Here is an article from the Economist about TexasThanks to low taxes and light regulation, Texas is booming."

http://www.economist.com/surveys/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13938917

A second article is called Tex-mix. Article highlights good and bad. Interesting stats on housing. Thus a 1500 square foot home can be purchased in a "decent" part of Houston or Dallas for "as little as $100,000." And "an incomer from California might easily save 30% or more of his salary by moving from Silicon Valey to the 'Silicon Hills' of Austin."

http://www.economist.com/surveys/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13938907