Moving from California to Houston

California sends more people to Texas than any other state. Many Californians come to Houston for more space, lower home prices and no state income tax. I'm a Houston native who has lived in other states myself, and I'll help you land in the right neighborhood. The states that send the most new residents to Texas are California, Florida, New York, Louisiana, Illinois and Colorado (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 state-to-state migration).

California vs. Houston: what changes

• No state income tax in Texas, compared with one of the highest state income taxes in California
• Home prices in Houston are often far lower than in coastal California, so your budget usually buys more house and more land
• Property taxes work differently: California's Prop 13 keeps the base rate near 1% of purchase price, while Houston-area rates often run about 2% to 3% of value. The homestead exemption helps, but budget for it
• Instead of earthquakes and wildfire, plan for heat, hurricanes and flooding: insurance and flood history matter
• Like California, Texas is a community property state

Taxes, homestead and HOAs in Texas

• No state income tax: Texas does not tax personal income.
• Property taxes: Texas has no state property tax. Cities, counties, school districts and MUDs set their own rates each year, and around Houston the total often runs about 2% to 3% of appraised value. I'll show you the exact rate for every home.
• Homestead exemption: if the home is your main residence, school district taxes exclude $140,000 of its value, plus another $60,000 if you are 65 or older or disabled. You can apply in the year you buy; the general deadline is before May 1.
• Homestead cap: once your homestead exemption is in place, the taxable value of your home generally cannot go up more than 10% a year.
• Protest your value: each spring the appraisal district (HCAD in Harris County, FBCAD in Fort Bend, MCAD in Montgomery) mails your value, and you have the right to protest it.
• HOAs: most suburbs and master-planned communities have a mandatory homeowners association with yearly dues and deed restrictions. Before closing you can get the HOA's resale certificate (dues, special assessments, violations and rules), and Texas law gives owners rights such as access to HOA records and notice before fines.
• MUDs and PIDs: many newer communities also have a Municipal Utility District tax or a Public Improvement District assessment. Sellers must disclose it, and I include it in your monthly cost.
• Driver license and car: new residents must get a Texas driver license within 90 days and register their vehicle within 30 days.

How I help you relocate

• Video and FaceTime tours so you can shop before you fly in
• Neighborhood guides and a real rush-hour commute check for your new job
• Introductions to lenders, inspectors, insurance agents and movers
• Help selling your current home through a trusted agent referral
• Remote signing and closing when you can't be here

My advice

Many Californians love Katy, The Woodlands, Cypress, Sugar Land, Fulshear, the Heights and Memorial, but the right fit depends on your commute and lifestyle. I'll show you all of them.

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