In the mid-19th century, the Texas Gold Rush attracted thousands of settlers hoping to find gold and strike it rich. While the reasons for migrating to the Lone Star State may have evolved, the influx of newcomers shows no signs of slowing down. U.S. News & World Report recently named four Texas housing regions – Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and the Dallas- Fort Worth area – among the top 10 hottest markets of 2024. These regions are shining as dynamic hubs of opportunity, with affordable housing, tax incentives, and bustling business landscapes. Let’s see what’s drawing families to Texas.
No State Income Tax
Texas is increasingly attracting homebuyers due to its lack of state income tax on wages, salaries, and personal incomes. This benefit extends to retirees as well, making it a financially appealing option for residents. A recent bill signed into law at the end of 2023 further lightens the financial load on homeowners. This legislation raises the homestead exemption on school district property taxes from $40,000 to $100,000 of the home’s assessed value. If a home is appraised at $300,000, for example, the homeowners will only be taxed on $200,000. These benefits help residents keep more of their earnings and stretch their dollars further.
The Hottest Market for Housing Supply
Texas’s favorable financial climate has not only attracted families but also investors looking to build new communities. This has resulted in a wealth of housing options for those considering a move. While high demand in the heart of these cities can make renting or buying more expensive, Texas boasts suburbs where small-town charm meets affordability. One such area is Kaufman County, located just south of Dallas, which has become a favored choice for those seeking more square footage and privacy while still being a short drive away from the inner city. Wildcat Ranch is a new master-planned community within Kaufman County offering single-family homes starting from the high $200s. The area’s low cost of living and affordable homes are appealing to many families and working professionals.
Texas’s Thriving Job Market
With a diverse economy, lack of a state income tax, and a well-educated stream of new talent, Dallas-Fort Worth has been a leader in attracting both workers and companies from more costly regions. During the pandemic, many national and international-based companies moved their headquarters to the city, creating an endless stream of new job opportunities in various fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dallas added over 134,000 new jobs in 2023, and currently has an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Additionally, the region is home to 22 Fortune 500 companies, the most of any Texas metro, including American and Southwest Airlines, AT&T, Exxon Mobil, and Tenet Healthcare.
A Hub of Entertainment and Culture
Texas’s cultural scene is as vibrant and diverse as the state itself, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Dallas, in particular, is a hub of excitement for every member of the family. Museums like the Dallas Zoo, the Crow Museum, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science offer family-friendly outings. For art enthusiasts, the Dallas Art District boasts numerous art galleries, complemented by the Dallas Museum of Art, both offering event calendars brimming with exhibitions and festivals. The city’s sports scene caters to sports fanatics year-round, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Texas Rangers (MLB), the Dallas Stars (NHL), and the Dallas Mavericks (NBA). In the evenings, Dallas comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene across its restaurants, bars, and abundant music venues. Residents of Wildcat Ranch are in luck, as all of this and more is just a short 30-minute drive from home.
Texas’s Hottest New Master-Planned Community
Situated on more than 900 acres of land in Crandall, Texas, Wildcat Ranch has become the premier destination for families searching for proximity to Dallas while also living life on their terms. In fact, the community was named one of the nation’s top 50 best-selling master-planned communities two years in a row. Wildcat Ranch provides a wide array of single-family homes from three award-winning builders – Beazer Homes, DR Horton Homes, and Lennar. The community’s Model Row is open daily for tours of the new construction homes starting from the high $200s.
Along with a vibrant surrounding area, this master-planned community has an assortment of amenities, including an expansive pool, Fitness Center, dog park, a tot lot, parks, and hiking trails throughout the community. There is even a school, Noble Reed Elementary, within walking distance of the homes. For more information, feel free to request our brochure and get a firsthand look at how your life would look at Wildcat Ranch. You can also visit us at WildcatRanchTexas.com or contact our office at 972.387.9038
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