My whole life, my parents have moved around a ton. Their most recent adventure landed them in Houston, Texas. Even though I have only been living here for a few weeks, I can already tell Texas is the most unique place I have ever experienced.
From cowboy boots, authentic food, and eight-lane highways, I have quickly come to learn that everything really is bigger in Texas. Despite the heat and spiders, I have already come to love this unique and beautiful state.
Based on my experience, I have made a list of seven things everyone who lives in Texas knows to be true.
1. Summers are unbearable
Even though summers anywhere in the south are extremely hot, the Texas heat seems to hit differently. With many days reaching past 100 degrees, you're sure to be used to sweating if you live here.
2. There are cows and longhorns everywhere
Even though I live in Houston, driving 10 minutes outside the city means tons of farm roads. I'm pretty sure there are like four times as many farm animals in Texas as there are people.
3. Taco trucks
One of my favorite parts about living in Texas is access to authentic food. Driving around in the evening, you are sure to see tons of tiny taco trucks propped up in parking lots. They serve the most delicious food, and if you're lucky like me, there might even be one that drives around your neighborhood.
4. Spiders
When we first moved into our house (even though it was brand new), I saw huge spiders everywhere. I have seen my fair share of spiders before, but these were something entirely different. Luckily, the spiders have been gone for a few weeks now, but I still see crazy bugs and hear stories about exotic snakes everywhere I go.
5. People are nicer
Even though I have lived in the south before, people in Texas seem to adopt the truest form of southern hospitality. Everyone at the grocery store is kind and friendly, looking to strike up a casual conversation. People are more helpful and sincere here too, and it's one of the best parts about Texas.
6. You can drive for 25 minutes and still not make it to a grocery store
Texas redefines the definition of huge. Even though my parents live in a pretty urban area, driving anywhere still takes forever. Going to the grocery store almost becomes a day trip, so make sure you're stocked up on gas. Also, in what other state can you drive for over 600 miles and still be within state borders?
7. Sunsets
Since Texas is so flat, it seems like the sunset stretches on for infinity. I've never been in a place where the night-time sky is as beautiful as it is here, and I'm mesmerized by it every night.