Relocating from California? What to Know About Buying a $1M+ Home in Texas

Relocating from California to Texas and planning to buy a luxury home priced at $1 million or more? You're joining thousands of high-net-worth individuals making the same move—looking for more space, lower taxes, and top-tier schools in a pro-growth market. But buying in Texas is not the same as buying in California.

This guide breaks down the key things you need to know before making your move.

Summary of Key Points

• $1M+ homes in Texas offer more land, square footage, and lifestyle amenities than California.

• No state income tax, but property taxes are higher—be ready for different budgeting.

• Custom homes, gated communities, and new construction options abound in suburbs like Frisco, Celina, Prosper, and Southlake.

Why California Luxury Buyers Are Choosing Texas

• Escape high tax burdens and regulations

• Get more home and land for your money

• Enjoy new construction with top-tier amenities

• Access top-rated schools in suburban master-planned communities

• Leverage proximity to airports and growing job markets

What a $1M+ Home Gets You in Texas vs California

Feature	California	Texas (DFW Area)
Square Footage	~2,000–2,800 sq. ft.	~3,800–5,000+ sq. ft.
Lot Size	~5,000–6,500 sq. ft.	~9,000 sq. ft. to 1+ acres
Age of Home	10–30 years	New or <5 years
Common Features	Small yard, older systems	Smart tech, media rooms, outdoor kitchens
Community Amenities	Minimal	Clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, trails

Key Differences You Need to Plan For

1. Property Taxes

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are typically 2.2–3.3% depending on the city and school district. A $1.2M home in Frisco could have $26K–$36K in annual taxes. Make sure your monthly payments account for this difference.

2. HOAs and Master-Planned Communities

Most $1M+ homes in the DFW area are in HOA-managed master-planned communities. Expect:

• HOA fees: $1,200–$3,000/year

• Rules on exterior design, landscaping, short-term rentals

• Access to resort-style pools, clubhouses, and walking trails

3. New Construction vs Resale

• Many California buyers prefer new builds—you’ll find these in communities like Fields in Frisco or Windsong Ranch in Prosper.

• Resale options in areas like Southlake or Highland Park offer mature landscaping and shorter timelines, but less personalization.

Top Texas Cities Luxury Buyers Are Moving To

• Frisco: PGA headquarters, Fields development, top Frisco ISD schools

• Prosper: Family-oriented, luxury builds, larger lot sizes

• Celina: Explosive growth, estate lots, long-term upside

• Southlake: Established luxury, Carroll ISD, private gated estates

• Westlake: Executive-level privacy, Westlake Academy IB, custom homes

• University Park: Urban luxury near SMU, boutique resale inventory

How Nitin Gupta Helps California Buyers Make a Smooth Transition

Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, REALTOR®, specializes in assisting high-income relocation buyers make smart luxury purchases in DFW. Whether you’re buying remotely or visiting Texas for the first time, he’ll guide you through every step.

What Nitin Offers:

• Private video walk-throughs for remote clients

• In-depth tax estimates and school comparisons

• Access to off-market and luxury inventory

• Builder contract review and negotiation support

• Custom new construction timelines and finish-out coordination

Certifications Include:

• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

• Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

• Certified New Home Specialist

• Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)

See all certifications here:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/dallas-realtor-designations

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

Hear from California luxury buyers who trusted Nitin to find the perfect home in Texas:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/reviews

Ready to Start Your Move from California to Texas?

Let Nitin Gupta guide you through the luxury buying process—from your first consultation to closing on your dream home.

Schedule your private strategy session now: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact

Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Frisco real estate!

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About us: Frisco Expert Real Estate Agent

As a Top Real Estate Professional in Frisco , I understand the challenges that arise when buying a luxury home in Frisco.

As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.

Whether you are a first time buyer in Frisco looking to buy a home in Frisco or whether you are relocating to Frisco from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a luxury home in Frisco. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.

What is most important to you in your new home in Frisco? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Frisco that you can use to help make your home buying decision.