Texas is the 2nd biggest state in the nation.
Texas has so much to offer that it's a wonder it all fits into one place. Enjoy big cities or small historic towns, beautiful mountains or scenic waterways; whatever you want, you’ll find it! The people are friendly, and there is always room for more!
REGIONS:
Texas has nearly as many cities as stars in the sky as well as 7 distinct regions that will take your breath away. These regions are Big Bend Country, Hill Country, The Gulf Coast, Panhandle Plains, Piney Woods, Prairies and Lakes & the South Texas Plains. Each region has something unique and special to offer those lucky enough to live there.
The Panhandle Plains region offers a wide variety of experiences from the breathtakingly beautiful canyon lands, to the Old West heritage that is still evident today. You can enjoy the wide-open skies that have attracted people for generations, with sunsets that stretch scarlet and pink and golden across a seemingly endless horizon. Cities include: Lubbock, Abilene and Amarillo.
The Prairies and Lakes Region has much to offer, from the fast-paced cosmopolitan excitement of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with the best in shopping, dining & entertainment, to the beautiful lakes & laid-back country lifestyles found throughout the region. This section of Texas is alive with dynamic cities, charming communities, and colorful history. Cities include: Dallas-Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington and Plano.
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Experience the warmth and Southern hospitality of the Piney Woods Region
. History and nature combine to make this a truly spectacular area. Carpeted with fragrant pine needles, brimming with lakes both mammoth and mysterious, and seasonally rich with radiant roses, delicate dogwoods, and exquisite azaleas, this inviting area both fascinates and captivates. Cities include: Tyler and Longview
The Gulf Coast region is home to some of the best beaches in America. It has 624 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Stretching from South Padre Island & the Rio Grande Valley, all the way to Beaumont & the Louisiana border, this region is renowned for its wildlife & natural beauty. Peninsulas and islands, cities and towns, beaches and parks, all extend their own magical allure. Cities include: Corpus Cristi, South Padre Island, Beaumont, and Galveston.
The South Texas Plains region provides residents with the rich south-of-the-border heritage shared with neighboring Mexico. There is nothing “plain” about the Plains. Here you have the excitement of a TexMex blend of languages, music, cuisine, customs, and lifestyle combined with spectacular weather year round. Cities include: Laredo, McAllen and San Antonio.
The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Rolling hills, spring fed rivers and lakes, diverse art and music offerings, specialty shopping, museums and theaters and the state's capital city make the Hill Country a favorite for everyone. Cities include: Austin
The Big Bend region is named for the Big Bend National Park, the westernmost region of Texas boasts pristine parklands, wide-open skies, and the beautiful Davis Mountains. The region is alive with recreational opportunities, jaw dropping scenic beauty and inviting cities and towns. Cities include: El Paso and Midland/Odessa.
WEATHER:
Summers are hot in Texas with little variation in temperature. The northwest and southwest have the mildest summers. Texas temperatures vary widely in winter. The south is the warmest and temperatures decline steadily to the north. The western half of Texas is dry. However, the far eastern area receives more than 48 inches (122 centimeters) of rain.
POPULATION, GROWTH AND THE ECONOMY:
According to the US Census Bureau, Texas has over 23 million people, and was the 5 th fastest growing state between July 2005 and July 2006. This growth doesn’t seem to be slowing any time soon. Texas's growth is attributed to many factors including: the availability of jobs, the low cost of housing, the lack of a personal state income tax, low taxation and limited regulation of business, a geographic location in the center of the country, limited government (the Texas Legislature meets only once every two years), favorable climate and vast, plentiful supplies of oil and natural gas.
Energy, Aeronautics, Petrochemical, Biomedical research, Defense manufacturing and Information Technology
Texas has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state
No state income tax, no corporate income tax.
