Why We’re Moving to Texas From California

We’re moving again. For the 15th time in our 32 years of marriage. But this time is a little different. We’re leaving the only house we ever owned and the home that we’ve lived in the longest. It’s also by far the most expensive house we’ve ever lived in (only because we lived in Northern California). But yet the house itself has never really felt like home to me. BTW, in case you haven’t heard, we’re moving to Texas from California.

We’re supposed to be moving back home. After all, I grew up in Texas. On this very same farm. But the house there doesn’t quite feel like home either.

I was talking to a friend last night who just moved and she felt the same way. We decided that after all, this world is not our home. All the houses we live in are just our temporary shelter while we live on earth. Our real home is in heaven where Jesus is preparing our mansion and what makes a home here on earth is our family and friends.

That made sense to me. I have enjoyed living in California and felt “at home” with family, our church family, and lots of amazing friends here. But the house itself I’m not that attached to.

So, get ready for a few blog posts to be a little different than my typical thrift store makeovers, craft projects, and DIY home decor ideas… many have asked why we’re moving to Texas from California or if there’s something wrong. Many more have asked us to share what we’re up to so they can keep up with us. If you want to follow along on our new adventure, sign up for our email list below. We’ll send weekly emails of our latest projects.

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Why We’re Moving to Texas from California

We had a perfect storm this year.

Bike Man had health problems and the only solution the doctors could give was to have less stress.

That by itself probably wouldn’t have been enough to get us to move but at the same time my business was quickly outgrowing our extra bedroom and we couldn’t afford to rent space here in the Bay Area.

Meanwhile, back in Texas my dad was needing a little more help on the farm.

That was our perfect storm.

That was probably the only combination of things that could have pulled us away from a church we loved, our daughter and son-in-law, miles and miles of hiking and biking trails within just a few miles of our home, and perfect weather to be outside most of the year.

And to accelerate our decision to move, while we were in Texas looking for houses my dad (aka, Tex Farmer) and Bike Man asked each other why we were looking for houses when he was living alone in the big house that he and my mom built on the farm. So, we’ve moving in with him… at least for a while.

So we have a big adventure in front of us this next year… moving halfway across the country. Back to the farm where I grew up. Building a workshop for my business. And spending lots of time with the family! And finally having the space to get a dog. We may even build our own private hiking and biking trails!

And no, no one is dying. There are health problems but not anything fatal.

I know a lot of other people are thinking about moving from California to Texas so I thought I’d make a list of the good and bad of both places. Maybe this will help your decision.

What We’ll Miss About California

There will be quite a few things that we’ll miss about California:

1. As I mentioned above, our daughter and son-in-law will be staying here… miss them already!
2. our church
3. almost perfect weather
4. hiking/biking trails
5. beach
6. mountains
7. no bugs
8. looking out my window at Mt. Diablo
9. random wild turkeys wandering through our suburban neighborhood
10. a grocery store within walking distance of my house
11. incredible supply of fresh fruits and vegetables
12. driving through miles of almond orchards and rice fields
13. Roses and Rust, Mes Amis, & all the “junkin’ friends” I’ve made here

What We Won’t Miss About California

This list isn’t as long as the things we’ll miss, but these are pretty big negatives. Yes, there are lots of things to do and places to visit in California but the traffic getting to them is horrendous. Most people also make more money here but it costs so much more to live here that most people still aren’t able to put much into savings.

1. traffic
2. cost of living
3. wildfires
4. pollution

What We’re Looking Forward to in Texas

Overall, I think the atmosphere in Texas is just a little more laid back. It’s probably not as different in the cities (Dallas, Houston, Austin, maybe even Fort Worth and San Antonio) but we’ll be out in the country.

1. more family
2. wide open spaces
3. thunderstorms – Basically any rain at all after being in a drought for so long in California!
4. cheaper gas
5. cheaper food
6. cheaper housing
7. cheaper just about everything!
8. no state income tax
9. fried okra
10. Mexican food
11. BBQ
12. watching the cows in the front pasture
13. Friday night football games 
14. Saturday college football – We’ll get to watch our alma mater and national champions, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor!
15. having my own studio… separate from the house
16. Vintage Market Days, WestFest, Antique Alley, and more vintage markets

What I’m NOT Looking Forward to in Texas

Yes, even though it’s home, there are a few things I DON’T like about Texas. Including:

1. fire ants
2. scorpions
3. snakes – We do have rattlesnakes here in California but not many in the suburbs.
4. tornados
5. humidity – Although it’s been SO dry in California lately that I’m looking forward to a little more humidity.

And then there are some things that even out. For example, we’ll have to drive at least 20 miles to get to any major stores but that would probably take about the same amount of time it takes to get to major shopping areas here because of the traffic.

If you’re thinking about moving to Texas from California, you might also like these articles:

• 25 Things to do in Waco
• Our Favorite Restaurants in Waco
• Old Home Supply, Our Favorite Store in Fort Worth
• 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Texas
• Pros and Cons of Moving to Texas

Let me know if you have any other questions about moving to Texas from California or anything else about our move and what we’ll be doing there… I’ll try to answer them.

‘Til the next market,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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