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Austin vs. Dallas vs. Houston: The Ultimate 2025 Startup City Guide
Thousands of founders are making the move from NYC and Silicon Valley to Texas. With three major metros competing for your attention, choosing the right city can make or break your startup journey. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Austin, Dallas, and Houston—from funding landscapes to taco quality—so you can make the smartest decision for your business and lifestyle.
Compare Cities
Quick TL;DR: Know Your Options
Austin: Silicon Hills
Population: ~980,000
Median Home: ~$570K
Downtown Rent: ~$2,200/mo
Commute: ~28 min
Vibe: Hip, outdoorsy, "Keep Austin Weird"
NYC Analog: Brooklyn meets Portland
Dallas: Corporate Hub
Population: ~1,300,000
Median Home: ~$420K
Downtown Rent: ~$1,900/mo
Commute: ~26 min
Vibe: Corporate, upscale, polished
NYC Analog: Manhattan energy
Houston: Global City
Population: ~2,300,000
Median Home: ~$340K
Downtown Rent: ~$1,700/mo
Commute: ~30 min
Vibe: Diverse, industrial, international
NYC Analog: Queens with global flair
Cost of Living: Your Money Goes Further Here
Housing Savings Are Real
Expect to save 40–60% on housing costs versus NYC or San Francisco. Austin remains the priciest of the three Texas metros—tech boom demand has driven prices up—but you're still looking at half what you'd pay in the Bay Area. Dallas delivers exceptional value for luxury living, with spacious suburban homes in places like Plano or Frisco at a fraction of coastal prices. Houston wins the affordability crown: finding a 3-bedroom house under $400K in nice neighborhoods is completely normal.
Everyday expenses run about 15–20% lower than NYC across the board. That $20 cocktail? It's $12 here (unless you're at a fancy rooftop bar). Groceries, dining out, entertainment—all noticeably cheaper while maintaining quality.
The Tax Advantage
Texas has zero state income tax, which translates to an instant 5–9% boost to your take-home pay compared to New York or California. That's real money back in your pocket each month.
The tradeoff? Property taxes run high at 1.8–2.2%, which can offset some housing savings if you buy. Texas also has a franchise tax on businesses—essentially a 1% gross-receipts tax, though small businesses below certain revenue thresholds are exempt.
Even Elon Musk cited California's high housing costs when relocating Tesla to Texas: "It's tough for people to afford houses in California. There's a limit to how big you can scale in the Bay Area." The math is simple: cut your rent or mortgage in half, pay no state income tax, and reinvest that money into your startup—or just enjoy a significantly better quality of life.
Job Market: Three Different Economic Engines
Austin: Tech Innovation
Dubbed "Silicon Hills," Austin is Texas's undisputed tech hub. Apple's $1 billion campus employs 5,000+ and counting. Tesla's headquarters and Gigafactory call Austin home. Oracle moved its HQ from Silicon Valley here. Beyond the giants, Austin thrives on software, semiconductors, AI, and a vibrant creative sector spanning media and music. The remote-work culture is strong—many kept their coastal jobs while relocating during the pandemic.
Avg tech salary: ~$130K+
Dallas: Corporate Powerhouse
Dallas hosts more Fortune 500 headquarters than any other Texas city—AT&T, Toyota North America, Goldman Sachs regional, Texas Instruments. It's a powerhouse in finance, telecom, defense, and real estate. The DFW metroplex functions as a national logistics hub with FedEx and UPS major operations. Tech jobs abound in telecom and fintech, with northern suburbs like Plano and Frisco earning the "Silicon Prairie" nickname.
Avg tech salary: ~$120–125K
Houston: Energy & Medicine
Known as the "Energy Capital of the World," Houston hosts all the oil & gas giants—ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell. The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest medical complex, anchoring a booming healthcare and biotech industry. NASA's Johnson Space Center drives aerospace innovation. Increasingly, renewable energy tech, life sciences, and commercial space ventures are taking root.
Avg tech salary: ~$125–130K
Lifestyle & Culture: Find Your Scene
Nightlife That Fits Your Style
Austin earned its "Live Music Capital" title honestly. Head to 6th Street or the Red River district any night for live bands and lively bars. The scene skews younger and laid-back—think college students and techies in t-shirts grabbing craft beers between sets.
Dallas nightlife trends upscale. Rooftop lounges and cocktail bars dominate Uptown, while Deep Ellum offers music venues for a hipper vibe. Want bottle service at a chic nightclub? Dallas delivers that Manhattan energy.
Houston offers diversity: Midtown for clubs, Washington Avenue for bars, and Montrose—the historic artsy LGBTQ+ neighborhood with eclectic bars and a genuinely diverse crowd reflecting the city's international character.
Food Scene: More Than Just BBQ
Austin: Tacos & Farm-to-Table
BBQ and tacos dominate—Franklin Barbecue is legendary, and breakfast tacos are practically a religion. But there's also a massive farm-to-table and vegan scene for health-conscious folks. Food trucks are everywhere, serving everything from Korean fusion to gourmet grilled cheese.
Dallas: Steaks & Chef-Driven
Famous for steaks and high-end Tex-Mex. Trendy chef-driven restaurants populate areas like Trinity Groves and Legacy West. Dallas does "big and bold"—prime ribeyes, craft cocktails, and upscale presentations that match the city's polished aesthetic.
Houston: Global Cuisine Capital
Arguably the most diverse food city in Texas, if not the entire U.S., with over 10,000 restaurants. You can enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho, Nigerian jollof rice, Cajun crawfish, and world-class Tex-Mex all in the same week. Houston's immigrant communities create an insanely good (and affordable) food scene.
Outdoor Recreation: Yes, Texas Has Nature
Austin: Outdoor Paradise
  • Lady Bird Lake for kayaking and trails
  • Barton Springs Pool (natural spring-fed)
  • Hill Country hiking and biking nearby
  • Short drives to waterfalls and wineries
An outdoorsy person's dream within a city. Easy to stay active year-round with trails, water activities, and weekend nature escapes.
Dallas: Urban Green Spaces
  • White Rock Lake (9-mile trail loop)
  • Katy Trail through Uptown
  • Numerous golf courses
  • Weekend trips to nearby lakes
More flat and suburban, but solid options for runners, cyclists, and weekend warriors who don't mind a short drive for nature.
Houston: Coastal Access
  • Memorial Park (nearly Central Park-sized)
  • Buffalo Bayou Park biking/kayaking
  • Galveston Beach (~1 hour drive)
  • Best early morning/evening in summer
Being close to the Gulf Coast means beach access, though Houston's climate requires strategic timing for outdoor activities.
Weather Reality Check: Trade Blizzards for Brutal Summers
1
Summer (Long & Hot)
Expect many 100°F+ days, especially July–August. Houston feels worst due to humidity (53 inches of rain yearly vs. 35 in Austin). Dallas and Austin offer drier heat. Hurricane season affects Houston and coastal areas June–November. Budget $200–300 monthly for AC bills.
2
Winter (Mild & Easy)
Might freeze a couple nights in January. Austin and Houston rarely see snow. Dallas gets slightly colder with occasional ice storms. Compared to NYC blizzards or SF's rain, Texas winters are light jacket territory—sometimes shorts weather on winter afternoons.
3
Spring & Fall (Perfect)
Gorgeous but short. April and October are prime—warm days, cooler nights. Festival season thrives. Wildflowers (bluebonnets) bloom across Texas in spring. By mid-November, fall colors appear in Dallas and Austin.

Weather Risks: Dallas sits at Tornado Alley's southern end (rare but possible). Houston risks hurricanes and flooding in low-lying areas. Austin deals with occasional hailstorms and cedar fever allergies. Nothing as dramatic as Nor'easters or West Coast wildfires, but Mother Nature has her Texas style.
Silicon Valley Transplant Guide: Tech Scene Comparison
Austin Wins for Bay Area Vibe
Austin genuinely feels like "Silicon Hills"—it's earned that nickname. Major Bay Area companies have established massive presences: Apple's huge campus, Tesla's HQ and Gigafactory, substantial offices for Google, Meta, Oracle, Amazon, and AMD. Over 5,500 tech companies and startups call Austin home.
The talent pool is exceptional, with about 16% of all jobs in tech—far above the national average. University of Texas at Austin boasts a top-10 computer science program nationally, continuously producing engineering graduates that Bay Area companies actively recruit.
Work culture mirrors West Coast perks: shuttle buses, on-site gyms, casual dress codes, dog-friendly offices, food trucks, and catered lunches. The vibe is startup casual, making Bay Area transplants feel immediately comfortable.
Dallas: Corporate Tech
Tech intersects with Dallas's corporate scene. You might work at a Fortune 500's innovation lab rather than a scrappy startup. Even tech firms trend more formal—business casual attire is common, perks are more "corporate" focused. Strong opportunities, but different energy than pure startup culture.
Houston: Industry-Specific Innovation
Tech culture revolves around hackathons for energy or healthcare. TMCx accelerator provides structure for health tech startups. Work culture can be traditional (9-to-5, on-site), but seasoned engineers from NASA and oil companies often mentor startups in those spaces.
Investor & Funding Landscape: Follow the Money
Austin Dominates Texas VC
In 2023, Austin startups raised roughly $4–5 billion in VC funding—more than double Dallas and triple Houston's totals. The gap is widening: Q1 2025 saw Austin companies raise over $3.3 billion in venture capital, while Dallas–Fort Worth pulled in about $697 million and Houston about $544 million in the same quarter.
$3.3B
Austin Q1 2025 VC
Dominates Texas funding landscape with 4 of top 5 deals
$697M
Dallas Q1 2025 VC
Strong corporate backing and diverse deal flow
$544M
Houston Q1 2025 VC
Industry-focused with energy and biotech strength
VC Firms & Angels
Austin hosts major VC firms like Capital Factory, LiveOak Ventures, and Silverton Partners, plus outposts of coastal VCs. The Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN) is one of the nation's most active angel groups. During SXSW and other events, Silicon Valley VCs regularly visit, giving founders ample pitch opportunities.
Dallas has established networks but deals often happen through harder-to-penetrate traditional channels. Houston's money ties closely to specific sectors—perfect if you're in those spaces, but you might pitch in Austin anyway.
Accelerators & Incubators
  • Austin: Techstars Austin, Capital Factory programs, SKU (consumer products)
  • Dallas: Techstars Physical Health, DEC (Dallas Entrepreneur Center), REVTECH
  • Houston: TMCx (health tech), Ion Accelerator, NASA-related space tech incubators
Bottom line for fundraising: If you're raising VC dollars, Austin offers the easiest path. The density of investors and startup events is unmatched in Texas, making introductions and building relationships significantly faster.
Startup Founder Ecosystem: Where to Build
Community & Networking
Austin leads with thousands of meetups—Austin Startup Week, programming language groups, vertical-specific events, informal happy hours. Easy to find co-founders, mentors, and talent. Dallas has a growing scene with Dallas Startup Week and Startup Grind, though more geographically spread. Houston's ecosystem (Houston Exponential) shows strong collaborative spirit with events like Houston Tech Rodeo.
Coworking Spaces
Austin: Capital Factory (downtown hub), WeWork, Galvanize, scrappy spaces in East Austin. Dallas: Common Desk (local chain), multiple WeWorks, The DEC at West End. Houston: The Ion (massive innovation hub), The Cannon (West Houston campus), JLABS @ TMC for biotech wet labs.
Talent Availability
Austin: Abundant tech talent with startup experience, UT Austin CS grads. Dallas: Large labor pool including sales, finance, ops professionals from corporate backgrounds. Houston: Specialized talent—PhDs, aerospace engineers, medical researchers from TMC and NASA.
Operational Costs: Real Numbers
Running a startup is generally cheapest in Houston, priciest in Austin, with Dallas in between. Here's a first-year budget snapshot for a 5-person tech startup:
Getting Around: Transportation Reality
A Car Is Essential
Coming from NYC? This is your biggest adjustment. Public transit exists but isn't great in any of the three cities. You'll need a car for daily life, though rideshare and scooters help in dense areas.
Austin Transit
CapMetro buses and one Red Line commuter rail (32 miles). Light rail expansion planned but years away. Most people drive, rideshare, or scooter around central Austin. I-35 through downtown is a notorious daily jam—state joke: "I-35 is our parking lot."
Dallas Transit
DART light rail is actually decent—covers downtown and some suburbs. Complex highway network; traffic bad at peak but eases quickly. DFW is polycentric, spreading traffic out. Two excellent airports: DFW (American Airlines hub) and Love Field (Southwest hub).
Houston Transit
METRORail serves limited areas. Highways are massive (13 lanes on parts of I-10!) yet still become parking lots at rush hour. Flooding during heavy rain can snarl traffic unpredictably. George Bush Intercontinental (United hub) offers extensive international flights.

Pro tip: Factor in car costs—gas is cheaper here, but insurance runs ~$150/month or more. Where you live versus work matters significantly. Consider paying slightly higher rent to save commute sanity. Austin is most bike-friendly with lanes downtown and near UT.
Family Friendliness: Raising Kids in Texas
Public Schools Overview
Texas offers a mix of excellent and mediocre schools depending on district and neighborhood. The differences are significant—check district maps before choosing where to live.
Austin: Austin ISD is decent (schools rated around 7/10). The star is Eanes ISD (West Austin/Westlake area)—ranked #1 in Texas by Niche.com with schools like Westlake High. Suburbs like Round Rock and Lake Travis also boast highly-rated schools. Many charter schools and specialized academies cater to tech and arts.
Dallas: Highland Park ISD and Plano ISD consistently rank among the nation's best. Frisco, McKinney, and Coppell ISDs are excellent. Private school options abound—from St. Mark's to Hockaday to ESD. Dallas suburbs are often chosen specifically for school quality.
Houston: Katy ISD and Cy-Fair ISD are top-tier suburban districts with diverse student bodies and strong academics. Inside the city, magnet programs at HISD offer excellent options. The Woodlands ISD to the north is highly rated. Houston also has strong private schools like St. John's and Kinkaid.
Family Lifestyle
Austin offers casual, outdoorsy family life—kids at outdoor breweries, families hiking greenbelt weekends. Suburbs like Cedar Park and Round Rock are filled with young families from out of state. Dallas provides classic comfortable suburban living with top schools and amenities—think youth sports leagues, community pools, and family-friendly entertainment. Houston brings diversity and big-city culture to family life, with the Texas Medical Center area offering unique educational opportunities and international exposure.
Neighborhoods: Find Your Tribe
If You Love Brooklyn (Arty, Hip, Walkable)
Austin Options
East Austin: Street art, food trucks, young vibe—coffee shops with Wi-Fi everywhere. South Congress (SoCo): Boutiques, music venues, extremely trendy. These areas are densest with creatives and startups.
Dallas Options
Deep Ellum: Arts district with murals and music, slightly gritty but very hip. Bishop Arts District: Oak Cliff's cool bungalows and indie shops—revamped historic vibe with community feel and local businesses.
Houston Options
The Heights: Bungalows, craft breweries, close-knit community. Montrose: Eclectic, artsy, LGBTQ+ friendly, galleries and cafes—Greenwich Village meets Brooklyn energy with diverse, countercultural history.
Neighborhoods: Urban High-Rise Living
If You Love Manhattan (Urban, High-Rise, Upscale)
Austin: Downtown Austin offers high-rise condos near Whole Foods flagship, nightlife, and action. The Domain in north Austin has emerged as a "mini-city center" with luxury apartments, offices (Amazon, Facebook), and shopping—sometimes called "Austin's mini-Manhattan."
Dallas: Uptown Dallas fits this perfectly—shiny apartments, young professionals, walkable to bars and restaurants (one of few truly walkable DFW areas). Downtown/Arts District for high-rise living with cultural venues. Legacy West in Plano offers suburban Manhattan vibes.
Houston: Midtown (between downtown and Museum District) features luxury mid-rises and younger crowds, very popular for nightlife. Downtown Houston has lofts and high-rises with an underground tunnel system for walking between buildings. Uptown/Galleria area offers high-rise condos adjacent to high-end shopping—very cosmopolitan.
Neighborhoods: Diverse & Family-Oriented
If You Love Queens (Diverse, Family-Oriented, Lower-Key)
Austin Areas
North Austin or suburbs like Round Rock and Pflugerville offer diverse communities, strip-mall international eateries, and more affordable homes within 30 minutes of downtown. Far South Austin provides suburban feel with diverse residents.
Dallas Areas
Irving/Las Colinas and Richardson feature large diverse populations—huge Indian and Asian communities in Irving and Plano. Car-centric but great international food and family-friendly atmosphere. Irving has a sizable NYC-transplant community from corporate relocations.
Houston Areas
Sugar Land (SW) and Katy (west) are among the most ethnically diverse suburbs in the U.S. You'll hear many languages, find every cuisine, and see families of all backgrounds. Safe, relatively affordable, highly-rated schools. Clear Lake (near NASA) offers diversity and family-friendliness with transplants and locals mixing.
Decision Framework: Which City Fits You?
Match Your Goals to Your City
Tech Founder Who Loves Music & Hiking
Choose Austin. You'll get SF/Silicon Valley vibes in a slightly smaller package, plus the culture and outdoor lifestyle. Austin has the talent and scene for tech entrepreneurs, and you'll never be bored between coding and concerts.
Finance/Consulting Pro or VC
Choose Dallas. High salaries, no state income tax keeps more money in your pocket, and the city's luxury and business ethos aligns perfectly. Plus, DFW Airport's connectivity means easy flights to NY/LA.
Energy/Healthcare Engineer or Researcher
Choose Houston. Plug into the world's energy capital and medical powerhouse while enjoying the lowest cost base. Cultural diversity enriches life. Starting an energy transition or biotech company? Houston's ecosystem and corporate base is a goldmine.
Building the Next Unicorn
Choose Austin. The concentration of VCs, startup talent, and "startup buzz" is strongest here. You might bump into Tim Ferriss or Elon Musk at a coffee shop—both moved to Austin.
Bootstrapping on Revenue
Choose Houston. Lowest burn rate gives you the longest runway. Perfect environment to quietly build a sustainable business, especially serving Houston's big industries with close client access.
More Decision Scenarios
Statewide VC/Angel Investor
Dallas-Fort Worth could be strategic. Geographically between Austin and Houston—short flights or drives to either. Meanwhile, you have a large metro's opportunities at your doorstep. Several investors live in Dallas and invest across Texas.
Quality of Life & Family Focus
This often leads to Dallas suburbs (for schools), Austin suburbs (schools plus vibe), or Houston suburbs (specific communities like The Woodlands or Sugar Land). If working remote for a NY/SF job, pick the lifestyle that fits—Texas saves you money regardless.

Remember: These cities aren't far apart. Some people live in one and work in another (especially Dallas ↔ Austin remotely). Dallas and Fort Worth function as twin cities. Austin to Houston is a 1-hour flight—doable for weekly commutes if needed. Visit each city before deciding—you'll feel which one fits quickly.
Business Climate: Why Texas Works for Startups
Taxes & Regulations
0%
State Income Tax
Zero personal income tax on wages, dividends, or any income
~1%
Franchise Tax
Low gross-receipts tax on businesses (many startups exempt)
Texas consistently ranks among the most business-friendly states in the U.S. The tax structure is straightforward: no state income tax gives you an immediate boost. For businesses, Texas doesn't have traditional corporate income tax—instead, a "franchise tax" on gross revenue over ~$1.3 million (effectively ~1% for larger businesses). Early-stage startups often owe nothing.
Legal Environment
  • Straightforward LLC/C-Corp formation (~$300 filing fee)
  • Light bureaucracy—permits and licenses easier than coastal states
  • At-will employment with reasonable non-competes allowed
  • Pro-business judicial environment
  • No state-level paid sick leave mandates
Many tech startups still incorporate in Delaware for investor familiarity, then register to do business in Texas with a simple filing. Local lawyers are plentiful and less expensive than SF/NY.
Business Incentives & Support
State & City Incentives
Various programs offer grants for job creation, R&D tax credits, and relocation support. Austin offers incentives for companies relocating with employees. Houston has programs for startups in certain incubators (like rental subsidies). Worth exploring as you scale.
Business Formation
Register with Texas Secretary of State—simple process. While many startups incorporate in Delaware, you'll register that entity to do business in Texas. Straightforward and fast compared to many states.
Administrative Requirements
Get Texas driver's license within 90 days (mandatory for new residents). Register and inspect your vehicle. No state estate tax. Health insurance follows federal law—no additional state mandates. Generally fewer hoops than coastal states.
Bottom line: The legal and business climate in Texas makes your life easier, not harder. Lower taxes, fewer regulations, and a pro-entrepreneur attitude are major reasons startups and investors are flocking here. Always consult professionals for specific advice, but you're not moving to a high-regulation environment.
Pre-Move Checklist: Critical Steps
1
Visit Each City
Spend a week experiencing Austin, Dallas, and Houston firsthand. There's no substitute for feeling the vibe on the ground. Walk neighborhoods, try restaurants, attend a meetup. You'll quickly sense which feels right for you and your business. Plus, research includes BBQ and Tex-Mex!
2
Crunch Your Numbers
Use cost of living calculators to compare your NYC/SF budget versus Texas. Factor in property taxes if buying a home—lookup exact rates on Zillow/Redfin or county appraisal district websites. Texas property tax adds hundreds monthly, but zero state income tax helps offset it significantly.
3
Plan Your Housing
Decide rent versus buy. The 2025 housing market is cooling from its frenzy—good news for buyers. If buying, get pre-approved and tour neighborhoods with a realtor during your visit. If renting, check Apartments.com or local Facebook housing groups early—good places in Austin especially get snapped up quickly.
4
Arrange Logistics
Book moving company or container well in advance. Cross-country moves to Texas run $5K–12K depending on volume and services. Many New Yorkers find it cheaper to sell and re-buy in Texas than haul everything. Decide whether to ship your car or take a road trip to drive it down.
Move Day Preparation: Essential Tasks
Business Paperwork
If relocating a business or startup, arrange necessary filings. Register your LLC/corp in Texas (as new or foreign entity) and update your company address for IRS, bank, vendors, etc. Simple process but don't leave until last minute. Schedule a meeting with a Texas-based accountant or lawyer to review differences like Texas franchise tax and any industry licenses needed.
Personal Admin
After arrival, get a Texas driver's license/ID within 90 days (DMV appointments fill up—schedule early). Register your vehicle to get those Texas plates. Update voter registration. Set up utilities and internet at your new place. Transfer medical records to new doctors. Update address with banks, credit cards, subscriptions.
Plug Into Community
Join local Facebook or Meetup groups for newcomers and expats. "NYC to Austin" or "Bay Area transplants in Dallas" groups exist and actively share advice. Networking starts before you land—Texans are friendly and someone will likely offer to show you around. Attend a startup meetup or Chamber event to start building connections immediately.
Embrace the Culture
Grab appropriate attire—maybe some boots or at least a plaid shirt (you'll fit in at the rodeo or a country dance hall). Learn Texas lingo—y'all will say "y'all" unironically soon. Prepare your spice tolerance for Tex-Mex salsa! Try local BBQ joints. Attend a high school football game. Go to a music venue. Dive in.
Making Your Final Decision
The Bottom Line on Each City
You've absorbed a lot of information. Here's the simplest breakdown to guide your final decision:
Austin
Best for: Tech founders, software engineers, creative professionals, outdoor enthusiasts who want the Silicon Valley experience in Texas with better weather and lower costs. Raising VC capital is easiest here.
Trade-offs: Highest housing costs in Texas, worst traffic relative to size, rapid growth strain on infrastructure, increasingly less "weird" as it scales.
Dallas
Best for: Corporate professionals, finance/consulting types, VCs who want big-city polish, families prioritizing top schools, anyone who values luxury and accessibility (two major airports). Strong B2B sales opportunities.
Trade-offs: More traditional/formal business culture, less startup buzz than Austin, sprawling geography requires strategic location choice, summer heat with flat terrain.
Houston
Best for: Energy/healthcare professionals, biotech/medtech founders, aerospace engineers, bootstrappers seeking lowest costs, anyone who values extreme diversity and international culture. Unique industry ecosystem.
Trade-offs: Oppressive summer humidity, hurricane/flooding risks, sprawl and traffic, smaller tech/VC scene for general software startups, less "buzzy" startup vibe.
Your Next Steps: Take Action
Ready to Make the Move?
Texas is ready to welcome you with open arms and a bowl of queso. Thousands of founders have already made the leap from NYC and Silicon Valley, and they're building incredible companies while enjoying a dramatically better quality of life.
The math is compelling: cut your housing costs in half, eliminate state income tax, access strong talent pools, and tap into growing startup ecosystems—all while enjoying world-class food, diverse culture, and actually affordable living.
Whether you choose Austin's tech-forward energy, Dallas's corporate sophistication, or Houston's industry expertise and diversity, you're entering one of America's fastest-growing business regions with genuine opportunity.
Get Expert Guidance
Moving your life and business across the country requires local expertise. Connect with professionals who specialize in helping founders make this transition successfully:
For manufacturing or hardware companies, explore opportunities along the North America Manufacturing Corridor.
Welcome to Texas
Y'all Come On Down, Now
Good luck with your move and your new startup adventure. As we say down here: "Y'all come on down, now." And soon enough, you'll be saying it too—probably while enjoying breakfast tacos, attending a music festival, or closing your Series A round. Texas is ready for you.
"It's tough for people to afford houses in California. There's a limit to how big you can scale in the Bay Area."
— Elon Musk, on relocating Tesla to Texas
Contributors: SVE - Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs | Long 100 Capital | Texas Real Estate Network
Last updated: November 2025