Moving from Chicago, Illinois to Houston

Trading Chicago winters for Houston sunshine? Houston offers a large job market, newer homes, mild winters and no state income tax. 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).

Chicago and Illinois vs. Houston: what changes

• Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois has a flat state income tax
• Illinois buyers are used to high property taxes; Houston's are also significant, so the bigger savings usually come from income tax and home prices
• Mild winters, but hot, humid summers and hurricane season
• Houston is more car-based; your commute should drive where you live

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

If you work downtown, the Texas Medical Center or the Energy Corridor, I'll map real drive times at rush hour before you choose an area.

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