{"id":5156,"date":"2022-12-14T17:24:11","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T17:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=5156"},"modified":"2024-11-07T18:28:25","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T18:28:25","slug":"texas-location-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/travel-guides\/texas-location-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas: Healthcare Employment Location Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Texas is famous for its BBQ, longhorn steers, iconic live music events, scorching summers with pleasant winters (in most parts of the state) and massive size. The state\u2019s famous slogan \u2013 Everything is Bigger in Texas \u2013 applies to lots of things, including healthcare job opportunities. Nurses and other medical professionals are in high demand and have loads of job options at top medical facilities throughout The Lone Star State. With so many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nursing jobs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allied health jobs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available in Texas, it might be overwhelming to try and balance employment options with personal desires when trying to choose the ideal place to live. This guide gives you a starting place in the great big State of Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Top Hospitals in Texas<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare is one of Texas\u2019 top job sectors. Vivian Health had more than 10,000 permanent RN positions and over 7,500 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/travel\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel nursing jobs in Texas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> listed on our job board in early December 2022. We also had nearly 700 permanent allied health jobs and more than 1,800 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/travel\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel allied health jobs in Texas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during this same period. These positions were available at top medical facilities across the state, including these:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/facilities\/hca-healthcare\/\"><b>HCA Healthcare<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6399 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/HCA-Healthcare-Resized-scaled-e1675446953577.jpg\" alt=\"HCA Healthcare\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formed in 1968, Hospital Corporation America (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careers.hcahealthcare.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HCA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) was one of the first hospital companies in the U.S. It\u2019s now one of the nation&#8217;s leading healthcare service providers with 182 hospitals and approximately 2,300 ambulatory sites of care, including urgent care centers, freestanding ERs, surgery centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. Headquartered in Nashville, HCA Healthcare employs more than 283,000 medical professionals. It currently has <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careers.hcahealthcare.com\/pages\/locations-us-texas\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">47 hospital locations in Texas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including these top facilities:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/facilities\/medical-city-hospital-dallas-tx\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical City Dallas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an 899-bed Grade A hospital in Dallas recognized for its commitment to providing quality patient care in its cutting-edge medical facilities. It was <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/best-hospitals\/area\/tx\/medical-city-dallas-hospital-6741025\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regionally ranked<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> #16 in Texas and #5 in Dallas\/Fort Worth in 2022\/2023 and has earned Magnet recognition for its nursing excellence since 2003.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/facilities\/park-plaza-hospital-houston-tx\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is conveniently located in the heart of the Houston Museum District and has been meeting the growing health needs of the communities it serves since 1975. It\u2019s a Grade A hospital with a 400,000-square-foot facility boasting an 18-bed emergency room open 24\/7.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/facilities\/methodist-hospital-san-antonio-tx\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methodist Hospital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in San Antonio opened in 1963 as the flagship hospital in the now internationally acclaimed South Texas Medical Center. It was <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/best-hospitals\/area\/tx\/methodist-hospital-6743122\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regionally ranked<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> #13 in Texas and #1 in San Antonio in 2022\/2023 and rated high performing in 11 adult procedures and conditions, just one of several prestigious accreditations for clinical excellence it\u2019s received.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/spotlight-houston-methodist\/\"><b>Houston Methodist Hospital<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Houston-Methodist-Resize-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Houston Methodist\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1344\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formed in 1919 as The Methodist Hospital with only 30 beds, Houston Methodist Hospital is now a leading academic medical system in the Texas Medical Center near Downtown Houston. It&#8217;s the flagship of the Houston Methodist health system, which has\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.houstonmethodist.org\/locations\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">334 locations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0throughout the Greater Houston Area. These locations include hospitals, outpatient clinics, cancer centers, emergency care centers, outpatient labs and specialty physician group offices. The eight hospitals scattered throughout Greater Houston have more than 2,000 beds, 24,000 employees and 6,700 affiliated physicians combined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the 10th consecutive year, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/facilities\/houston-methodist-hospital-houston-tx\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Houston Methodist Hospital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ranked as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursingworld.org\/organizational-programs\/magnet\/find-a-magnet-organization\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#1 hospital in Texas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the Houston area. It\u2019s also the only nationally ranked hospital in Texas, ranking #15 on America&#8217;s Best Hospitals 2022-23 Honor Roll. It achieved national rankings in 10 adult specialties and high-performing ratings in 18 adult procedures and conditions. Its nursing staff has earned Magnet status since 2002. Healthgrades recognized Houston Methodist Hospital as one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthgrades.com\/hospital-directory\/texas-tx-houston\/houston-methodist-hospital-hgstfe2bc8b6450358\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top 50 hospitals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> nationwide and awarded the hospital its Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2021 and 2022.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bswhealth.com\/locations\/dallas\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Baylor University Medical Center<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6094\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/BUMC-Dallas-Resized-scaled-e1671087154145.jpg\" alt=\"BUMC - Baylor Hospital Complex Dallas Texas\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the flagship facility of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/facilities\/baylor-scott-white-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baylor Scott &amp; White Health<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">system, Baylor University Medical Center is a major patient care, teaching and research center for the Southwest. From its humble opening in 1903 with just 25 beds, it\u2019s now a nationally recognized center with 914 licensed beds, serving over 300,000 people yearly.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baylor University Medical Center earned <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/best-hospitals\/area\/tx\/baylor-university-medical-center-6740900\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national ranking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in one adult specialty and ranked regionally as the No. 4 hospital in Texas and No. 2 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It also rated high performing in 5 adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. Its nursing staff has achieved Magnet status since 2004.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Average Nurse and Allied Health Pay Rates in Texas<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In early December 2022, Vivian Health had 1,000s of healthcare jobs posted on our jobs marketplace at hospitals and other healthcare facilities throughout Texas. The following table demonstrates the average rates for travel and staff jobs in nursing and allied health.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Discipline<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Average Pay Rate<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Max Pay Rate<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staff Registered Nurse<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$45\/hour<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$96\/hour<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/nursing\/travel\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel Registered Nurse<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$2,298\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5,155\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staff Allied Health<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$44\/hour<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$62\/hour<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/allied-health\/travel\/texas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel Allied Health<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$2,142\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$4,446\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Within each discipline, certain specialties were in higher demand than others. In-demand RN roles included jobs in ED, OR, med surg, telemetry, ICU, labor and delivery, PICU, intermediate care, pediatric and stepdown nursing, and clinical nurse coordinators and nurse case managers. Top recruited allied health roles included CT techs, surgical techs, cath lab techs, radiology technologists, respiratory therapists, MRI techs, X-ray techs, ultrasound techs, pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, medical assistants, phlebotomists and mammography techs. While the salaries above reflect the average of all professionals within the discipline, actual pay varies based on specialty, location, the number of working hours, experience, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/certifications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional certifications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other factors employers may find essential to the role.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Cost of Living in Texas<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the average healthcare salary in Texas tends to be slightly lower than the average nationwide, Texas&#8217;s overall\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestplaces.net\/cost_of_living\/state\/texas\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cost of living\u00a0<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is about 6% lower than the national average. Essential items that cost less than the national average include groceries, healthcare, utilities and miscellaneous goods and services but housing costs make the most significant difference.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Average housing costs are 16.5% lower in Texas compared to the national average. However, nurses and allied health professionals considering buying a home must remember that the state had the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiplinger.com\/slideshow\/taxes\/t054-s001-states-without-income-tax\/index.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seventh-highest\u00a0median property tax rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> nationwide in October 2019. On the flip side, Texas doesn\u2019t collect state income tax, and most traditional grocery items, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, wound care products and many baby products are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/comptroller.texas.gov\/taxes\/publications\/96-280.php\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exempt from state sales taxes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Top Locations to Live in Texas<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Texas is the second-largest state by area and population. According to the 2021 Texas Relocation Report, the state has seen an influx of residents over the last decade for several reasons. Top motives to move to The Lone Star State include the numerous job opportunities in healthcare and many other industries, lower housing costs, below-average cost of living, lack of personal income taxes, great food, good schools, diverse outdoor activities year-round, vibrant culture and friendly people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical professionals looking for a new place to call home in Texas should consider cities that topped the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/realestate.usnews.com\/places\/rankings\/best-places-to-live-in-texas\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best Places to Live in Texas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> list<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These cities offer several perks for those wanting to put down roots or just take a temporary contract. Some top cities for consideration include the following.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/dallas-tx\/\"><b>Dallas<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5670 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Career tips for Dallas Nurses\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-2048x1075.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-705x370.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/10\/Dallas-Skyline5-Resized-1410x740.jpg 1410w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home to nearly 1.3 million residents and often referred to as the Big D, Dallas offers big-city excitement and affordability compared to many other metros of similar size. Dallas\/Fort Worth ranked second on the Best Places to Live in Texas list in 2022-2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses and allied health professionals looking for trendy shops and some of the best museums and galleries in the state find them in Dallas. They can easily find live music most nights of the week, and sports fans have plenty of pro teams to root for, including the Cowboys, Mavericks and Stars. Local cuisine tops the charts, and it\u2019s home to some of the best parks, generally within a 10-minute walk for about 70% of the population.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare workers with children have access to more than 350 public elementary, middle and high schools. Kid-friendly activities include an indoor water park, a local zoo and Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, just 20 miles away. Dallas has 18 colleges and\/or universities for continuing education opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/houston-tx\/\"><b>Houston<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5159 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/houston.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/houston.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/houston-300x158.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/houston-768x403.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/houston-1024x538.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/houston-705x370.jpeg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With nearly 2.3 million residents, Houston is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth-most populous city in the nation. Located in southeastern Texas, Houston ranked third on the Best Places to Live in Texas list. It\u2019s home to the Texas Medical Center, the world\u2019s largest medical campus, with more than 50 healthcare, research and educational institutions providing lots of job opportunities for nurses and other healthcare workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Houston\u2019s growing economy, affordable housing and an array of world-class attractions continually lure people to the city. Residents and visitors alike flock to major attractions, such as the Museum District, the Houston Zoo, Space Center Houston and NASA&#8217;s Johnson Space Center. Free attractions like the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park west of downtown Houston and the 7,800-acre George Bush Park on the far west side of Houston offer various hiking, biking and\/or jogging trails. Like Dallas, it\u2019s home to numerous pro sports teams, including the Texans, Astros and Rockets, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For healthcare professionals with children, Houston is also a great place to raise a family. It has 247 public elementary, middle and high schools. It also has 13 colleges and\/or universities for those wanting to continue their education. The metropolis has one of the nation&#8217;s most racially and ethnically diverse populations, making it a more inclusive community than some.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/san-antonio-tx\/\"><b>San Antonio<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6400 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/San-Antonio-Riverwalk-Resized-scaled-e1675447526833.jpg\" alt=\"San Antonio Riverwalk\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 1.4 million residents call San Antonio home, where they enjoy a unique mix of big-city flair and small-town friendliness. San Antonio ranked fourth on the Best Places to Live in Texas list. It\u2019s home to iconic attractions like the Alamo and the River Walk, excellent museums, thrilling theme parks and diverse restaurants and shops. San Antonio is also the gateway to the lush oasis dubbed the Texas Hill Country and hosts the San Antonio Spurs. The city strives to remain one of Texas&#8217;s most affordable major urban centers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a style=\"color: #006400;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/explore\/austin-tx\/\"><b>Austin<\/b><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6401 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Austin4-Resized-scaled-e1675447975465.jpg\" alt=\"Austin, Texas\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home to around\u00a0965,000 residents, Austin is the smallest city in our guide. However, it\u2019s significant for being the state\u2019s capital and hosting several famous multi-day live music events. Austin is known as the Music Capital of the World, so healthcare professionals who enjoy live music should love living here. Noteworthy events include the annual 10-day South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and the\u00a0Austin City Limits Music Festival\u00a0held during two consecutive three-day weekends in October. The city\u2019s many parks are popular for hiking and biking and race fans enjoy Formula One&#8217;s Circuit of the Americas raceway.\u00a0Austin ranked first\u00a0on the Best Places to Live in Texas list.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Popular Texas Attractions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurses and allied health professionals who make Texas their home on a temporary or permanent assignment find plenty of attractions to enjoy on their days off. Texas&#8217;s sheer diversity of attractions makes the state a stunning place to live, work, and play. No matter your favorite pastime, there\u2019s probably one or more attractions you find appealing. From\u00a0buried Cadillacs\u00a0in Amarillo to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.usnews.com\/rankings\/best-beaches-in-texas\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pristine beaches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0all along the Gulf Shore and from\u00a0stockyards\u00a0in Fort Worth to\u00a0spaceships\u00a0in Houston, The Lone Star State has it all and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6402 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/The-Alamo-San-Antonio3-Resized-e1675449040140.jpg\" alt=\"The Alamo - San Antonio\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/The-Alamo-San-Antonio3-Resized-e1675449040140.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/The-Alamo-San-Antonio3-Resized-e1675449040140-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/The-Alamo-San-Antonio3-Resized-e1675449040140-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/The-Alamo-San-Antonio3-Resized-e1675449040140-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/The-Alamo-San-Antonio3-Resized-e1675449040140-705x370.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>The Alamo: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the most important historical monument in Texas history, the Alamo remains one of the most popular destinations in San Antonio. It should be on everyone\u2019s to-see list, even if history isn\u2019t their thing. The Battle of the Alamo took place in 1836. Although Mexico outnumbered and brutally defeated Texas, it caused an impressive surge in the Texan army\u2019s size and morale. The Battle became a symbol of heroic resistance in the struggle for independence. Visitors can read about the Alamo\u2019s history on the illustrated Wall of History exhibit, walk through the Alamo Church and Long Barrack, see restored historic cannons and priceless artifacts and experience hands-on demonstrations and living history of the 1830s. The San Antonio Missions, including The Alamo, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015, making them the first and only UNESCO site in Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/San-Antonio-Riverwalk3-Resized-scaled-e1675449988906.jpg\" alt=\"San Antonio Riverwalk\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>San Antonio River Walk: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 15-mile-long River Walk is frequently listed as the No. 1 attraction in Texas and flows through about five miles of Downtown San Antonio. The Downtown and Museum Reach sections of the River Walk remain open 24 hours a day. There\u2019s no cost to walk along the River Walk, soaking up the history and ambiance, but certain activities require a fee. Visitors enjoy boat rides, fine dining, shopping, museums and leisurely strolls along lush paths lined with Cypress trees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Padre Island National Seashore: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part of the National Park Service, Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, protecting one of the longest stretches of undeveloped barrier islands worldwide. It covers about 70 miles of coastline, tidal flats, dunes and prairies teeming with wildlife. The park provides a safe nesting ground for Kemp\u2019s ridley sea turtles and is home to around 380 bird species. Visitors enjoy a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, birding, camping and communing with nature.<\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Fort Worth Zoo:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Whether you\u2019re an animal lover or you have kids who can\u2019t get enough of the monkeys, giraffes, elephants and rhinos, Fort Worth Zoo is the place to be. Voted the Best Zoo in America in USA Today\u2019s 2020 Reader\u2019s Choice Awards, Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 540 animal species from around the globe. It&#8217;s also the oldest continuously operated zoo in Texas. The Fort Worth Zoo is open daily, year-round, with half-price admissions on Wednesdays.<\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6403 size-full\" style=\"font-weight: 300;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Palo-Duro-Canyon-State-Park-Texas-Resized-scaled-e1675449378656.jpg\" alt=\"Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Texas\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Palo Duro Canyon State Park: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dubbed the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park features a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment in the heart of the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo. It\u2019s the second-largest canyon in the U.S., roughly 120 miles long with an average width of six miles but reaching 20 miles wide in some places. Visitors can explore the canyon in their car or on foot, mountain bike or horseback. It features 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and offers outdoor musicals in the Pioneer Amphitheater during the summer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Texas Foodie Scene<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6404 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Texas-BBQ-Resized-e1675449699234.jpg\" alt=\"Texas BBQ Feast\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Texas-BBQ-Resized-e1675449699234.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Texas-BBQ-Resized-e1675449699234-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Texas-BBQ-Resized-e1675449699234-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Texas-BBQ-Resized-e1675449699234-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/12\/Texas-BBQ-Resized-e1675449699234-705x370.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The massive size of Texas translates to a massive array of food choices to temp foodies\u2019 taste buds. BBQ is a Texas staple, and Dallas is home to several of the state\u2019s best barbecue joints. If you\u2019ve never had Texas-style barbecue, you\u2019re in for a treat. Texas BBQ often features brisket, beef ribs, sausages and pork ribs cooked over oak, mesquite, hickory or pecan. Dry rubs are the norm, with bases made of dry mustard and chili powder customized to the pitmaster\u2019s preferences. Pitmasters also may use flavorful mop sauces for basting and\/or marinating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Houston offers some of the top culinary destinations in Texas, including mouth-watering burgers at myriad burger joints. It\u2019s also known for having the best Tex-Mex, a regional version of Mexican cuisine with a Texas twist. However, some Houston eateries forego Tex-Mex and serve authentic Mexican dishes dubbed Mex-Mex.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Austin is a well-known foodies\u2019 paradise with a wide range of food truck parks throughout the city serving everything from tacos to Korean cuisine. Great restaurants also line San Antonio\u2019s famous River Walk for foodies to enjoy, including many fine dining establishments featuring chef-driven creations.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Getting Around The Lone Star State<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite Texas\u2019 large size, its metro areas suffer from traffic congestion, just like metro areas in more compact states. As the second-most populous state in the nation, Texas attempts to lower highway congestion and improve commute times and air quality through <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">public transportation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Currently, the average one-way commute in Texas takes about 26 minutes, just under the national average. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state has eight metropolitan transit authorities, 32 urban transit districts and 36 rural transit districts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for a new job in The Lone Star State, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivian Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help. Our platform connects healthcare professionals with top employers in Texas or any state by focusing on information transparency, a speedier hiring process and matching the ideal candidate with the perfect job. We empower nurses and allied health workers to find top-notch job opportunities by creating a free profile and using our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">job board<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0to make finding their dream job quicker and easier than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #124e3b; color: #fdfeff; font-size: 20px; border-radius: 10px; padding: 15px; min-height: 30px; min-width: 120px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/browse-jobs\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse Jobs<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find your next travel healthcare job in Texas. This guide gets you started with top locations to live and work.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":6093,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[118,12],"tags":[19,290,294,295,303,75,87,90],"class_list":["post-5156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guides","category-travel-nursing","tag-allied-health-professional","tag-discipline","tag-employment","tag-location","tag-permanent","tag-rn","tag-texas","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2022\/06\/Texas-Marker-Resized-scaled-e1735685401261.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5156"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5156\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6093"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}