Colorado is becoming one of the most popular states to move it in the U.S., drawing transplants from all over the country. But the same is true about Texas as well. Both states have advantages and disadvantages that only true locals are informed about. However, having to live in a state before you can form an opinion about it isn’t exactly the most practical way of making relocation decisions. Luckily for you, we’ve done all of the research so you can make up your mind before you commit to a move.
If you’re looking to leave the Lone Star State for the Centennial State, here’s everything you need to know.
Taxes
You’ll pay taxes very differently in Colorado than in Texas but the net change will be negligible. To wit: Texas has no income tax, whereas Colorado has a state income tax of 5%. On the other hand, Colorado has some of the lowest property taxes in the country while Texas’s property taxes are higher than the national average. Your taxes will look different but it will all balance out at the end of every tax year.
Stricter Gun Laws
Colorado’s gun laws are significantly stricter than the laws you’ll be leaving behind in Texas, so it’s important to prepare for this. Unlike Texas, Colorado does require background checks and purchase permits before you can buy a firearm. You will also be required to get a concealed carry permit, which isn’t the case in Texas. You can still buy, own, and carry firearms in Colorado – you’ll just need a bit more paperwork.
Balanced Weather
Prepare to experience all four seasons when moving from Texas to Colorado. The winters will be colder than you’re used to but all you need to do is dress warmly and invest in heating. Colorado is mild in the fall, balmy in spring and sultry in summer; a stark contrast to Texas’s weather which is hot almost all year round and a little chilly in the winter. The seasonal weather changes also do beautiful things to Colorado’s landscape, with bright floral summers and a gorgeous blanket of white in the winter from the mountains down to the valleys.
Higher Cost of Living
A high cost of living is an inescapable reality of living in Colorado. The state has a cost of living that’s 21% higher than the national average compared to Texas which is 6% lower than the national average. The biggest driver for this is housing costs. Colorado has one of the highest rent rates in the country and owning a home is equally as expensive. If you own a car, you might want to consider living outside city centers and dealing with commuting costs which can work out cheaper than owning or renting in the city.
Employment
You won’t notice much difference between Texas and Colorado in terms of job prospects. Both states have booming economies and health job markets across various industries. However, you might notice a bump in salary in Colorado. The average household income is $67,321 in Texas and $80,184 in Colorado. This varies from vocation to vocation, with some transplants reporting that they don’t notice a difference at all.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
People in Colorado love spending time outdoors and it’s not difficult to understand why. The state has a gorgeous natural landscape with 42 state parks worth exploring. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, or skiing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure in Colorado. You’ll come across picturesque vistas wherever you turn when you’re exploring the wild, making it an excellent destination for explorers as well as photographers.
Lifestyle and Culture
Colorado boasts a rich cultural vibe with an array of artistic entertainment, including nationally-acclaimed art museums, performance halls, film and music festivals, and historic celebrations. The Denver Art Museum offers diverse exhibits, from Star Wars to works by Leonardo Da Vinci and Claude Monet.
Colorado’s art scene contrasts with Texan culture by embracing contemporary expressions and global influences, while Texan culture often centers on traditional art forms like country music and Western heritage.
Politics
Colorado’s political landscape tends to lean towards a progressive, purple state, with an emphasis on environmental conservation and expanded healthcare access. In contrast, Texas maintains its reputation as a conservative stronghold, prioritizing pro-business policies and staunch support for Second Amendment rights.
Sports
While Texas is undoubtedly a sporting state, moving to Colorado opens up a world of new sports and outdoor activities to enjoy. Embrace the mountains and join in the excitement for teams like the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, adding a fresh dimension to your sports fandom. You might miss the intense support that local teams get in Texas but you’ll soon come to love Colorado’s sports scene for what it has to offer.
If moving from Texas to Colorado sounds like the right decision for you, you’ll need a mover that can get you there without any hassles. Ward North American prides itself in all-inclusive seamless moves all year round and to all parts of the country. Get a free quote and let’s turn you into a Coloradan!
