From the Blog
Moving from California to Texas: A Relocator's Guide
I work with California families every month, and the move makes sense for a lot of them: no state income tax, a home price that unlocks a bigger house and a yard, and a lifestyle pace that many find easier. Here is what the move looks like from the ground in San Antonio.
I work with California families every month, and the move makes sense for a lot of them: no state income tax, a home price that unlocks a bigger house and a yard, and a lifestyle pace that many find easier. Here is what the move looks like from the ground in San Antonio.
Why families make the move
The math is the headline: San Antonio's median home price sits near $295,000, a fraction of what comparable space costs in coastal California. For a family selling in California, that difference can mean a paid-off mortgage, significant cash reserves, or simply a much larger home. Add no state income tax and a warmer, slower lifestyle, and the pull is easy to understand.
The property tax adjustment
The number that surprises the most California families is property tax. California limits tax growth with Proposition 13, but its purchase prices are high. Texas has no such cap and rates run higher, so your tax bill can be meaningful even on a less expensive home. The good news is you know the number before you buy, and I build it into every budget we review.
Buying from out of state
You do not need to be in San Antonio to buy here. The modern process works remotely: video consultations, virtual tours, a pre-approval from a Texas lender, and a focused house-hunting trip at the right time. You do need a local REALTOR who understands the out-of-state timeline, and that is my specialty.
The culture adjustment
Texas is proud, friendly, and informal. You will be asked how you are doing by strangers, and they will mean it. San Antonio specifically is a family town with deep military roots, incredible food, and a calendar full of festivals. Most California transplants tell me the friendliness was the unexpected highlight.
Practical relocation steps
Start with a consultation about areas and schools, get your pre-approval, and line up a moving timeline. If you are selling a home in California first, we coordinate the timing on both ends so you are not carrying two mortgages or rushing a transition. I help you sequence every step.
Written by Phyllis Domingo
REALTOR® · TX License 745926 · 100+ homes sold · Helping families move well in San Antonio and the Hill Country since long before the hard part became normal.
Have a question about this topic?
Every family's situation is different. Send me a note and I will respond personally, usually within a business day.