How the Lone Star State Connects People, Places and Careers
Texas is a unique state, filled with rodeos, football fanatics and cities that range from some of the least to the most populated in North America. Consistently ranked as one of the top states for business, newcomers can grow their career or launch a new idea with the peace of mind that comes with a well-supported, growing economy.
From major metropolitans like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin to growing cities such as Temple, the Lone Star State has become a popular place for individuals looking to relocate. If you’re considering a move to Texas, here are four things you should know about the state.
Small Business is Big Business
While some of the biggest corporations like Dell Technologies and American Airlines have built their headquarters in Texas, the state is also home to a large community of small businesses. More than 45.1% of Texas’ private sector workforce is employed by such businesses — meaning residents have a variety of options when it comes to where they work and spend their dollars, and entrepreneurs have a strong community of peers to connect with.
Temple is no exception to the small business boom. Downtown Temple has seen major revitalization projects over the past few years, transforming it into a vibrant community where shopping local has become a natural part of everyday life. Some of the city’s well-loved small businesses include:
- The Yard Food Truck Plaza: A newer addition to the Temple community, The Yard Food Truck Plaza is located on 1st Street and the Santa Fe Market Trail. The Yard features a rotating assortment of food trucks run by local small business owners that serve up cuisines of all kinds.
- The Hub: One of the forbearers of the revitalized downtown Temple which opened its doors in 2016 and offers space to a diverse selection of vendors.
- FoxDog: Just minutes away from the business-heavy Santa Fe Depot, this beer and wine garden offers a laid-back place for friends, family and community.
Quality Healthcare is Everywhere
Gaining access to some of the highest quality healthcare in the nation is a big benefit of moving to Texas. In Temple, health systems like Baylor Scott & White, McLane Children’s Hospital, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Lifepoint Rehabilitation employ 30% of the local workforce.
Baylor Scott & White Health – Temple ranked as the No. 5 Best Hospital in Texas in 2022, with high performance in five specialties and 13 procedures. Medical expenses are relatively lower in Texas than the national average, too, with a family of five paying an average of a thousand dollars less in Temple than they would in other major U.S. metropolitans.
Diversity Strengthens the State
According to the 2021 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas is overwhelmingly diverse, with 40.2% of the population identifying as Hispanic. Temple demographics are largely reflected in this statistic, with 27.2% identifying the same. The city also has a diversity score of 93% from Best Neighborhood — making it a place where people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds can establish a sense of community.
With such a large concentration of military bases, Texas is also a welcoming state for veterans. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) – one of the largest U.S. bases which was recently renamed after Texas-born Korean and Vietnam War hero Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos – has approximately 600 active-duty military separations each month, with over 30% of those individuals choosing to remain in the Temple-Killeen MSA.
Never Far from the Big City
Are you always seeking out new experiences or places to discover? If you’re moving to Texas, you won’t have to travel far. Whether it’s Big 12 basketball at the University of Texas, a Dallas Cowboys football game or events like Austin City Limits and SXSW, the Lone Star State is never short on entertainment options.
Here are the average travel times and distances to major Texas cities from Central Texas:
- Austin: 1 hour and 10 minutes / 68 miles
- Dallas: 2 hours and 10 minutes / 134 miles
- San Antonio: 2 hours and 20 minutes / 148 miles
- Houston: 2 hours and 45 minutes / 186 miles
If you’re thinking about moving to Texas, Temple is a city with above average opportunities. Check out the lifestyle in Temple and learn more about the city from our ambassadors.