How Corporate Relocation from California Is Transforming Texas Real Estate

The Texas boom is no longer a secret. Headlines announcing a major company (many from California) moving its headquarters to or expanding its operations in the Lone Star State have become a weekly occurrence. This powerful trend of companies moving to Texas from California is doing more than just changing the economic landscape; it’s transforming communities and creating incredible opportunities for homebuyers.

This wave of Texas relocation is fueling significant job growth, introducing new industries, and inspiring people from across the country to seek a different way of life. As more professionals and their families make the move, they are taking a closer look at what Texas living truly has to offer. They aren’t just looking for a house; they’re searching for a place to put down roots, build connections, and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. This shift is shining a spotlight on thoughtfully designed new home communities that deliver on that promise.

Why So Many California Companies Are Moving to Texas

The migration of corporations moving to Texas is driven by a powerful combination of factors that benefit both the businesses and their employees. Texas offers a famously business-friendly climate with no state income tax, a reasonable regulatory environment, and a lower overall cost structure. This allows companies to invest more in growth and innovation.

Beyond the balance sheet, Texas provides access to a massive, diverse, and skilled workforce, fed by world-class universities and a culture of opportunity. Its central U.S. location, coupled with major international airports and robust infrastructure, makes it a logistical hub for national and global operations.

It’s no secret that big companies moving to Texas—from tech giants to financial services firms—are also motivated by the exceptional quality of life they can offer their teams. Employees find their salaries go further, opening the door to homeownership and a more balanced lifestyle, which is a key reason so many are happily moving to Texas from California.

How Corporate Migration Impacts the Texas Housing Market

The influx of new residents, particularly those moving from California to Texas, has significantly increased housing demand in major metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston. This corporate-driven migration is a primary driver behind the need for new home construction and the development of communities designed for modern families.

Unlike the crowded, high-cost markets they are leaving, new arrivals in Texas are discovering that homeownership is more attainable. The affordability advantage is significant, allowing families to purchase larger homes with more features than they could have imagined in California. This has led to a growing interest in new home communities that offer not just a place to live, but a complete lifestyle with built-in amenities, social programming, and long-term value.

What This Means for California Transplants

For those making the move from the West Coast, Texas offers a refreshing change of pace and a new set of expectations for what home can be.

Lifestyle Shifts

Many Californians experience a noticeable lifestyle shift when moving to Texas. Daily life often feels more spacious and less rushed, with larger homes and yards, lower living costs, and shorter commutes in many areas. The cultural pace tends to be more laid-back and community-oriented, and people commonly note a stronger emphasis on tradition, hospitality, and local pride. At the same time, newcomers adjust to hotter summers, different political climates, and a more car-centric way of living compared to some California cities.

Real Estate Expectations

In Texas, the emphasis is on community and connection. Homebuyers will find that new home communities are designed with intention, featuring amenities like resort-style pools, fitness centers, co-working spaces, and central gathering spots. Hillwood Communities, for example, is known for our signature Lifestyle by Hillwood℠ approach, which includes a full calendar of events and activities designed to turn neighbors into friends.

Cost of Living Benefits

The financial relief is undeniable. Lower housing prices, the absence of a state income tax, and more affordable daily expenses mean families have more disposable income to save, invest, or spend on creating memorable experiences together.

Popular Cities for Californians Relocating to Texas

As you explore your options, you’ll find that Hillwood has established premier communities in Texas’s most dynamic and desirable regions.

Dallas–Fort Worth Area

The DFW Metroplex is a major hub for corporate headquarters and offers a diverse economy with a rich cultural scene. Here, you’ll find some of our most celebrated communities:

• Harvest (Argyle, TX and Northlake, TX): One of the nation’s first “agrihoods,” Harvest honors its farming roots with a working professional farm, community gardening, private garden plots, and orchards of fruit trees that are the site of community picking events.
• Pecan Square (Northlake, TX): Designed to set a new standard for modern living, Pecan Square blends beautiful design with a forward-thinking, technology-driven lifestyle. With smart-home features, community-wide high-speed connectivity, and innovation woven into everyday life, the community is built for residents who value convenience, efficiency, and the future of connected living.
• Treeline (Justin, TX): Nestled among mature oak trees, Treeline encourages residents to unplug and connect with the outdoors through nature-themed amenities.
• Union Park (Little Elm, TX): A vibrant haven where lively community events bring neighbors together, Union Park encourages an active lifestyle with unique fitness-focused amenities like an ADA-accessible playground, an indoor/outdoor fitness park, and an extensive trail network. 
• Lilyana (Celina, TX): Just minutes from the big-city amenities of Frisco, Lilyana is a serene escape where modern homes meet winding trails, lush parks, and warm, neighborly charm.

• Our list of future new home communities in the DFW area is growing, with two exciting destinations in development:
  • Ramble (Celina, TX): Coming in Spring 2026, Ramble will offer an immersive nature experience with 4,000 planned homes winding through a four-mile greenbelt of parks and lakes.
  • Landmark (Denton, TX): Slated to open in Spring 2026, this 3,200-acre development will be a new destination to live, work, and learn, featuring 6,000 homes and an 1,100-acre green ecosystem.

Georgetown / Austin Area

Known for its vibrant music scene, tech industry, and the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the Austin area is a top destination.

• Wolf Ranch (Georgetown, TX): Located on the banks of the San Gabriel River, Wolf Ranch offers stunning Hill Country views and a lifestyle centered on outdoor adventure and community connection, just minutes from Georgetown’s charming town square.

Another new community by Hillwood is in the works for the area, with a planned opening date of Spring 2027:

• Melina (Georgetown, TX): A future Hillwood community, carefully envisioned to blend natural beauty with everyday connection. Melina will feature open green spaces, walkable trails, and inviting gathering places designed to foster a relaxed, connected lifestyle rooted in the charm of Georgetown.

Greater Houston Area

As a global center for the energy industry and home to a world-renowned medical center, Houston offers endless opportunities.

• Pomona (Manvel, TX): Just south of Houston, Pomona is a peaceful oasis with over 300 acres of wetlands and protected waters. Its tree-filled landscape and thoughtfully designed amenities create a sanctuary for modern living.
• Valencia (Manvel, TX): A vibrant Manvel retreat where lush parks, scenic trails, and community gathering spaces bring neighbors together, Valencia offers wellness-focused living with pickleball courts, playgrounds, and an inviting clubhouse for an everyday “sweet life.”
• Legacy (League City, TX): A thoughtfully planned community where tradition and connection come together. Legacy offers lakeside living, inviting green spaces, and scenic trails that encourage residents to gather, unwind, and enjoy everyday moments in a welcoming, connected setting.

The Benefits of Living in a Hillwood Community

For over 35 years, Hillwood Communities has been guided by a future-focused philosophy and a family legacy of visionary thinking. We don’t answer to quarterly reports; we answer to the generations of families who will call our communities home. This long-term view is why sustainability—social, economic, and environmental—is part of our DNA.

When you choose a Hillwood community, you benefit from:

• Modern, energy-efficient homes from the region’s top builders.
• Thoughtful community planning that preserves natural beauty and enhances long-term homeowner value.
• Our signature Lifestyle by Hillwood℠ programming, which fosters deep connections through hundreds of annual events, clubs, and activities.
• Abundant green spaces, including trails, parks, and unique gathering spots that invite you to explore.
• A welcoming environment designed for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a more connected way of life.

For out-of-state buyers navigating a new market, this thoughtful approach provides confidence and a seamless transition. You can explore available homes from our builders or choose from available home sites to build the home that’s perfect for your family.

FAQs Corporate Migration and Texas Real Estate

Find Your Place in Texas with Hillwood Communities

The best way to understand the Hillwood difference is to experience it for yourself. We encourage you to visit one of our communities, walk the trails, see the amenities, and imagine your new life in Texas.

Our new construction builders have available homes, and many are offering incentives, so now is a great time to buy! Contact us or visit a community today to begin your homebuying journey.