Utahns Moving to Texas, Avoid These Towns

I was listening to a Utah native who has lived here all his life over the weekend. In passing, he commented he would like to move out of state to try life in a different area.

As a young family, we bumped into a company willing to hire me in Houston, Texas. The time we spent there was incredible, and I still treasure the adventure so I shared the experience with him. He responded that he might want to try Texas.

If you decide it's time to leave Utah and head for the expansive land of Texas, be aware of towns that struggle with challenges. This is a non-comprehensive list of towns whose issues could negatively impact your life if you decide to move there.

5 Places You Should Avoid if Moving to Texas

Hutchins

A small town next to Dallas, this town has a 35% poverty rate, unemployment is at 8.3%, and a crime rate of 60% above the national average.

Robstown

This is a small agricultural hub near Corpus Christi. Crop jobs are the norm here so almost 40% of the town lives below the poverty line. I don’t know if it’s out of desperation, but violent crime is almost three times the national average and public schooling has posted low testing scores. With a claim to be the birthplace of Texas hold 'em poker, Robstown is a gamble on your future.

Livingston

Near Lake Livingston this town has a 90% crime rate above the national average. With a low median income of $33,000, a $88,900 median home value and a graduation rate of 77%. Livingston makes the list of towns to avoid in Texas.

San Benito

This town is near Mexico's border as well as the Rio Grande Valley. It suffers from incomes that are below average, which is reflected in schools that lack resources. Crime rates are high even though the cost of living is affordable.

Balch Springs

Balch Springs might just take the prize for being the worst place to live in Texas. Violent crime rates are 225% higher than average fueled by high levels of poverty and unemployment. It is a suburb of Dallas, and the city needs infrastructural repair. The school district is known for being deficient, all of which puts Balch Springs on this list.

I hate to publish this list because these communities probably already feel kicked around, but I think you should be informed before you leap into what could be a desperate situation.