Texas Living

Welcome to Texas

By Jennifer Chappell Smith 7.30.14

Folks are flocking to the Lone Star State.

Last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that eight of the 15 fastest-growing large U.S. cities and towns were in Texas for the year ending July 1, 2012. San Marcos had the highest rate of growth among all U.S. cities and towns with at least 50,000 people, while Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth added the most people in the state.

Those who aren’t Texas natives like to say, “I wasn’t born here, but I got here as fast as I could.” If you’re making the move to the Lone Star State, here’s a quick guide to becoming a Texan.

Welcome to Texas. Make It Official With Our Guide:

Check property coverage. The Insurance Information Institute recommends asking how much your homeowners or renters policy covers while your goods are in transit or with movers.

Register your vehicle. Get your car inspected and registered in Texas and apply for a Texas Driver’s License through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Get at least the minimum auto liability coverage. That’s $30,000 for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

Register to vote. To cast your ballot, get registered at least 30 days before the election.

Exploring the State. Embrace the culture and wide-open spaces.

The music. Austin’s famed SXSW music festival headlines the music scene, but twangs in dance halls and more sophisticated strands in auditoriums across the state await.

The downtime. Expand your new horizons with an afternoon in the Hill Country or a getaway to Big Bend. Find your next destination at daytrippintexas.com.