the star-filled skies in the Lone Star State.  Also in this diverse region, you’ll find scenic lakes, canyons and some of the state’s most fertile farmland.  None of the state’s large cities are found here, but there are plenty of smaller cities with their own distinct personalities.  To the north is Amarillo, gateway to Palo Duro Canyon - America’s second largest canyon.  You can also get nostalgic and appreciate a bit of Americana since Amarillo at one time was the largest city along Route 66.  Further south is Lubbock, home of Buddy Holly, one of the pioneers of rock and roll, and a museum that honors him.  To the southeast is Abilene, home to one of the five largest zoos in the state and Abilene State Park, 621 acres shaded by pecan trees.

Prairies & Lakes

Of all the regions in Texas, the Prairies & Lakes is the largest in area and home to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state.  Dallas, the third largest city in Texas, has all the amenities of a major metropolis.  Known as a mecca for shoppers, Dallas boasts more shopping centers per capita than any other U.S. city.  Equally as enthusiastic about their pursuit of art and culture, Dallasites love the Dallas Arts District, home of the $70-million Nasher Sculpture Center, gifted by collectors and philanthropists, Raymond and the late Patsy Nasher.  In nearby Fort Worth, you can get your cowboy spirit on at the Stockyards National Historic District, the Stockyards Collection & Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and Billy Bob’s Texas—the largest honky tonk in the world.  Or engage in cultural pursuits and visit the Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, and Bass Performance Hall. The family will enjoy trips to Fort Worth Zoo, featuring an eight-acre park of more than 200 native animal species.  Two Six Flags parks are located in Arlington, and in nearby Irving, sports enthusiasts can cheer on the beloved Dallas Cowboys in Texas Stadium.

Piney Woods

This region is named for its landscape.  Piney Woods is covered by thousands of acres of pine and pine-hardwood forests. Located primarily in East Texas, this area boasts the state’s four national forests and five state forests.  The perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, this region is also home to many state parks and bodies of water with limitless recreational opportunities.

Gulf Coast Region

The Gulf Coast Region has more than 624 miles of coastline stretching southward from the Louisiana border to the Mexican border.  For natural beauty, you can’t find much better than the North Padre National Seashore, the longest, undeveloped stretch of barrier-island beach found in the world.  Or for a lively, party atmosphere, Galveston and Port Arthur are popular spots during Spring Break and Mardi Gras. 

Also home to the largest city in Texas, Houston, the region is rich with the finest amenities a big city has to offer, including shopping, art, theatre, and fine dining. Houston is home to corporate headquarters for almost two dozen of the Fortune 500 companies. Known as a world-class international city, Houston is a mix of many ethnicities, languages and customs.  For museum aficionados, the region is filled with places to visit: art museums, heritage museums, and historic homes and architecture. Houston’s museum district is ranked among the five best in the nation, and its Museum of Fine Arts is the sixth largest in the country.  To learn about our nation’s space program, have an “out-of-this-world” experience at NASA/Space Center Houston.

South Texas Plains

The terrain in the South Texas Plains region is predominantly flat, and broken by mesquite and brush.  But what the lands lack in interest, the region makes up for with its rich history and cultural experiences.  Here you can follow the steps of the conquistadores and stop at the missions set up by Franciscan monks to convert natives to Christianity.  See some of the finest examples of Spanish mission architecture found anywhere in the country.  The second largest city in Texas, San Antonio is home to one of the most infamous landmarks recognized around the world - the Alamo, and one of the most popular attractions - the city’s River Walk.  The city is filled with family attractions and cultural venues, like SeaWorld, Six Flags, the San Antonio Zoo and the San Antonio Children’s Museum, the McNay Art Museum, Mexican Cultural Institute and San Antonio Museum of Art.  Outdoor lovers can adventure the Natural Bridge Caverns, Brackenridge Park and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

Texas is an attractive place to live with a strong economy, job availability, new homes for sale at affordable prices, no personal state income tax, low taxation, limited business regulation of business and limited government (its legislature meets once every two years), and plenty of fun activities and places for all ages and interests.

Which region sounds like the best place to start your search for Texas real estate and homes for sale in Texas? 

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