14 Things You’ll Get Addicted to Living in Texas

3. Long drives through the middle of nowhere.

A photo posted by Texas Life (@texaslifeyall) on Feb 5, 2017 at 3:32pm PST

This might drive New Englanders absolutely insane, but for Texans commuting between cities on weekends or visiting family out west, is just another day of living in the Lone Star State. With a speed limit of 85 mph heading to and from El Paso, Texas is one of the best places in the country to open up your car.

4. Live music that’s actually good.

A photo posted by Mohawk (@mohawkaustin) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:08am PST

There are so many reasons Austin is the epicentre of Texas culture, but its real claim to fame started once bars on 6th Street made room for bands. Don’t expect to waste your ears on music that would play in some cafe in Arizona, for the Live Music Capital of the World, only the best.

5. Sunsets.

A photo posted by Loni (@loniles) on Feb 7, 2017 at 5:06pm PST

Texas is flatter than any other American can imagine… unless you’re from Kansas. As a result, our sunsets last a lifetime, and burn brighter than those cut off by mountains.

6. Texas-shaped food.

A photo posted by Hayleycakes And Cookies (@thehayleycakes) on Feb 7, 2017 at 6:21pm PST

Have you ever heard of a waffle in the shape of Colorado? Of course you have; it’s just a rectangle. Nevertheless, Texans pride themselves on designing as many foods as possible in the shape of the Lone Star State, including waffles, chips, cookies, even pizza.

7. Football on Sundays.

A photo posted by Dallas Cowboys (@cowboys_fansonly) on Feb 7, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

And Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday… actually, just reserve your whole week for time with the Cowboys.

8. “Don’t mess with Texas.”

While this may have started as an anti-littering campaign in the 80s, the phrase has become synonymous with the Texas stereotype of being big and tough. It doesn’t hurt that we have more military bases than any other state.

9. BBQ so good you don’t need sauce.

A photo posted by MyFab5 Austin (@bestfoodaustin) on Feb 6, 2017 at 7:01pm PST

Our brisket is smoked until it’s so ridiculously tender and juicy. Of course, you can add sauce, and Rudy’s BBQ has the best label for those who choose to do so.

10. Ways to cool off.

A photo posted by Amy’s Ice Creams (@amysicecreams) on Jan 8, 2017 at 10:06am PST

A photo posted by Brittany Hawes (@brittanyhawes) on Feb 7, 2017 at 5:28pm PST

If there’s one thing we’ve mastered from living in a Texas that becomes unbearable in the summertime, it’s how to keep from sweating to death. From Amy’s Ice Cream in Austin to jumping into watering holes like Barton Springs and Hamilton Pool, Texas is where you go to feel the heat AND beat it.

11. The outdoors.

A photo posted by Katie Holsinger (@katieholsinger) on Feb 6, 2017 at 12:30pm PST

You never have to go that far in Texas to truly get away from it all. We’ve got Big Bend National Park near El Paso, and plenty of greenery surrounding Austin and Central Texas. Whether you’re looking for a camping trip or just a hike over your lunch break, it’s not hard to experience nature in Texas.

12. Friendliness.

Texas love their small talk, whether you’re just shooting the breeze with a waiter behind the counter or filling up a tank of gas in the middle of nowhere. Good drivers flash their taillights to show their appreciation you let them pass, and everyone gets a friendly wave from time to time.

13. Not paying income tax.

It makes the paperwork in April so much easier…

14. Tex-mex in the morning, noon, and night.

A photo posted by Madeleine Inglish (@mcinglish) on Dec 30, 2016 at 12:22pm PST

Breakfast tacos before 7 AM, a handy burrito for lunch, and fajitas with frozen margaritas for dinner.