Firstly why College-Station, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: College-Station
• State: Texas
• Population: 119,993 people
• College-Station’s quick summary would be Home to Texas A&M University and the vibrant Memorial Student Center.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 9,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Texas A&M University attracting students and young professionals

Perk #1: College-Station Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $62,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in College-Station is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & College-Station’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,670
• Property Tax %: 1.97%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Southwood Valley
• Top 5 Growing Areas: College-Station, Bryan, Navasota, Caldwell, and probably could include Hempstead
• Avg. Age of Homes in College-Station: 29 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & College-Station’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in College-Station are  Education, Retail, and Healthcare
• College-Station Job Scene: growing job market focused on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: home to Texas A&M University, vibrant tech community focused on innovation ,
• College-Station Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in College-Station: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in College-Station

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Highway 6 provides access to College Station and surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Texas Avenue
• Transportation Score: 39 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in College-Station: 40,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for College-Station: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Easterwood

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: College-Station’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in College-Station is best described as features hot summers and mild winters with significant rainfall
• Winter Weather in College-Station i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in College-Station can be described as warm with rain possible
• Summer’s in College-Station are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in College-Station is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 30 days in summer
• Days in a row in College-Station below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally untroubled by pollution
• College-Station Winter Air generally good air quality historically minor impacts

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: College-Station Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in College-Station 2
• While the number of trade schools inside College-Stations’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the College Station Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & College-Station Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
• Registered Full-Time College-Station only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time College-Station only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• College-Station’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• College-Station’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• College-Station’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in College-Station

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town known for its university and youthful energy
• You might enjoy concerts at the Rudder Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), College-Station  features a vibrant college-town nightlife with a range of bars clubs and eateries catering to students

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of College-Station

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a blend of local dining and family-friendly restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around College-Station
• The Popular Sports Team is Texas A&M Aggies
• Top Level Political Climate in College-Station can be described as politically mixed area influenced by the local university
• College-Station’s Longer standing religious establishment is College Station Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: College-Station Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know College-Station has 25 Parks?
• Research Park is College-Station’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is College Station Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, outdoor sports, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: College-Station Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in College-Station can be described as energetic college-town lifestyle with a focus on education
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in College-Station hiking trails attending community events exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from College-Station are Plano 7 miles away The-Colony 5 miles away Little-Elm 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about College-Station or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Texas Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   College-Station’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Southwood Valley is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby College-Station are Plano 7 miles away The-Colony 5 miles away Little-Elm 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   College-Station has 0 days in a row below freezing and 30 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in College-Station people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in College-Station. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area influenced by the local university could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to College-Station.

Retiree & Senior Life in College-Station

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may benefit from property tax deductions aimed at older populations
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• College Station Senior Center hosts fitness classes social events and educational workshops

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to College-Station, Texas?

If College-Station, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around College-Station, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!