Property Taxes in Texas

[Karla Simmons]

Why is property tax so high in Texas? And does the state offer any kind of discount on property tax for seniors? I am asking humbly and sincerely. I have always wondered about the high property tax and figured this is a good place to pose the question. My husband and I are about to have our mortgage paid off on our primary residence and I am excited because we will just have to pay property tax and insurance. Where we live, property tax is about 1.2 %. We had considered moving to Texas at one point, but the property tax is a big deterrent. I believe great schools is probably part of what you are getting with the higher property tax, but what else? Again, I am asking sincerely.

Thank you

[Bruce Lynn]

No state income tax, no beach tax, no crazy other taxes that CA has.

I moved here from Bay Area....everything is significantly cheaper here in my opinion.  Gas, groceries, etc.

Also housing prices are cheaper.....I would say in many areas 1/3 cheaper, but maybe 3/4 less.   So while our property taxes as a % are higher, they may in fact be lower on a house to comparable house basis.

$1mil house in CA with 1.2% property taxes would be $12000/year.

Same or maybe every bigger, better, newer house in Texas might cost $400,000...so even in the highest taxed areas which are around 3%, taxes would be $12,000/year.

There are some senior discounts over 65 years of age in most areas.