Moving to Arizona from Texas
Texas is one of Arizona’s biggest sources of new residents — and yes, plenty of Texans make the move. The reasons are a little different than you’d expect. Here’s the honest picture.
Texas and Arizona have a lot in common — both are warm, both skip taxing Social Security, and both draw retirees. So why do roughly 10,300 Texans move to Arizona in a typical year, making Texas the #3 source of new Arizonans? It’s usually not about income tax (Texas has none). It comes down to climate, property taxes, family, and the active-adult lifestyle.
Straight talk: we’re not going to tell you Texas is a bad place to retire — it isn’t. But for a lot of the Texans we help, Arizona’s drier heat, lower property taxes, and deep 55+ community culture tip the scale — often with family already here as the deciding factor.
Why Texans choose Arizona
- Dry heat instead of humidity. Arizona summers are hot but dry; many Texans find that far more comfortable than Gulf-influenced heat and humidity — and there’s no hurricane season.
- Lower property taxes. Texas has no income tax but some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Arizona’s property taxes are relatively moderate, with a value freeze available at 65+ — a meaningful yearly difference on a retirement home.
- Closer to family — or to the coast. Many move to be near adult kids and grandkids already in Arizona, or for the easy drive/flight to California and the West.
- The 55+ community culture. Arizona practically invented the active-adult community — the density and variety of golf-cart, pool, and pickleball communities here is hard to match.
- Scenery and the outdoors. Desert mountains, hiking, and dramatic landscapes, with mild, sunny winters for year-round activity.
The honest trade-offs
Arizona does have a 2.5% flat state income tax where Texas has none — though for many retirees the property-tax savings and no-Social-Security-tax offset a lot of that. Summers are hot (dry, but hot — our honest take: can you handle the heat?), and you’ll want a straight answer on water, which we give on Is there enough water in Arizona? Compare the states fairly on our Arizona vs. Florida vs. Texas page.
The tax picture, side by side
The headline “Texas has no income tax” is true — but it’s only part of the story (figures change; verify before relying on them):
| Texas | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | None | 2.5% flat |
| Property tax | Among the highest in U.S. | Relatively moderate; 65+ freeze available |
| Tax on Social Security | Not taxed | Not taxed |
| Summer climate | Hot + humid; hurricane season on coast | Hot + dry; no hurricanes |
See the full breakdown on our Arizona taxes for retirees page.
Thinking about the move from Texas? Let’s talk it through.
We’ll give you an honest read on how the numbers and lifestyle compare for your situation — and if Arizona’s the fit, help you find the right community early.
Start the conversation Call or Text (480) 710-6326How the move works from out of state
It’s most of what we do. We start by phone or video while you’re still in Texas, narrow down communities that fit your budget and lifestyle, and tour efficiently when you visit (you ride with us). We handle the HOA and community homework and represent you through closing. Start with Why retire in Arizona? and the communities we serve.
Frequently asked questions
Why would anyone leave Texas for Arizona?
Common reasons: Arizona’s drier heat (no humidity or hurricanes), lower property taxes, being closer to family already in Arizona, and the state’s deep active-adult 55+ community culture. Texas remains a great state — it just comes down to what matters most to you.
Will I pay more tax in Arizona?
It depends. Arizona has a 2.5% flat income tax where Texas has none, but Texas’s property taxes are among the highest in the country and Arizona’s are more moderate (with a 65+ freeze). For many retirees the totals are closer than the headlines suggest. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
How many Texans move to Arizona?
Texas is Arizona’s #3 source of new residents — roughly 10,300 in a recent year per U.S. Census-based data. Figures update annually.
Check it yourself — sources
- Migration data: USAFacts (U.S. Census-based)
- Arizona taxes: Arizona Department of Revenue; property tax: your county assessor
Figures change and vary by location — confirm current numbers before deciding.
Coming from Texas? Let’s talk.
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ communities. I’ll give you an honest comparison and help you find the right fit — before you make the trip.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 ContactPlease verify before you rely on this. This page is general educational information believed accurate as of August 2026. Tax rates, property taxes, and migration figures change over time and vary by location, and everyone’s situation is different. Nothing here is legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current figures with the official sources linked above or a qualified professional before making decisions. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent.