Texas Run Wild in the great state of Texas

Encompassing 268,596 square miles, the Lone Star state is the largest state in the lower 48. And, Texas has NO state income tax and a low cost of living. Gulf Coast shores, verdant bayous, rugged deserts and mountains, and powerful rivers have shaped this geographic jewel. Deep in the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park is arguably the most famous natural site in Texas, with the Rio Grande carving through vertical walls of limestone. Don’t miss the stunning Guadalupe Mountains National Park, near the border with New Mexico. For a change of scenery, the Padres Island National Seashore, on the outskirts of Corpus Christi, is a sanctuary for birds, turtles, and beach goers alike. But Texas’ major cities are so rich, you might never want to leave. Houston is one of the few American cities that has permanent, professional companies in all of the major performing arts: ballet, opera, orchestra, and theater. Austin has become an “it” spot over the last few years; its live music scene, BBQ pit masters, swimming holes, and vibrant city life have attracted people from all walks of life to the state capital. In Dallas, museums, gardens, and a large urban arts district keep tourists and longterm residents entertained and inspired. San Antonio is most famous for its beautiful River Walk, but those in the know also visit the trendy Pearl District with world-class cuisine and boutique shopping.

Texas is America’s second-largest state in both size (267,339 square miles) and population (29.1 million). The estimated cattle population in Texas is 16 million.

Texas has more farms (247,500) and more farmland (130 million acres) than any other state. It’s the nation’s number one producer of oil, cotton, and wool.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. and has experienced phenomenal growth in the last several years. San Antonio is ranked seventh and Dallas is ranked ninth in population.

The Texas state capitol dome in Austin was designed to be seven feet higher than the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.

The 825,000-acre King Ranch of Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island and has more than 2,000 miles of fencing.

There are 13 national parks and 93 state parks and natural areas in Texas plus about 600 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline.

Zero personal income, estate, or inheritance taxes

8% 1.8% average property tax rate lower cost of living than the national average

Climate

Texas is so large that it can have extreme variations in climate: On March 27,1984, Amarillo, in the northern panhandle area, reported a temperature of 35°F and snow flurries, while Brownsville in the south recorded 106°F under sunny skies.