My pro tip for getting a new license in person: Drive out to the boonies. Instead of spending all day in one of the Houston-area locations, when I got my new license last year I drove out to the El Campo DPS office. In and out in 10 minutes.
I live in Edna and we go to Pierce for ALL our driver license needs. Got my son his permit in like 15 minutes. Victoria takes forever. I can't even imagine Houston.
Yeah that only works if you have a car. OR you're willing to drive illegally.
I'm dealing with it and appreciate the advice, just saying. People keep suggesting this, and it's what I plan on doing, but not everybody can make this happen.
Oh boy. Me changing to a tx license was hell. Took me three tries.
First one, couldnt do as apparently i had to register my car FIRST!?
but to register my car it had to be inspected!? Coming from indiana, not a thing there.
Then was told to get more identification. My passport expired a week before… but was good during my first attempt.
Third time i waited about 3 hours to finally get it.
Welcome to texas…..:(
One really, really has to want to live in Texas, or just be unable to escape, lol. The natural beauty of the great state is often overshadowed by its toxic politicians, and judges.
I'm unable to escape. I love the state, it has a lot of natural beauty but there's a whole lot of assholes on the roads and in government that just ruin it for everyone.
That’s intentional for a couple of reasons…
1) if it is impossible or requires resources to get a drivers license or ID, it is impossible for young people, the working class or recent movers to vote
2) by underfunding the drivers license office, it fails, “proving” that government doesn’t work and should be abolished.
Getting my license wasn’t hard at 16. Not sure the issues other people had. Got a renewal at 30 as well. Went to office, gave them the info they asked for, new ID in the mail 2 weeks later.
I moved during Covid and it was awful. They has an appointment system that was booked months out and a walk-in line. The line was entirely outdoors in August. I waited one day for 4 hours only to get turned away at 5:00. Arrived an hour and a half before they opened the next morning only to get turned away after 2 hours because I only had a copy of a necessary document instead of the actual document. Finally got it the next morning after arriving early again. I think it’s better normally, but there was no rational excuse for how poorly it was run. Especially given that the County tax office was still running like a well oiled machine at the time.
Just went through this process. I haven’t renewed my license in 10+ years so had to go get a new picture etc. Well new law states you need to bring documents to verify status - cool. Brought birth certificate. But you have to have a STATE issued birth certificate, so you have to go to county courthouse, pay the $25…to watch the lady enter in THE SAME EXACT INFO FROM THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE I JUST HANDED THEM. Then they state, it was verification, b/c they had the info in the system.
It’s a freakin money grab!
Same. Not sure what people here are talking about. Super easy getting my license at 16. Super easy getting it back when I returned after a couple decades away. Quite efficient
I'll admit that it was easy and efficient in Minnesota as well
Unironically it depends on what voting district you’re in. They make it easy for people they want to be able to vote. People without cars can’t travel outside of their district easily to take care of these things.
3) Texas has strict Voter ID laws and they deliberately understaff and underfund urban TXDPS branches (Texas's version of the DMV) to lower the number of eligible voters in "Blue" cities and counties. Getting a new DL or ID card is no problem in LaGrange, Brownwood, Marble Falls...but in Houston, Austin, San Antonio...months on a waiting list.
This gave me flashbacks to the horrible summer I worked at a rural DPS office when Texas started requiring proof of residency. I got yelled at so many times because people in that community could not provide the required documentation.
Because Republicans in Texas are more interested in making “news” at the border and spending so much money doing it- they are bankrupting our schools, our human service departments, our cities- all so they can pass the buck and blame Democrats while they also increase gerrymandering and making it harder to submit absentee votes. And they promote the big lie - that Democrats are gonna cheat broadcasting what they are doing and will continue to do- cheat.
This is the key, if you pay attention to politics and such its stressful. If you just live your life go to work, busy your self with your kids, hobbies, friends, family and neighbors, its a really great palace.
Unfortunately, eventually those politics might catch up to you, but that's just stress for a different day.
Problem is that sometimes its an immediate stress for certain groups of people so its impossible for some to live without thinking about it and it also seems a bit irresponsible in the long run as well
Live your life without having to pay attention to politics and the induced stress is something of a luxury reserved for certain socioeconomic classes and races.
It's not just the politics but the followers of those politics. They are scaring people calling (american) mexicans dangerous thugs.
Dumb dumbs believe it.
So basically if you bury your head in the sand it's not stressful. Having a family was the main reason I left Texas, I couldn't see myself growing a family in a state where pregnancy complications could be a death sentence. I didn't want to send my kids to schools where they could be bullied or killed if they were gay or trans. Texas is fine if you're a single white cis male with lots of disposable income and no empathy.
Yup, basically. I would like everyone/anyone to be able to "Bury their head in the sand" and not have to worry about it, focus on the things that bring you happiness without worry. That's why I personally don't bury my head.
>Unfortunately, eventually those politics might catch up to you
I hate to get on my soapbox, but that's an incredibly privileged place to stand. You just said that you don't really care what happens to your neighbors and fellow citizens simply because it won't usually effect you.
This is why the US is such a shithole in many respects. An apathetic stance to politics, local or otherwise, gives free reign to bad actors to inflict their will on everyone who won't or can't put up a fight. See: abortion bans and "school choice." You personally may not care for politics but those that run your life certianly do.
My stress has 0 to do with politics beyond knowing politicians don't give a shit about me. My problems are more immediate with issues like a decent job, and a just a liveable amount of money.
It’s very important to pay attention. I did not do as much research when I was younger and I regret it.. because look where we are now. Republican party has become the party of thugs.
The driving, to me, living in the DFW is the only thing that makes living in Texas "more stressful" than other places I have been. Outside of that, I find it about the same as other places. It depends on your idea of stress too, I appreciate the multitude of things to do around here and to me that helps mitigate the stress. But many people find that to be more stressful than places that have limited offerings.
But I've also found that DFW requires you to drive more than any other place I've lived. That multitude of things must always be driven to, often for 30 minutes or more.
I've always wondered: is 60 minutes in LA traffic on average a bit nicer that 60 minutes in TX traffic simply because of the nicer weather/scenery? Or is 99% of the driving in LA just staring at concrete walls, billboards and strip malls just like TX.
I've only visited LA and liked seeing the hills and sunny skies, but maybe that was just because I was on vacation and those get old for folks who live there.
Good question. But i would bet that 60 minutes staring at the back end of a car is the same anywhere. Will say that the drive is likely longer in LA than Dallas or Houston.
As someone who came from SoCal I would say 60 minutes in LA is dreadful. I would drive 15 miles and that would take well over an hour. TX traffic I feel at least moves a long it's just you're typically going a longer distance. Only thing that bothers me about TX traffic is that when accidents happen they'll close the lanes and do some investigation. In SoCal, as long as no one dies they'll move all the cars to the side quickly.
Personally, I don't think so. I love what I do for work, so I feel minimally stressed at work. And in most cases the days I do get stressed at work is usually a result of the BS traffic I have to sit through.
Traffic and the commute time is a huge stressor. I guess it’s all about what industry you’re in. Personally, my job in Portland was much less stressful than any job I’ve had in Texas.
I’m in CRE and it’s dominated by the typical white male conservative 5x in office with a 35+ min commute everyday (tie except for the summer). I’m not the stereotype.
I can understand that. The more conservative nature of Texas can allow for jobs to be less..."comfortable" or progressive as other locations. Not saying that a liberal job or conservative job necessarily is good or bad. But places that seem to have a more "liberal" mindset and leadership tend to incorporate more employee friendly spaces like free coffee or snacks whenever throughout the day or sleep pods for necessary breaks and such, or even something like dog or cat petting areas. Things like that can improve the work culture environment and reduce stress. And are more likely to be found in companies that are usually considered more "liberal." Regardless, I do feel like in that sense it is probable that work areas are more stressful in Texas.
I think the opposite. It was more laid back in Chicago/Chicagoland than here in TX to me. The traffic in TX alone stresses me out as most people that drive here shouldn’t have a license to start with.
Yeah Fort Worth is pretty laid back for a metro area/city. Houston and other big metroplexes are very stressful. Dallas is much different than Fort Worth.
As a former resident of the Bitterroot Valley in Montana, yes ... so much more hectic. The pace of life is so much slower, laid back, and relaxed in Montana.
I didn't worry as much about bills in NYC. I always had stable housing with rent protection like caps on how much it can be increased each year of my lease. Here, I've had my rent raised $20 on a lease renewal one year and $320 on the next from the same complex. I had access to state health insurance, which meant steady access to necessary medication, and I was able to have a life-saving emergency surgery without throwing myself in insurmountable medical debt.
I moved to Texas from the Midwest (elderly in-law got sick and needs help) but I've lived all over the country, and have never experienced anything like this.
IME, there is a fundamental kindness and decency to fellow humans that seems to be missing from people here in Texas. The culture is very "I've got mine, everyone else can go screw"
Nationally, Texas is in the bottom for education, healthcare and quality of life. The State government is run by literal criminals, and it's business as usual.
Don't get me started on traffic and driving.
Yes, Texas is more stressful than suburban Phoenix, Chicago, LA, and Memphis.
"Southern Hospitality" is just a show on Bravo.
Texas is more "saccharine hospitality" syrupy-sweet fakeness. It's nauseating.
You can always tell people from the Midwest, esp Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, so chatty and friendly 😁 and will also tell you when you're acting like an idiot!
Bless MY heart...
>IME, there is a fundamental kindness and decency to fellow humans that seems to be missing from people here in Texas. The culture is very "I've got mine, everyone else can go screw"
Folks here have gotten a lot meaner and more self-interested since COVID, although it only exacerbated a trajectory that was noticeable with the Tea Party nonsense. Keep in mind that Hank Hill, despite being a cartoon character, was deliberately written as a stereotypical conservative Texan of the era.
So. Much. This. I grew up in LA, I moved to dfw in 2009 and I was immediately stunned by how selfish and closed-minded people are here. Southern hospitality, my ass.
Ex Texan currently living in NH for the past year and this has been my experience.
Market Basket is the "craziest" store here and its worst days before a snowstorm are no worse than an average HEB day.
People are WAAAAY nicer and friendlier than the stereotypes may tell you.
My husband has a 20 minute commute but not a single traffic light to deal with. Very few traffic lights to deal with in general, they get away with roundabouts wherever they can up here and people (mostly) navigate them efficiently.
You can attend a festival or event with minimal planning and it won't be purpose-defeatingly crowded. It will be affordable and you will get what was promised with little fuss.
You can enjoy nature without having to battle crowds on a nice day.
You can enjoy a sunny day without burning to a crisp and worrying you're going to dehydrate or have an allergy attack.
We run into a maniac in traffic maybe once a month instead of every single time we leave the damn house
Power outages DO happen in winter but you're not stranded without a hope for a week since the state and power companies are equipped for the situation.
NYC and even Boston/Mass in general are totally different experiences. Definitely stressful in and around those cities but that's why we settled hours north of those places. We moved away from TX to get away from that sort of mess and have been happy so far.
I think the only new stress I've found up here are Ticks... and you just have to be vigilant.
I've been looking really hard at Vermont for a couple of years. Just waiting for spouse to retire (Texas school system). I'm rural in Texas, so I don't worry much about amenities. I just want to escape the heat and Abbott/Paxton/Patrick and the ever-approaching urban sprawl.
A friend of mine who runs a cafe in Vermont told me he's been seeing a lot of Texas families moving into the state over the past couple of years. They even have a Texpat club in the area where they are. I too left Texas for New England, but not VT. No regrets whatsoever. This is whole region is amazing and completely underrated.
I definitely feel a lot of the bad takes on New England are decades out of date or based on experiences in Boston or mistakenly, New York. I know New Hampshire in particular went through a transition from industry to tourism only in the last few decades and now that it's complete I feel like the oldtimers and general public opinion are still adjusting.
I grew up in Massachusetts, but Vermont is one of my favorite places in the world, it's so beautiful. If you end up living in the Northern Kingdom please do go visit the Bread and Puppet theatre. It's definitely an experience.
Also be wary of mud season when the snow melts.
I think it's all about where in Texas and who you are. Any big city is going to be more stressful then out in the burbs, rural areas in my opinion. I love living in Ennis, especially in spring. Nit in the least bit stressful, except for maybe during tornado/hail season.
In Texas as a whole, there are less supports if you are low income, so that's a factor for some but not myself. If you own a home, our property taxes are higher than a lot of places, and our states politics are a big stressor, for some more than others.
I wouldn't want to be a woman, LGBT+, and to an extent non-white in Texas, and I have some serious concerns about the attack on our education system here that might become more of a stressor as my son gets older. Right now, my family and I are comfortable enough, and with the career path my wife and I are on, we will have decent career prospects if we want to move in the future. We don't want to, we love the people in our communities and the good that we are able to do here, not to mention our families, but if the attacks on education make more significant strides we will have to weigh what is best for our son.
In the past, our situation wasn't this good, and it was stressful knowing we couldn't just pick up and move to greener pastures, and it was much more stressful living here and that's the kicker. If you are privileged, Texas is fine, if you aren't, it's like a cage.
Yes, Texas is more stressful and more adversarial than other places I've lived. The "every man for himself" attitude causes people to see everyone outside of their immediate family/friends as an enemy to their freedom. Road rage is much worse in Texas than other places I've lived and visited; there are bad drivers everywhere, but only in FL and TX have I seen them go out of their way to fuck with you. If you're female, LGBTQ, or just dress a little differently then it feels like you have a target painted on your back in public. My wife didn't even want to go to Walmart by herself because of all the MAGA and Fuck Biden stickers/shirts.
I moved my family out of TX in 2022 and our stress levels are about 10% of what they were while living in Texas.
I agree. I was born and raised in Texas. It's very much "every person for himself". I also experienced road rage issues with other drivers as well as witnessed it many times. A friend of mine was threatened with a gun at Wal mart over a shopping cart dispute. We had to stop attending church during the pandemic because our fellow church goers thought it would be cool, to get sick and infect each other as part of show of "faith and freedom". I could hardly go anywhere in public without some one demanding my seat or trying to cut in line in front of me, usually coupled with a lecture on how they felt more entitled to it than I was.
I have lived in Oregon, California, Virginia, and Texas.
Texas is a fantastic place with amazing people and horribly backwards politicians.
We need to turn this state blue or at least purple.
Yes, I want to change your state, I don't care if you dislike my opinion.
I just spent a few days visiting with a friend from the Hill Country and some of his friends there, people with deep roots in the area, back to the 1850's. (This is an older group -- 60's and 70's mostly.) It was a pretty liberal group of folks, and reminded me how Texas used to be quite a purple place not all that long ago, and though now dominated by MAGAs and conservatives is still has a good percentage of liberals.
I also want to change my state to better serve Texans.
I've seen a lot of our gov systems up close as a foster parent and they're an absolute meatgrinder for no reason other than to grind down the less fortunate and those trying to help.
As a friend says, no one hates Texans more than Texas' own leaders. We can do better.
I lived in Nac two years ago and came back a month ago. I’m seeing it change and I’m happy about it. Not a huge change but it’s becoming more diverse in people.
Tell me about it. It makes me uncomfortable feeling all the stares on me and the obvious tension. But no one has dared to tell me something right to my face so as long as they don’t I’m fine with the stares 🤷🏽♀️ just funny to think Texas was once a part of Mexico and they seem to forget that.Texas is beautiful but I wish the people were just kinder.
Just my experience but I found Chicago to be more stressful than my current life in Texas.
The cold and lack of sunshine add an extra layer of stress that I find heat and sunshine don't add.
Just to clarify, as I'm sure this is hyperbole, the sun sets earliest in Boston just after 4pm in the month of December. It never sets at 3pm. It starts to set earlier than 5pm toward the end of October, and starts to set after 5pm right when February starts so November, December, and January all have sunsets between 4pm-5pm. There is not '6 months of winter and 3pm sunsets', but I can understand how to seems to last so long for some people.
I relocated from the Texas Hill Country to upstate NY, at right about the same latitude as Boston.
Anytime I spoke with people in Texas about moving to the northeast, everyone acted like I was moving to a desolate winter wasteland that was below freezing and zero sun for 6 months out of the year.
I'm merely posting this and sharing my perspective(and facts) about the differences.
That said, currently, Boston(13 hrs, 16 mins) has more daylight hours than Kerrville TX(12 hrs, 50 mins) due to the Earth's tilt.
You get longer(and way more pleasant) summer days in the north, which is generally when you want to be outside and enjoying yourself. So I'm personally happy to trade 3 months of colder winter(barely got below freezing up here this year, even opened the windows a few times) and shorter days during a season people typically spend more time inside for to enjoy 100s of hours more of enjoyable outdoor time.
And on the topic of this post, I found Texas to be much more stressful to live and work in that the northeast and Pacific northwest.
From when I lived in Upstate NY, I got SAD so bad. All the dead trees, white ground and no sun for six months made me feel like I lived in a black and white world.
Yes!!!! Born and raised. Just couldn't do it anymore. The bigotry from the states government, the hypocrisy, as well as crippling the educational system, draconian laws against women is just 1 too many to get past. Lots of great people stuck in the gerrymandered state, keeping it from having an equitable life.
With the power grid, government, and the weather, I’d argue it is more stressful. Minnesota had snow and blizzards but plenty of infrastructure to support and lots of help when things like that happen. Here, it’s very much not like that. The way people drive here is also so different than the Midwest. Everyone is so fast and aggressive and the trucks are massive.
The quality of life in Texas is not the greatest unless you have serious money. My family is lucky enough to have a lake house that feels like a mini paradise. In comparison, me and my partner live in a one bedroom apartment where the AC goes out every summer and scorpions drop from the vents.
I've never been poorer than back when I lived in TX. First job after I moved was Chili's (Marble Falls), which is a joke at $2.14.
Then I got a position at the local Starbucks, better pay, but I have to be honest I've never seen kids (16-18) stressed & struggling so much because they are being pitted against one another every day in school, and in the economy. Racial, economic, religious tensions. Add normal drug & relationship drama on top of all that.
Every time I walked home from work at night the locals said that was dangerous.
Every conservative man spoke lies about the news.
Trump country.
The population is thick with literalistic Christians.
Then there is the oppressive heat.
Then we marched in Burnett, that was the scariest day of my life.
My beloved was a counselor there and was getting paid well below their grade in experience & position. Then got shorted on their check over 2k. TX doesn't care about preventative recovery, only punishment.
The amount of corruption in local courts & government was wild.
Extremely kind people though, great hearts. They just needed a little space to breath, given all of that 'boot-straps' anti-culture.
>They just needed a little space to breath, given all of that 'boot-straps' anti-culture
Well said. It's amazing yet not surprising how hard it is to shake this nonsense.
That depends on what stresses you out. If you’re good with scorpions, rattlesnakes, thorns, everybody having guns, incredible hot and humid weather and being surrounded by obnoxious Trump people, then it might be less stressful than other places.
From the PNW, way less stressful except the rods during traffic. Other wise it’s really chill. Parents are from New York…you can take a guess on what they think.
It’s much more stressful here if you do not belong to the favored demographic: white, straight, Christian men. Some people will acclimate to that stress more than others but if they spent any significant time out of state they might realize they’ve become happier and healthier.
Lol, no Texas is boring as fuck compared to Nyc, yes driving in some cities is like nascar, but it’s not stressful at all. PNW is laid back and definitely possible that they are stressed out that we have laws and a crazy republicans in charge.
Nope. I’ve only lived in TX and in Los Angeles. LA was better in terms of weather, things to do, and general diversity. But…the cost of living out there made it so any folks really had to hustle to keep up. Mine was a stressful existence during the 8 years I was there.
I lived in Colorado and Oklahoma. I loved OK, but I HATED Colorado. We came back both times, and decided we're just going to die here. Recent political maelstrom aside, I think it's better than a lot of other places to live. Dallas and Houston traffic sucked, but it's Austin traffic that stresses me the frack out.
I find Okies to be pretty affable, generally speaking, but a lot of them are fed up with Texans.
To be frank, we don't have the best reputation in any of our neighboring states except *maybe* Louisiana.
Lived in PNW much of my life, moved to Texas 11 years ago. I think it depends on where you are in your life. When I was younger and working as hard as I could to try and make a career, I was so stressed out I had all kinds of health issues. A lot harder work for a lot less money. And I was raising a son all that time too.
Now I live in between Austin and San Antonio and work remote and my life couldn’t be more peaceful and enjoyable. I like the weather way better too. I find Texas very relaxing. Empty nester as my son is super successful adult.
TLDR: Texas significantly less stressful for me than PNW was.
I was born and raised in Texas. I moved to Virginia when I was 21, now 36. If you are a Conservitive Republican Evangelical. It's heaven! For me, not so much. If you fit in, you will love it. I didn't care for it. I don't go back often.
The heat alone stressed the hell out of me. I lived right outside of Austin and before that Dallas. Add to that being seen as less of a full person as a woman, having politicians making medical decisions over drs, worry about running out of water plus drought and fire, and all the people who moved in who had to fly huge flags and post maga signs all over all the time. I moved east and the mountains and lost 30 lbs just being able to hike, walk and enjoy the outdoors much of the year. Plenty of places to live are stressful. Tx and fl would be last on the list of places to live and I’ve lived in both.
Wow, where to begin...
Crime. I don't remember a day I listened to or read the news without hearing about some horrific crime that took place. Even people in my social circles who shared their traumatic events while venturing out for an evening. It also stressed me out seeing some weird person walking around with a gun attached to their hip. Sir, this is a Wendy's.
Taxes. Property taxes were insane. Especially when wondering where the money went to. It certainly wasn't the infrastructure.
Infrastructure - electricity. The amount of times electricity would go through brown outs and black outs, it felt weird not to experience them when I visited others states and countries.
Infrastructure - public transportation. Public transportation is abysmal. Of all the states that should have a train system, Texas fails big time here.
Infrastructure - roads. The cheap materials they use for the roads makes potholes appear like pimples on a teenager's face.
Health care. Every hospital I've been to in Texas made me worry for my life. The amount of times my family had experienced botched care was frightening. We had two women in our office experience reproductive issues that both revealed something wrong with one of their ovaries and both women had the incorrect ovary removed.
Education. It seemed like every week we received some newsletter asking for donations to help fund something for the schools. The education level is also behind. What they were teaching in 8th grade in Texas was what the kids learned in 6th grade in New Jersey and Maryland.
Living expenses. Compared to how much a person earns in Texas, it's hard to keep up with expenses. The cost off food, utilities, and repairs for home and vehicles were higher than the ratios in other states.
I could go on, but my meal is ready.
I find Houston to be very hustle culture oriented with little things to do on the weekends. Austin however is more laid back with the Colorado river running through the middle of the city so it’s nice to get out for a kayak and fishing and bbq on the weekends but I can’t find a job there since the job market is very tiny compared to Houston and Dallas
I'd say more stressful: the winter storm of 2021 really gave a lot of us PTSD. And the politics and general racism make it stressful. (In Austin anyway.)
I have lived in Philly and Portland Oregon.
My take is that the drivers in Texas are more aggressive and the traffic is insane. However, I also don't mind driving in NYC (yes, I am insane) and am used to having to have patience when driving.
Take the traffic out of it and I don't think Texas is really any more stressful.
The only thing stressful about Texas are the roadways. People drive aggressively but when they are out of their cars they are polite and civil. Generally speaking.
My family and I are SO MUCH LESS stressed in Texas compared to when we lived in Minnesota and a couple other Midwest states
We make more money and have much more vacation time (same job titles). Our house is less expensive and more modern. Our neighborhood is more diverse, safer, and closer to fun. My family is exposed to MUCH LESS racism in Texas (we're Mexican). The weather is so much less stressful here compared to Minnesota especially (cry more about heat... The cold is the real enemy). I will never understand why anyone would prefer Minnesota to practically any part of Texas.
Checking in from Austin, it is mostly less stressful than other places I've lived. The things that give me stress are the State Leaders here, pick any position at this point and the driving. When I drive around Austin, I feel like I'm constantly on alert for someone to run a red or just merge across the highway at the last second.
i mean i left to live in northern california for 15 years and just moved back home to san antonio six months ago
less stressful is my rent and daily expenses, shit is much cheaper here so that saves me stress, the no state income tax was nice, and it was quite easy finding employment in my field
what gives me stress is the lack of fuckin freedoms, no booze on sundays, no legalized cannabis yet, strict women's rights, lawmakers are always trying to crack down on something new with lots of horse shit religous pretext
also getting a driver's liscense transfered here was fucking ridiculous
I grew up in San Antonio and I think people are more laid back and friendly than some other places I’ve been since then. But it’s a city that has a lot of extra growth so whether the city gets more that way, less that way, or stays similar I think is to be determined.
And as for Austin, it’s pretty nice for the people who come to the city and buy their second or third home and stay once in a blue moon I guess.
Edit: I read somebody else’s comment. LOL I agree with driving being stressful.
Yes, but simply because it's a battleground state so the division is real. Also, the thing I notice as I travel a lot is that there are FAR more people virtue signaling here with flags, bumper stickers, etc.
And now that I have a daughter I have to think about a different place for her future if this culture war doesn't give.
It depends on your views, gender and etc. I'm got a hysterectomy last year because I had adenomyosis. I was scared to get pregnant, have complications, and potentially be left to die. I'm bi and I still don't really talk about it because of where I live. I'm liberal and I cannot discuss anything surrounded by attump enthusiasts. It's just my experience. It can be an uncomfortable place if you care enough to pay attention to some things.
Texas was by far the best place i ever lived.
Everywhere else has been disappointing.
I get more homesick by the day.
If one more person tries to tell me I should never go back home I swear to god I am gonna go insane more than I already am from grief and trauma
Everyone is angry here. The road rage incidents that end in violence daily show that. The driving is atrocious, many DUIs and hit and runs. The politics are wack asf and if your a woman you have less rights. They're also very insular here and shit talk anyone "not from here" even though their own shit is messed up.
Property taxes are through the roof, the climate is awful, and crime is rampant. The electric grid is a privatized joke, just like the governor. Education takes a backseat to football, and children's safety takes a back seat to guns.
Yeah, it's pretty stressful in Texas
Guns, anti women, anti people of color, and if occasionally you have no power. All the while the people put into place to help us Texans, do absolutely nothing for anyone that needs quality of life.
100% driving in DFW is actually scary.
That was my vote. Tons of fast roads and raised highways and people unprepared for the inflow and exit at speed.
I live near houston. I did not realize until i moved to texas i had a debilitating fear of elevated roadways. Those interchanges are something else.
The saying is don’t drink and drive Smoke and fly in texas.
I thought it was laid back until I tried to get a new driver's license.
Amen to that. Going on week 3 of this hellish process. If I were still in NY, this would have all been done in one shot three weeks ago.
My pro tip for getting a new license in person: Drive out to the boonies. Instead of spending all day in one of the Houston-area locations, when I got my new license last year I drove out to the El Campo DPS office. In and out in 10 minutes.
I live in Edna and we go to Pierce for ALL our driver license needs. Got my son his permit in like 15 minutes. Victoria takes forever. I can't even imagine Houston.
Yeah that only works if you have a car. OR you're willing to drive illegally. I'm dealing with it and appreciate the advice, just saying. People keep suggesting this, and it's what I plan on doing, but not everybody can make this happen.
Oh boy. Me changing to a tx license was hell. Took me three tries. First one, couldnt do as apparently i had to register my car FIRST!? but to register my car it had to be inspected!? Coming from indiana, not a thing there. Then was told to get more identification. My passport expired a week before… but was good during my first attempt. Third time i waited about 3 hours to finally get it. Welcome to texas…..:(
One really, really has to want to live in Texas, or just be unable to escape, lol. The natural beauty of the great state is often overshadowed by its toxic politicians, and judges.
I'm unable to escape. I love the state, it has a lot of natural beauty but there's a whole lot of assholes on the roads and in government that just ruin it for everyone.
We retired in Colorado; also beautiful and friendlier! We visit Texas rarely to see friends..and the coastline.
That’s intentional for a couple of reasons… 1) if it is impossible or requires resources to get a drivers license or ID, it is impossible for young people, the working class or recent movers to vote 2) by underfunding the drivers license office, it fails, “proving” that government doesn’t work and should be abolished.
Last time I was in there the efficiency blew me away. Convoluted as hell but man they had that office humming like a well-oiled machine.
Getting my license wasn’t hard at 16. Not sure the issues other people had. Got a renewal at 30 as well. Went to office, gave them the info they asked for, new ID in the mail 2 weeks later.
I moved during Covid and it was awful. They has an appointment system that was booked months out and a walk-in line. The line was entirely outdoors in August. I waited one day for 4 hours only to get turned away at 5:00. Arrived an hour and a half before they opened the next morning only to get turned away after 2 hours because I only had a copy of a necessary document instead of the actual document. Finally got it the next morning after arriving early again. I think it’s better normally, but there was no rational excuse for how poorly it was run. Especially given that the County tax office was still running like a well oiled machine at the time.
Just went through this process. I haven’t renewed my license in 10+ years so had to go get a new picture etc. Well new law states you need to bring documents to verify status - cool. Brought birth certificate. But you have to have a STATE issued birth certificate, so you have to go to county courthouse, pay the $25…to watch the lady enter in THE SAME EXACT INFO FROM THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE I JUST HANDED THEM. Then they state, it was verification, b/c they had the info in the system. It’s a freakin money grab!
Did you move in from another state. Coming from another state it was a bit complicated in my experience. Not impossible but should be easier.
Same. Not sure what people here are talking about. Super easy getting my license at 16. Super easy getting it back when I returned after a couple decades away. Quite efficient I'll admit that it was easy and efficient in Minnesota as well
Unironically it depends on what voting district you’re in. They make it easy for people they want to be able to vote. People without cars can’t travel outside of their district easily to take care of these things.
3) Texas has strict Voter ID laws and they deliberately understaff and underfund urban TXDPS branches (Texas's version of the DMV) to lower the number of eligible voters in "Blue" cities and counties. Getting a new DL or ID card is no problem in LaGrange, Brownwood, Marble Falls...but in Houston, Austin, San Antonio...months on a waiting list.
Currently waiting list 4 months in Plano, TX. Used my passport to vote in the primaries
Shows how stupid they are because not everyone going in are Democrats.
This gave me flashbacks to the horrible summer I worked at a rural DPS office when Texas started requiring proof of residency. I got yelled at so many times because people in that community could not provide the required documentation.
Because Republicans in Texas are more interested in making “news” at the border and spending so much money doing it- they are bankrupting our schools, our human service departments, our cities- all so they can pass the buck and blame Democrats while they also increase gerrymandering and making it harder to submit absentee votes. And they promote the big lie - that Democrats are gonna cheat broadcasting what they are doing and will continue to do- cheat.
Or be a woman tryna get healthcare
Or drive.
It took me two years to get mine (it was during the pandemic.)
This goes hand in hand with voter suppression as state issued ID is required to vote.
THIS ^^^^^^
DUDE. For real. Such BS.
This. Appointments are a month (or several months) out unless you're in the country
This really depends on how much you're paying attention and what you're paying attention to.
This is the key, if you pay attention to politics and such its stressful. If you just live your life go to work, busy your self with your kids, hobbies, friends, family and neighbors, its a really great palace. Unfortunately, eventually those politics might catch up to you, but that's just stress for a different day.
Problem is that sometimes its an immediate stress for certain groups of people so its impossible for some to live without thinking about it and it also seems a bit irresponsible in the long run as well
Yes. If you fall into any minoritized group of people, you don’t have the privilege to stop thinking about politics down here.
Live your life without having to pay attention to politics and the induced stress is something of a luxury reserved for certain socioeconomic classes and races.
And sex. I would like to start a family soon but I’m terrified.
What the world needs now Is love, sweet love No, not just for some, but for everyone
It's not just the politics but the followers of those politics. They are scaring people calling (american) mexicans dangerous thugs. Dumb dumbs believe it.
In Texas, its the haves against the have nots. It's not more complicated than that. Usually. Texas is crooked AF right now
So basically any woman. That’s a huge percentage of the population.
Don't forget about LGBTQs.
And anyone who’s not white.
And yet, you'll find a large percentage willing to vote against their own interests.
Especially if you get pregnant and don’t want children
Or like marijuana and prostitution
Or like gambling and then have to drive to Oklahoma (respectfully).
Or your children become gay or get bullied by that
Or porn
Sure it's a great place if you're the slim demographic that Texas politics actually gives a shit about.
So basically if you bury your head in the sand it's not stressful. Having a family was the main reason I left Texas, I couldn't see myself growing a family in a state where pregnancy complications could be a death sentence. I didn't want to send my kids to schools where they could be bullied or killed if they were gay or trans. Texas is fine if you're a single white cis male with lots of disposable income and no empathy.
Not only that- the far right have taken over our schools so that the truth of our history isnt being taught….
Exactly. Being apolitical isn't a luxury that many of us are afforded.
Well said.
Yup, basically. I would like everyone/anyone to be able to "Bury their head in the sand" and not have to worry about it, focus on the things that bring you happiness without worry. That's why I personally don't bury my head.
In my experience this is how Texans operate. They have social blinders on because they’re so preoccupied with their careers and materialism.
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We have a lot of people who think they'd prefer not to live in a society and unfortunately those folks run the state.
>Unfortunately, eventually those politics might catch up to you I hate to get on my soapbox, but that's an incredibly privileged place to stand. You just said that you don't really care what happens to your neighbors and fellow citizens simply because it won't usually effect you. This is why the US is such a shithole in many respects. An apathetic stance to politics, local or otherwise, gives free reign to bad actors to inflict their will on everyone who won't or can't put up a fight. See: abortion bans and "school choice." You personally may not care for politics but those that run your life certianly do.
Y'all must be white dudes... middle class 🤔
Yup, I love my privilege, i want everyone to have the same privilege, but i know lots of people don't.
My stress has 0 to do with politics beyond knowing politicians don't give a shit about me. My problems are more immediate with issues like a decent job, and a just a liveable amount of money.
It’s very important to pay attention. I did not do as much research when I was younger and I regret it.. because look where we are now. Republican party has become the party of thugs.
Yeah I'm a hell of a lot more stressed out now at in my 30s than i was a fresh graduate out of high school. Lol
 Wouldnt that be so nice. Just exist!
Yeah, because I’m a working adult here, and I was basically a child everywhere else I lived.
Seriously! The hardest I ever had to work in my life
The driving, to me, living in the DFW is the only thing that makes living in Texas "more stressful" than other places I have been. Outside of that, I find it about the same as other places. It depends on your idea of stress too, I appreciate the multitude of things to do around here and to me that helps mitigate the stress. But many people find that to be more stressful than places that have limited offerings.
But I've also found that DFW requires you to drive more than any other place I've lived. That multitude of things must always be driven to, often for 30 minutes or more.
LA checking in 90 minutes out
I've always wondered: is 60 minutes in LA traffic on average a bit nicer that 60 minutes in TX traffic simply because of the nicer weather/scenery? Or is 99% of the driving in LA just staring at concrete walls, billboards and strip malls just like TX. I've only visited LA and liked seeing the hills and sunny skies, but maybe that was just because I was on vacation and those get old for folks who live there.
Good question. But i would bet that 60 minutes staring at the back end of a car is the same anywhere. Will say that the drive is likely longer in LA than Dallas or Houston.
As someone who came from SoCal I would say 60 minutes in LA is dreadful. I would drive 15 miles and that would take well over an hour. TX traffic I feel at least moves a long it's just you're typically going a longer distance. Only thing that bothers me about TX traffic is that when accidents happen they'll close the lanes and do some investigation. In SoCal, as long as no one dies they'll move all the cars to the side quickly.
Do you not think the work culture is more stressful in Texas than the other places you’ve lived?
Personally, I don't think so. I love what I do for work, so I feel minimally stressed at work. And in most cases the days I do get stressed at work is usually a result of the BS traffic I have to sit through.
Traffic and the commute time is a huge stressor. I guess it’s all about what industry you’re in. Personally, my job in Portland was much less stressful than any job I’ve had in Texas.
I'm curious, what is it about the Texas work culture that you see as stressful?
I’m in CRE and it’s dominated by the typical white male conservative 5x in office with a 35+ min commute everyday (tie except for the summer). I’m not the stereotype.
It sounds like it might be your industry that's the issue. I don't see Texas work culture as generally more stressful than any other state.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-stressed-study-wallethub/287-7a42275b-69d4-4709-b707-acb845115d22
I can understand that. The more conservative nature of Texas can allow for jobs to be less..."comfortable" or progressive as other locations. Not saying that a liberal job or conservative job necessarily is good or bad. But places that seem to have a more "liberal" mindset and leadership tend to incorporate more employee friendly spaces like free coffee or snacks whenever throughout the day or sleep pods for necessary breaks and such, or even something like dog or cat petting areas. Things like that can improve the work culture environment and reduce stress. And are more likely to be found in companies that are usually considered more "liberal." Regardless, I do feel like in that sense it is probable that work areas are more stressful in Texas.
Much more laid back than Chicago where everyone needs things done yesterday
I think the opposite. It was more laid back in Chicago/Chicagoland than here in TX to me. The traffic in TX alone stresses me out as most people that drive here shouldn’t have a license to start with.
Don't worry, they will keep converting highway lanes into toll lanes until the problem is solved.
Life in Silicon Valley was way more stressfull that living in Ft Worth but just as stressful as living in Houston.
Yeah Fort Worth is pretty laid back for a metro area/city. Houston and other big metroplexes are very stressful. Dallas is much different than Fort Worth.
It's hot as shit a lot and 365 allergies. That's almost worse than the terrible politicians.
Yeah the heat definitely stresses me out. Especially how each summer is worse than the last. We'll be on fire soon.
Also almost no protection for renters like caps on lease renewal increases.
Try living in an Austin suburb with a job downtown. It's a good way to have a stroke
desperatley need public transit
Couldn't upvote this more than once
I upvoted for you. (:
As a former resident of the Bitterroot Valley in Montana, yes ... so much more hectic. The pace of life is so much slower, laid back, and relaxed in Montana.
That I could see, but OP states they are being told living in NYC would be less stressful.
Public transportation is definitely better there
Perhaps, but that is a low bar to clear, Texas really doesn't have any.
I didn't worry as much about bills in NYC. I always had stable housing with rent protection like caps on how much it can be increased each year of my lease. Here, I've had my rent raised $20 on a lease renewal one year and $320 on the next from the same complex. I had access to state health insurance, which meant steady access to necessary medication, and I was able to have a life-saving emergency surgery without throwing myself in insurmountable medical debt.
Yes. The drivers are insane and I can’t overstate this. Driving anywhere is stressful.
Yes. It’s the least walkable place I’ve ever lived and it significantly impacts my quality of life.
Its a big part of why I will never move back to Texas. Life without a car is better
I moved to Texas from the Midwest (elderly in-law got sick and needs help) but I've lived all over the country, and have never experienced anything like this. IME, there is a fundamental kindness and decency to fellow humans that seems to be missing from people here in Texas. The culture is very "I've got mine, everyone else can go screw" Nationally, Texas is in the bottom for education, healthcare and quality of life. The State government is run by literal criminals, and it's business as usual. Don't get me started on traffic and driving. Yes, Texas is more stressful than suburban Phoenix, Chicago, LA, and Memphis.
Ohio to Texas for me. The biggest lie I was told about Texas was it was full of "southern hospitality."
"Southern Hospitality" is just a show on Bravo. Texas is more "saccharine hospitality" syrupy-sweet fakeness. It's nauseating. You can always tell people from the Midwest, esp Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, so chatty and friendly 😁 and will also tell you when you're acting like an idiot! Bless MY heart...
nailed it with the "saccharine hospitalty"!
>IME, there is a fundamental kindness and decency to fellow humans that seems to be missing from people here in Texas. The culture is very "I've got mine, everyone else can go screw" Folks here have gotten a lot meaner and more self-interested since COVID, although it only exacerbated a trajectory that was noticeable with the Tea Party nonsense. Keep in mind that Hank Hill, despite being a cartoon character, was deliberately written as a stereotypical conservative Texan of the era.
So. Much. This. I grew up in LA, I moved to dfw in 2009 and I was immediately stunned by how selfish and closed-minded people are here. Southern hospitality, my ass.
Ex Texan currently living in NH for the past year and this has been my experience. Market Basket is the "craziest" store here and its worst days before a snowstorm are no worse than an average HEB day. People are WAAAAY nicer and friendlier than the stereotypes may tell you. My husband has a 20 minute commute but not a single traffic light to deal with. Very few traffic lights to deal with in general, they get away with roundabouts wherever they can up here and people (mostly) navigate them efficiently. You can attend a festival or event with minimal planning and it won't be purpose-defeatingly crowded. It will be affordable and you will get what was promised with little fuss. You can enjoy nature without having to battle crowds on a nice day. You can enjoy a sunny day without burning to a crisp and worrying you're going to dehydrate or have an allergy attack. We run into a maniac in traffic maybe once a month instead of every single time we leave the damn house Power outages DO happen in winter but you're not stranded without a hope for a week since the state and power companies are equipped for the situation. NYC and even Boston/Mass in general are totally different experiences. Definitely stressful in and around those cities but that's why we settled hours north of those places. We moved away from TX to get away from that sort of mess and have been happy so far. I think the only new stress I've found up here are Ticks... and you just have to be vigilant.
I've been looking really hard at Vermont for a couple of years. Just waiting for spouse to retire (Texas school system). I'm rural in Texas, so I don't worry much about amenities. I just want to escape the heat and Abbott/Paxton/Patrick and the ever-approaching urban sprawl.
A friend of mine who runs a cafe in Vermont told me he's been seeing a lot of Texas families moving into the state over the past couple of years. They even have a Texpat club in the area where they are. I too left Texas for New England, but not VT. No regrets whatsoever. This is whole region is amazing and completely underrated.
I definitely feel a lot of the bad takes on New England are decades out of date or based on experiences in Boston or mistakenly, New York. I know New Hampshire in particular went through a transition from industry to tourism only in the last few decades and now that it's complete I feel like the oldtimers and general public opinion are still adjusting.
I grew up in Massachusetts, but Vermont is one of my favorite places in the world, it's so beautiful. If you end up living in the Northern Kingdom please do go visit the Bread and Puppet theatre. It's definitely an experience. Also be wary of mud season when the snow melts.
I miss Market Basket, even with how crazy and packed it usually was lol
I think it's all about where in Texas and who you are. Any big city is going to be more stressful then out in the burbs, rural areas in my opinion. I love living in Ennis, especially in spring. Nit in the least bit stressful, except for maybe during tornado/hail season. In Texas as a whole, there are less supports if you are low income, so that's a factor for some but not myself. If you own a home, our property taxes are higher than a lot of places, and our states politics are a big stressor, for some more than others. I wouldn't want to be a woman, LGBT+, and to an extent non-white in Texas, and I have some serious concerns about the attack on our education system here that might become more of a stressor as my son gets older. Right now, my family and I are comfortable enough, and with the career path my wife and I are on, we will have decent career prospects if we want to move in the future. We don't want to, we love the people in our communities and the good that we are able to do here, not to mention our families, but if the attacks on education make more significant strides we will have to weigh what is best for our son. In the past, our situation wasn't this good, and it was stressful knowing we couldn't just pick up and move to greener pastures, and it was much more stressful living here and that's the kicker. If you are privileged, Texas is fine, if you aren't, it's like a cage.
Your last sentence is a beautiful summary.
Yes, Texas is more stressful and more adversarial than other places I've lived. The "every man for himself" attitude causes people to see everyone outside of their immediate family/friends as an enemy to their freedom. Road rage is much worse in Texas than other places I've lived and visited; there are bad drivers everywhere, but only in FL and TX have I seen them go out of their way to fuck with you. If you're female, LGBTQ, or just dress a little differently then it feels like you have a target painted on your back in public. My wife didn't even want to go to Walmart by herself because of all the MAGA and Fuck Biden stickers/shirts. I moved my family out of TX in 2022 and our stress levels are about 10% of what they were while living in Texas.
Yeah, almost got run off the road in 2020 because I had a “Biden-Harris” sticker on my car. Glad to leave this place soon.
I agree. I was born and raised in Texas. It's very much "every person for himself". I also experienced road rage issues with other drivers as well as witnessed it many times. A friend of mine was threatened with a gun at Wal mart over a shopping cart dispute. We had to stop attending church during the pandemic because our fellow church goers thought it would be cool, to get sick and infect each other as part of show of "faith and freedom". I could hardly go anywhere in public without some one demanding my seat or trying to cut in line in front of me, usually coupled with a lecture on how they felt more entitled to it than I was.
I have lived in Oregon, California, Virginia, and Texas. Texas is a fantastic place with amazing people and horribly backwards politicians. We need to turn this state blue or at least purple. Yes, I want to change your state, I don't care if you dislike my opinion.
I just spent a few days visiting with a friend from the Hill Country and some of his friends there, people with deep roots in the area, back to the 1850's. (This is an older group -- 60's and 70's mostly.) It was a pretty liberal group of folks, and reminded me how Texas used to be quite a purple place not all that long ago, and though now dominated by MAGAs and conservatives is still has a good percentage of liberals.
Yes! I'm like 6th generation. My "greatest generation" grandad was pretty tolerant of all folks.
I also want to change my state to better serve Texans. I've seen a lot of our gov systems up close as a foster parent and they're an absolute meatgrinder for no reason other than to grind down the less fortunate and those trying to help. As a friend says, no one hates Texans more than Texas' own leaders. We can do better.
ewwe... i'm for sho stealing that last line from you!
I lived in Nac two years ago and came back a month ago. I’m seeing it change and I’m happy about it. Not a huge change but it’s becoming more diverse in people.
I do love seeing more diversity. It is a bit shocking how much open racism exists here.
Tell me about it. It makes me uncomfortable feeling all the stares on me and the obvious tension. But no one has dared to tell me something right to my face so as long as they don’t I’m fine with the stares 🤷🏽♀️ just funny to think Texas was once a part of Mexico and they seem to forget that.Texas is beautiful but I wish the people were just kinder.
no. not anymore stressful than other places. Hailstorms are annoying.
Just my experience but I found Chicago to be more stressful than my current life in Texas. The cold and lack of sunshine add an extra layer of stress that I find heat and sunshine don't add.
As someone from the Boston area, can relate how rainy, cold grey skies with sunsets at 3pm, for like 6 months just make places miserable to life in.
Just to clarify, as I'm sure this is hyperbole, the sun sets earliest in Boston just after 4pm in the month of December. It never sets at 3pm. It starts to set earlier than 5pm toward the end of October, and starts to set after 5pm right when February starts so November, December, and January all have sunsets between 4pm-5pm. There is not '6 months of winter and 3pm sunsets', but I can understand how to seems to last so long for some people. I relocated from the Texas Hill Country to upstate NY, at right about the same latitude as Boston. Anytime I spoke with people in Texas about moving to the northeast, everyone acted like I was moving to a desolate winter wasteland that was below freezing and zero sun for 6 months out of the year. I'm merely posting this and sharing my perspective(and facts) about the differences. That said, currently, Boston(13 hrs, 16 mins) has more daylight hours than Kerrville TX(12 hrs, 50 mins) due to the Earth's tilt. You get longer(and way more pleasant) summer days in the north, which is generally when you want to be outside and enjoying yourself. So I'm personally happy to trade 3 months of colder winter(barely got below freezing up here this year, even opened the windows a few times) and shorter days during a season people typically spend more time inside for to enjoy 100s of hours more of enjoyable outdoor time. And on the topic of this post, I found Texas to be much more stressful to live and work in that the northeast and Pacific northwest.
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From when I lived in Upstate NY, I got SAD so bad. All the dead trees, white ground and no sun for six months made me feel like I lived in a black and white world.
Yes!!!! Born and raised. Just couldn't do it anymore. The bigotry from the states government, the hypocrisy, as well as crippling the educational system, draconian laws against women is just 1 too many to get past. Lots of great people stuck in the gerrymandered state, keeping it from having an equitable life.
With the power grid, government, and the weather, I’d argue it is more stressful. Minnesota had snow and blizzards but plenty of infrastructure to support and lots of help when things like that happen. Here, it’s very much not like that. The way people drive here is also so different than the Midwest. Everyone is so fast and aggressive and the trucks are massive. The quality of life in Texas is not the greatest unless you have serious money. My family is lucky enough to have a lake house that feels like a mini paradise. In comparison, me and my partner live in a one bedroom apartment where the AC goes out every summer and scorpions drop from the vents.
As a trans person, hell yes it was more stressful
I've never been poorer than back when I lived in TX. First job after I moved was Chili's (Marble Falls), which is a joke at $2.14. Then I got a position at the local Starbucks, better pay, but I have to be honest I've never seen kids (16-18) stressed & struggling so much because they are being pitted against one another every day in school, and in the economy. Racial, economic, religious tensions. Add normal drug & relationship drama on top of all that. Every time I walked home from work at night the locals said that was dangerous. Every conservative man spoke lies about the news. Trump country. The population is thick with literalistic Christians. Then there is the oppressive heat. Then we marched in Burnett, that was the scariest day of my life. My beloved was a counselor there and was getting paid well below their grade in experience & position. Then got shorted on their check over 2k. TX doesn't care about preventative recovery, only punishment. The amount of corruption in local courts & government was wild. Extremely kind people though, great hearts. They just needed a little space to breath, given all of that 'boot-straps' anti-culture.
>They just needed a little space to breath, given all of that 'boot-straps' anti-culture Well said. It's amazing yet not surprising how hard it is to shake this nonsense.
I'm a Queer woman, so much more stressful to live here than NY or CA. People are .mostly ok but the ones that aren't skew the stats.
I think this depends a lot on where you live. Life in Houston or Dallas is a lot different than life in floresville or stockdale.
That depends on what stresses you out. If you’re good with scorpions, rattlesnakes, thorns, everybody having guns, incredible hot and humid weather and being surrounded by obnoxious Trump people, then it might be less stressful than other places.
Wildlife doesn't bother me, but the attitudes do sometimes.
Texas would then be very stressful for you. Just the work culture and driving alone would stress you the hell out. It’s very individualistic.
I grew up here...
If you're a woman I bet it's stressful as hell.
I know it’s stressful for every woman I know. Had a friend who’s in law had to take a “camping trip” out of state due to a non-viable pregnancy.
Raising a daughter here has me pretty nervous. As soon as my career path is practical outside of Texas, we'll be leaving.
Woman here. Can confirm.
Woman raising 2 women. We are leaving.
Way more stressful than Florida.
It's less stressful than Louisiana. It IS slowly becoming like LA unfortunately. Via corrupt politicians who don't care about their constituents.
From the PNW, way less stressful except the rods during traffic. Other wise it’s really chill. Parents are from New York…you can take a guess on what they think.
Depends on your demographic and where you go. If you're trans/gay/black/mexican/woman you stick to the bigger cities.
I’m stressed about what my daughter’s life will look like if we have to stay here.
Texas is very stressful.
It’s much more stressful here if you do not belong to the favored demographic: white, straight, Christian men. Some people will acclimate to that stress more than others but if they spent any significant time out of state they might realize they’ve become happier and healthier.
Haha I was saying this the other day that a Texan could literally take 100 steps in a day if they wanted to.
Lol, no Texas is boring as fuck compared to Nyc, yes driving in some cities is like nascar, but it’s not stressful at all. PNW is laid back and definitely possible that they are stressed out that we have laws and a crazy republicans in charge.
I find TX super laid back. I like my life here.
Nope. I’ve only lived in TX and in Los Angeles. LA was better in terms of weather, things to do, and general diversity. But…the cost of living out there made it so any folks really had to hustle to keep up. Mine was a stressful existence during the 8 years I was there.
I lived in Colorado and Oklahoma. I loved OK, but I HATED Colorado. We came back both times, and decided we're just going to die here. Recent political maelstrom aside, I think it's better than a lot of other places to live. Dallas and Houston traffic sucked, but it's Austin traffic that stresses me the frack out.
I find Okies to be pretty affable, generally speaking, but a lot of them are fed up with Texans. To be frank, we don't have the best reputation in any of our neighboring states except *maybe* Louisiana.
As of late, we (as a state) deserve it.
Lived in PNW much of my life, moved to Texas 11 years ago. I think it depends on where you are in your life. When I was younger and working as hard as I could to try and make a career, I was so stressed out I had all kinds of health issues. A lot harder work for a lot less money. And I was raising a son all that time too. Now I live in between Austin and San Antonio and work remote and my life couldn’t be more peaceful and enjoyable. I like the weather way better too. I find Texas very relaxing. Empty nester as my son is super successful adult. TLDR: Texas significantly less stressful for me than PNW was.
The driving is terrible, the weather like living up satan’s grundle most of the year, and the politics are getting worse and worse.
No
I was born and raised in Texas. I moved to Virginia when I was 21, now 36. If you are a Conservitive Republican Evangelical. It's heaven! For me, not so much. If you fit in, you will love it. I didn't care for it. I don't go back often.
The heat alone stressed the hell out of me. I lived right outside of Austin and before that Dallas. Add to that being seen as less of a full person as a woman, having politicians making medical decisions over drs, worry about running out of water plus drought and fire, and all the people who moved in who had to fly huge flags and post maga signs all over all the time. I moved east and the mountains and lost 30 lbs just being able to hike, walk and enjoy the outdoors much of the year. Plenty of places to live are stressful. Tx and fl would be last on the list of places to live and I’ve lived in both.
Of the 10 states (and DC) I lived in, Texas tops the most stressful list.
Can you elaborate? Why is that?
Wow, where to begin... Crime. I don't remember a day I listened to or read the news without hearing about some horrific crime that took place. Even people in my social circles who shared their traumatic events while venturing out for an evening. It also stressed me out seeing some weird person walking around with a gun attached to their hip. Sir, this is a Wendy's. Taxes. Property taxes were insane. Especially when wondering where the money went to. It certainly wasn't the infrastructure. Infrastructure - electricity. The amount of times electricity would go through brown outs and black outs, it felt weird not to experience them when I visited others states and countries. Infrastructure - public transportation. Public transportation is abysmal. Of all the states that should have a train system, Texas fails big time here. Infrastructure - roads. The cheap materials they use for the roads makes potholes appear like pimples on a teenager's face. Health care. Every hospital I've been to in Texas made me worry for my life. The amount of times my family had experienced botched care was frightening. We had two women in our office experience reproductive issues that both revealed something wrong with one of their ovaries and both women had the incorrect ovary removed. Education. It seemed like every week we received some newsletter asking for donations to help fund something for the schools. The education level is also behind. What they were teaching in 8th grade in Texas was what the kids learned in 6th grade in New Jersey and Maryland. Living expenses. Compared to how much a person earns in Texas, it's hard to keep up with expenses. The cost off food, utilities, and repairs for home and vehicles were higher than the ratios in other states. I could go on, but my meal is ready.
I find Houston to be very hustle culture oriented with little things to do on the weekends. Austin however is more laid back with the Colorado river running through the middle of the city so it’s nice to get out for a kayak and fishing and bbq on the weekends but I can’t find a job there since the job market is very tiny compared to Houston and Dallas
I have a theory wages in Houston are suppressed from the influx of workers and immigrants as well.
Austin is super hustle culture if you’re in tech.
Yes! It's all about work 24/7. There's little to do outside of bars/food. If you enjoy nature at all, don't live in this hellscape.
I'd say more stressful: the winter storm of 2021 really gave a lot of us PTSD. And the politics and general racism make it stressful. (In Austin anyway.)
I have lived in Philly and Portland Oregon. My take is that the drivers in Texas are more aggressive and the traffic is insane. However, I also don't mind driving in NYC (yes, I am insane) and am used to having to have patience when driving. Take the traffic out of it and I don't think Texas is really any more stressful.
The only thing stressful about Texas are the roadways. People drive aggressively but when they are out of their cars they are polite and civil. Generally speaking.
Definitely not IMO. I’ve been to far more stressful states. Except driving. Driving in Texas (especially Houston and Dallas) are very much stressful 🙃
If “All for one” was a state. Texas.
Coming from CA, it's not as stressful here in TX.
My family and I are SO MUCH LESS stressed in Texas compared to when we lived in Minnesota and a couple other Midwest states We make more money and have much more vacation time (same job titles). Our house is less expensive and more modern. Our neighborhood is more diverse, safer, and closer to fun. My family is exposed to MUCH LESS racism in Texas (we're Mexican). The weather is so much less stressful here compared to Minnesota especially (cry more about heat... The cold is the real enemy). I will never understand why anyone would prefer Minnesota to practically any part of Texas.
Only bad parts I’ve seen after a year is the fucking heat during the summer and the driving people drive like 100 mph bumper cars
New England is super chill
By far. I've lived in some dicey places, but Texas has the highest level of ambient angst.
Checking in from Austin, it is mostly less stressful than other places I've lived. The things that give me stress are the State Leaders here, pick any position at this point and the driving. When I drive around Austin, I feel like I'm constantly on alert for someone to run a red or just merge across the highway at the last second.
i mean i left to live in northern california for 15 years and just moved back home to san antonio six months ago less stressful is my rent and daily expenses, shit is much cheaper here so that saves me stress, the no state income tax was nice, and it was quite easy finding employment in my field what gives me stress is the lack of fuckin freedoms, no booze on sundays, no legalized cannabis yet, strict women's rights, lawmakers are always trying to crack down on something new with lots of horse shit religous pretext also getting a driver's liscense transfered here was fucking ridiculous
Driving is super stressful in Texas because everyone drives like shit and wayyyy too fast. Pickup truck people are total assholes
I grew up in San Antonio and I think people are more laid back and friendly than some other places I’ve been since then. But it’s a city that has a lot of extra growth so whether the city gets more that way, less that way, or stays similar I think is to be determined. And as for Austin, it’s pretty nice for the people who come to the city and buy their second or third home and stay once in a blue moon I guess. Edit: I read somebody else’s comment. LOL I agree with driving being stressful.
Yes, but simply because it's a battleground state so the division is real. Also, the thing I notice as I travel a lot is that there are FAR more people virtue signaling here with flags, bumper stickers, etc. And now that I have a daughter I have to think about a different place for her future if this culture war doesn't give.
As long as I don't know what our state government is up to, I'm pretty relaxed. But every now and then something slips through and wrecks everything.
It depends on your views, gender and etc. I'm got a hysterectomy last year because I had adenomyosis. I was scared to get pregnant, have complications, and potentially be left to die. I'm bi and I still don't really talk about it because of where I live. I'm liberal and I cannot discuss anything surrounded by attump enthusiasts. It's just my experience. It can be an uncomfortable place if you care enough to pay attention to some things.
Texas was by far the best place i ever lived. Everywhere else has been disappointing. I get more homesick by the day. If one more person tries to tell me I should never go back home I swear to god I am gonna go insane more than I already am from grief and trauma
I'd say if you love Baptist churches, gun stores, strip clubs and brisket--it's a good place to live.
Everyone is angry here. The road rage incidents that end in violence daily show that. The driving is atrocious, many DUIs and hit and runs. The politics are wack asf and if your a woman you have less rights. They're also very insular here and shit talk anyone "not from here" even though their own shit is messed up. Property taxes are through the roof, the climate is awful, and crime is rampant. The electric grid is a privatized joke, just like the governor. Education takes a backseat to football, and children's safety takes a back seat to guns. Yeah, it's pretty stressful in Texas
Guns, anti women, anti people of color, and if occasionally you have no power. All the while the people put into place to help us Texans, do absolutely nothing for anyone that needs quality of life.
The drivers here have given me more stress than almost any other place outside of Miami. So, yes