Real Estate Directory - Texas
Population: 22,118,509 (2003 figures)
Capital city/population: Austin 672,011
Largest cities/population:
- Houston - 2,009,690
- San Antonio - 1,214,725
- Dallas - 1,208,318
- Austin - 672,011
Texas is the second largest state, with a total area of 268,601 square miles.
The state has three main climates: along the coast, a maritime climate exists, tempered by winds from the Gulf of Mexico. This area has pleasant summers and mild winter. In the western portion, the climate is dry, with huge dips in temperature overnight. The remainder of the state has cold winters and hot summers. Average annual temperatures range from 54ºF - 74ºF. Average annual precipitation ranges from less than 10” – 58”. Texas was admitted into the Union on December 29, 1845. Its cattle population is estimated to be near 16 million – King Ranch alone is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.
HOUSING
Houston- Sales for single-family homes increased by 8.7%, ending at 4,735 in November, 2005. This time period also marked the highest monthly median sales price for these homes, at $143,900, as well as the highest dollar volume of sales. Houston is experiencing a tremendous real estate market, with a wonderful diversity of homes being offered for sale. The city also offers great attractions like the Space Center, Six Flags, and the annual Rodeo.
San Antonio – As of the early part of January, 2006, the average list price for a single-family home is $234,413, an increase over last year. These homes are remaining on the market for an average of 95 days, a slight decrease from last year. Compared to the close of 2005, when average list price was $172,915, the market is inching upward, but still remaining stable and strong. San Antonio offers a rich blend of culture and modern living – the River Walk is a popular destination, drawing visitors from all over.
Dallas – Dallas offers something for everyone. With single-family homes ranging in price from $100,000 – over $2,000,000, home buyers are sure to find something in their price range. The majority of the homes sold in the $100,000 - $200,000 range, with an average stay on the market of 50 days. The city offers boundless entertainment opportunities, including sports, art, dining, sailing, and easy access through or around the city.
Austin – Developers are planning to build condominiums in the downtown area that will sell for $150,000- $240,000. Most new residential units downtown are selling for an average of $350,000. Much of the new development downtown is in the form of lofts, condominiums, and rental units; some of these are selling for under $200,000, as developers attempt to make downtown living affordable for more buyers. Austin has great attractions – known as the “live music capital of the world,” there are many nightclubs, a film/music festival, and great restaurants nearby.
BUSINESS/ECONOMY
Principal industries include trade, oil/gas extraction, services and manufacturing. Principal manufactured goods include industrial machinery/equipment, foods, electrical/electronic products, chemicals, and apparel. Chief crops include cotton, grain sorghum, grains, vegetables, citrus and other fruits, pecans, and peanuts. Total gross state product for 2000 was $764 billion.
SCHOOLS
The Texas Education Agency is responsible for monitoring and assessing four basic tests administered by the agency. The first one is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills,(TAKS), which measures reading, math, science, and social studies at various points throughout the K-12 grades. The second are the Reading Proficiency Tests in English, (RPTE), which measure annual growth in English reading proficiency of second language learners. The State-Developed Alternative Assessment, (SDAA), assesses special education students in grades 3 – 8, and the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills, (TAAS), measures statewide curriculum in reading, mathematics, and writing at the exit level. In the public sector, the student-teacher ratio for 1994 was 15:7, with an average teachers’ salary for 1995 of $32,000.
The largest of the state schools is the University of Texas – Austin, with branches at Arlington, Dallas, El Paso, Odessa, San Antonio, and Tyler. The divisions of the Texas A&M University are located at College Station, Prairie View, Stephenville, and Galveston.
Other state-supported institutions are Lamar University – Beaumont, Midwestern State University - Wichita Falls, Pan American University – Edinburg, Texas Southern University - Houston; the University of Houston, Texas Tech University - Lubbock; and Texas Woman's University - Denton.
HISTORY
In 1821, Moses Austin secured a colonization grant in San Antonio. He died from his efforts, but his son, Stephen Austin, led 300 families to establish the first American settlement in Texas. Within a decade, a large number of settlements had been established, and by 1830, the Americans outnumbered the Mexican settlers by more than 3:1. Texas declared its independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836, and a constitution was adopted shortly thereafter. Santa Anna arrived to crush this rebellion, but was outmaneuvered by Sam Houston in the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836.
Texas sought annexation to the United States, but antislavery forces opposed the admission of another slave state. Southerners pressed for the admission, and President Tyler narrowly pushed through the admission before the expiration of his term.
During the Civil War, settlers attracted by cheap land poured into the state. The cotton planters remained a strong political force and carried the state for the Confederacy. Texas remained the only Confederate state not overrun by Union troops during the war, and was readmitted to the Union in March, 1870.
In 1901, the discovery of huge oil deposits near Beaumont marked the beginning of the oil boom. This boom somewhat protected the state’s economic base during World War I and the Great Depression. World War II made great demands on the petrochemical and natural gas industries, and the establishment of military bases contributed to the economy.
In the late 1960s, Texas developed its technology industries, and the state has since become a desirable location for the headquarters of large airline, retail, telecommunication, and chemical companies. This growth has resulted in Texas becoming the second most populous state in the nation.
RELIGION (2000)
Texas ranks first in the number of Evangelical Protestants, with 5,083,087. Mainline Protestants – 1,705,394. It is third in the nation in Catholic and Buddhist populations, fifth in the nation in Muslim and Hindu congregations, sixth in the number of Mormons, and tenth in the number of Jewish synagogues.
DEMOGRAPHICS (2000)
- White - 52.7%
- Hispanic - 32%
- Black - 11.4%
- Asian - 2.7%
- Native American - 0.3%
- Mixed race - 0.9%