From the Alamo to Big Bend to Cowboys Stadium, the number of bragging rights Texas holds is almost as vast as the size of our great state. Now Texas has something else to brag about: For the fifth year in a row, the Lone Star State takes top honors as the No. 1 destination spot in the U.S., according to Allied Van Lines’ 42nd Annual Magnet States Report.

Perhaps not surprisingly, sightings of out-of-state license plates on Texas roads are becoming increasingly common. According to the Census Bureau, Texas added more people than any other state from July 2008 to 2009.

So why do so many people want to call Texas home?

According to third quarter 2009 Texas Housing Affordability Index numbers compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, our state leads the nation in affordable housing. One reason why Texas home prices remain affordable is because the state suffered a much less severe housing boom and bust than experienced by other states.

Another big reason people are relocating to Texas is because there is no state income tax here. Texas also is blessed with a lower unemployment rate than the national average. Furthermore, the Texas economy is diverse and has a lot to offer in terms of job quality and quantity. When you throw in the lower cost of living that stretches hard-earned dollars a bit further, it’s not hard to understand why so many people are flocking to the Lone Star State.