Moving from California to Denton County TX: 2025 Guide

If you’re considering moving from California to Denton County, Texas, you’re not alone. Thousands of Californians are making the move to North Texas every year, drawn by lower costs, no state income tax, and a thriving job market. But what’s it really like to trade the Golden State for the Lone Star State?

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about relocating from California to Denton County—from cost of living comparisons and housing markets to lifestyle changes and practical moving tips.

Why Are So Many Californians Moving to Texas?

The California-to-Texas migration has been making headlines for years, and Denton County is one of the top destinations. Here’s why:

No State Income Tax Texas has no state income tax, which means more money stays in your pocket. For a California household earning $100,000, that could mean saving $6,000-$9,000 annually compared to California’s state income tax rates.

Significantly Lower Cost of Living From housing to groceries to gas, nearly everything costs less in Texas. We’ll break down the specific numbers below, but the bottom line is your dollar goes much further here.

Booming Job Market The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (which includes Denton County) is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and has one of the fastest-growing job markets in the nation. Major employers like Toyota, Liberty Mutual, JPMorgan Chase, and countless tech companies have relocated or expanded their operations here.

More House for Your Money What costs $800,000 for a modest home in many California markets can buy you a spacious new-build with land in Denton County. We’ll compare specific numbers below.

Cost of Living: California vs. Denton County

Let’s break down the real numbers. According to recent data, Denton County’s overall cost of living is approximately 30-40% lower than major California metros.

Housing Costs

California (Average)

Median home price: $700,000 – $900,000+ (varies by region)
Average rent (2-bedroom): $2,500 – $3,500/month

Denton County, Texas

Median home price: $375,000 – $450,000
Average rent (2-bedroom): $1,400 – $1,800/month

Real Example: A 2,000 sq ft home in Orange County might cost $850,000. In Denton County, you could get a brand-new 2,500-3,000 sq ft home on a quarter-acre lot for $450,000-$550,000.

Property Taxes

Here’s the trade-off to know about: While Texas has no state income tax, property tax rates are higher than California’s.

California property tax: ~1.0% of assessed value
Denton County property tax: ~2.0-2.3% of assessed value

However, because home prices are so much lower in Texas, many people still pay less in total property taxes than they did in California—especially when you factor in the income tax savings.

Example calculation:

$800,000 California home: ~$8,000/year in property tax
$400,000 Denton County home: ~$8,000-$9,200/year in property tax

Even though the rate is higher, you’re getting twice the house for similar annual property tax costs, PLUS saving thousands on state income tax.

Other Living Expenses

Groceries: 10-15% cheaper in Texas
Gas: Typically $0.40-$0.80/gallon cheaper
Utilities: Generally 15-20% lower
Childcare: 20-30% less expensive
Restaurants/Dining: 15-25% cheaper

What You’ll Get in Denton County

Denton County offers an appealing mix of small-town charm, suburban family-friendly communities, and access to big-city amenities.

Cities & Towns in Denton County

Denton – The county seat, home to University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Vibrant downtown square with local shops, restaurants, and live music. Mix of students, young professionals, and families.

Flower Mound – Master-planned community known for excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly atmosphere. Median home price ~$450,000-$500,000.

Highland Village – Affluent lakeside community on Lake Lewisville. Great schools and lower crime rates. Median home price ~$500,000-$600,000.

Lewisville – Diverse, established city with more affordable housing options. Good schools and easy highway access. Median home price ~$325,000-$400,000.

Little Elm – Fast-growing lakefront community with newer housing developments. Very family-oriented. Median home price ~$350,000-$425,000.

Argyle – Semi-rural community known for its top-rated schools, ranch estates, and small-town feel. Higher-end market with homes from $500,000-$1M+.

Trophy Club – Upscale golf course community between Denton and Tarrant counties. Excellent schools. Median home price ~$550,000-$700,000.

Frisco (northern edge) – One of the fastest-growing cities in America. Home to pro sports teams (Dallas Cowboys practice facility, FC Dallas, minor league baseball). Median home price ~$500,000-$650,000.

Schools

Denton County is home to several highly-rated school districts that consistently rank among the best in Texas:

Argyle ISD – Regularly ranked in the top 10 in the state
Lewisville ISD – Large, well-funded district serving multiple cities
Northwest ISD – Fast-growing district with excellent ratings in Trophy Club and far north county areas
Frisco ISD – One of the top districts in Texas (serves parts of northern Denton County)

Many families moving from California are pleasantly surprised by the quality of public schools in Denton County, especially compared to the cost.

Weather & Climate

This is often the biggest adjustment for California transplants.

What to Expect:

Summers: Hot and humid. Expect 95-105°F from June-August with high humidity.
Winters: Mild with occasional cold snaps. Average 40-60°F, but can drop to freezing. Rare snow/ice events (1-3 times per winter).
Spring/Fall: Beautiful! 60-80°F with lower humidity.
Rain: More rainfall than most of California. ~37 inches/year vs. California’s ~15-22 inches.
Tornadoes: Denton County is in “Tornado Alley.” Severe weather typically March-May. Most homes have storm shelters or safe rooms.

The Truth: Yes, the humidity takes adjustment. But you’ll have four actual seasons, thunderstorms that water your lawn naturally, and you won’t deal with wildfire smoke or extreme drought conditions.

Things You’ll Gain

Land & Space – Quarter-acre to multi-acre lots are common and affordable. You can actually have a backyard.

Lakes & Outdoor Recreation – Lake Lewisville, Lake Grapevine, and Lake Ray Roberts offer boating, fishing, and water sports right in your backyard.

No Traffic (Comparatively) – Yes, DFW has traffic. But nothing like the 405 or Bay Area commutes. Most Denton County residents have 20-30 minute commutes.

Easier Lifestyle – Everything feels more accessible. Parking is abundant. Roads are wider. Stores are less crowded.

Strong Community Feel – Many Denton County cities have active community events, farmer’s markets, and local traditions.

Things You’ll Miss

Let’s be honest about the trade-offs:

Beach Access – You’re now 4+ hours from the Gulf Coast. No more weekend beach trips.

Mountains & Hiking – North Texas is flat. The nearest mountains are 6+ hours away in New Mexico or Arkansas.

California Weather – The year-round mild climate is hard to beat.

Certain Food Scenes – While DFW has excellent food diversity, you won’t find the same level of authentic Asian, Mexican, or farm-to-table options as major California metros (though it’s improving).

Political/Cultural Differences – Texas leans conservative overall, though Denton County (especially the city of Denton) has progressive pockets. The cultural vibe is different from California.

Jobs & Economy

The DFW metroplex has one of the strongest job markets in the U.S., and Denton County is part of this boom.

Major Industries:

Technology (Uber, Microsoft, AT&T, Texas Instruments)
Finance (JP Morgan, Charles Schwab, Fidelity)
Healthcare (multiple major hospital systems)
Aviation (DFW Airport, American Airlines)
Manufacturing (Toyota, Samsung)

Remote Workers: If you’re keeping your California salary while moving to Texas, you’ll see a massive increase in purchasing power. A $150,000 California salary goes as far as $200,000+ in Denton County when you factor in cost of living differences.

Practical Moving Tips

Selling Your California Home

If you’re selling a California property to buy in Denton County, you’ll likely have significant equity. Work with a local Texas agent (like me!) who understands California transplants and can help you:

Time your purchase to align with your California sale
Navigate Texas-specific contract terms (they’re different from California)
Understand property tax implications
Find the right neighborhood match for your lifestyle

Finding the Right Denton County Neighborhood

The best city for you depends on:

Your commute: Where will you work? DFW is spread out.
School priorities: Do you have kids? School quality varies by district.
Lifestyle: Do you want walkable downtown (Denton), master-planned suburbs (Flower Mound), or rural land (Argyle)?
Budget: Prices range from roughly $300,000 to $1M+ depending on area and home size.

Pro tip: Plan a visit to tour multiple neighborhoods. What looks good online may not match your vibe in person, and vice versa.

Understanding Texas Real Estate

Key Differences from California:

Earnest money: Typically higher in Texas ($1,000-$5,000+)
Option period: Texas buyers get an “unrestricted right to terminate” period (usually 7-10 days) where you can back out for any reason
Title companies: Texas uses title companies instead of escrow companies
Property disclosure: Sellers must provide a detailed disclosure notice
Homestead exemption: Texas offers property tax exemptions for primary residences

Timeline

Most California-to-Texas moves take 2-4 months from decision to moving day:

Research neighborhoods (2-4 weeks)
Visit Texas and tour homes (1 week)
Make an offer and close (30-45 days)
Pack and move (2-4 weeks)

Many people choose to rent for 6-12 months first to get to know the area before buying. This is totally valid—don’t rush the biggest purchase of your life.

Common Questions from California Transplants

“Will I be able to find good sushi/tacos/Asian food?” DFW has excellent food diversity. You’ll find great options, though it may take some exploring to find your new favorites.

“What about the politics?” Texas is conservative-leaning, but Denton County (especially Denton city and some suburbs) has a mix of political views. You’ll find your people.

“Can I handle the heat?” Most people adjust within their first summer. AC is excellent everywhere, and you’ll learn to embrace early morning activities and evening outdoor time.

“Will my kids adjust?” Kids are resilient. The excellent schools, outdoor space, and family-friendly communities make Texas a great place to raise children.

“Do I need a truck/big vehicle?” Nope. You’ll see lots of trucks (it’s Texas), but people drive everything. Roads are wider, parking is easier, and you can drive whatever you want.

Making the Move: Next Steps

If you’re seriously considering moving from California to Denton County, here’s how to get started:

Do your research – Use online resources to compare cities, school districts, and home prices
Run the numbers – Calculate your actual costs including property taxes, insurance, and cost of living
Visit in person – Spend a long weekend exploring different Denton County cities
Connect with a local agent – Work with someone who understands California transplants and can guide you through Texas-specific real estate nuances
Plan your timeline – Coordinate selling in California with buying in Texas

Ready to Explore Denton County?

Moving from California to Texas is a big decision, but thousands of families are making the move successfully every year. With the right preparation and local guidance, you can make the transition smoothly.

Whether you’re ready to start house-hunting or just exploring your options, I’m here to help. As a Denton County native and experienced real estate agent, I work with California transplants regularly and can answer your specific questions about neighborhoods, schools, commutes, and the home-buying process.

Contact me today for a free consultation:

Call/Text: 940-206-9318
Email: RealtorBrownie@gmail.com
Schedule a call

Let’s find you the perfect Denton County home—with more space, lower costs, and the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Related Articles:

Keywords: Moving from California to Texas, Denton County Texas, relocating to Denton County, California to Texas move, Denton County real estate, Texas cost of living, moving to North Texas

Moving from California to Denton County, Texas: Your Complete Guide