Bernardo Nolfo
From: New York, NY To: Austin Why: Quality of Life
“I fell in love with the land right away. I am southern Italian, and I like how proud Texans are of their families and traditions.”
Dora Mancera
From: Santiago, Chile To: Austin Why: Husband
“I thought the U.S. was a more individualistic society, but Texas is family-centered and everyone can speak a little Spanish.”
Lucy White
From: Northampton, MA To: Austin Why: Optimism
“The first Texas thing I did was drink a Shiner and attend a ‘Don’t Mess With Texas Women’ rally at the Capitol. I was sold right then.”
Chip Barnett
From: Chicago, IL To: Austin Why: Family
“The natural gas guy came out to read our meter. ‘Welcome to Texas,’ he said, with a handshake. They don’t do that in Chicago.”
Robin Thirkaul
From: San Diego, CA To: Austin Why: Love
“The first Texas thing I did was stop at Buc-ee’s. Wow. That place is seriously amazing.”
Nikisha Brunson
From: West Springfield, VA To: Austin Why: Change
“I love the Southern hospitality, the food, and the creativity. I have been so surprised by how nice everyone is.”
Lacy Apperson
From: Memphis, TN To: Austin Why: Work
“I like how we are drawn outdoors: to the lake, the trails, the wide-open spaces, and the quiet beauty of the flora and fauna.”
Aaron Alley
From: Los Angeles, CA To: Austin Why: Wife
“I was surprised that most people don’t wear cowboy hats and that Texas can be hilly and green. I thought it would be a giant desert.”
Fabian Lenero
From: Mexico City, Mexico To: Austin Why: Work
“My friends at work kept telling me to get a pair of cowboy boots, so I did. I feel like I am walking in high heels, though.”
Prabhu Kannan
From: Seattle, WA To: Austin Why: Sunshine
“I like the music, food, and weird vibe here. Most locals have been welcoming, considering all the people moving to town.”
Jennifer Littke
From: Los Angeles, CA To: Dallas Why: Tranquillity
“I had forgotten how the kindness of others can affect you in so many wonderful ways. I thank Texas for reminding me of that.”
Charles Smith II
From: New York, NY To: Dallas Why: Work
“I like the happy medium here: life isn’t as fast as in New York, but neither is it slow, especially if you’re involved in the community.”
Katie Hollins
From: New York, NY To: Dallas Why: Lifestyle
“I love the variety here: an afternoon at the Dallas Museum of Art, a concert in Deep Ellum, a Mavs game, dinner at Javier’s.”
Regina Campbell
From: Milwaukee, WI To: Dallas Why: Work
“We moved in time for the state fair. I saw the butter sculptures and ate fried Oreos and drank funnel-cake beer.”
Jonathan Drew Cox
From: Los Angeles, CA To: Houston Why: Work
“I was surprised by the feud between Dallasites and Houstonians. It’s mainly Houston thinking it’s better; Dallas seems indifferent.”
Micah Piven
From: Chapel Hill, NC To: Houston Why: School
“I was surprised by the amount of construction going on all the time and how bad the non-highway roads are. So many potholes!”
Peter Vogel
From: Portland, OR To: Houston Why: Opportunity
“Houston has been a pleasant surprise. It’s full of opportunity, history, and distinct neighborhoods with big personalities.”
Jessica Shea Ballif
From: Los Angeles, CA To: Houston Why: Love
“My fiancé is a combat war veteran. Everyone here is so patriotic and supportive; I’m happy that we’ll raise children in a state with great values.”
This piece is just one bit of wisdom offered in our April 2015 cover story, “Welcome to Texas!” a friendly user’s guide for our state’s most recent transplants. To read more advice, go here.
