Moving to a new city involves a hundred tasks you didn't know you'd need to handle. If you're relocating to Taylor, Texas — whether for Samsung, family, or a fresh start — this checklist will keep you organized from first research through your first month as a Taylor resident.
I've helped dozens of families navigate this process, and these are the steps that matter most. Print this out, bookmark it, and check them off as you go.
8-12 Weeks Before Your Move
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This is step one, not step five. Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and makes your offer competitive when you find the right home. If you're a first-time buyer, my step-by-step guide covers programs, costs, and everything you need to know. I work with several local lenders who offer fast pre-approvals — reach out and I'll connect you.
Research neighborhoods. Taylor and the surrounding communities each offer a different lifestyle. Browse my neighborhood guides to understand the options: Taylor proper for small-town charm and the shortest Samsung commute, Hutto for suburban amenities, Thrall and Granger for rural acreage. My Hutto vs Taylor comparison is a good starting point if you're weighing those two.
Research schools if you have kids. School districts don't follow city boundaries in Texas. Read my school districts guide to understand Taylor ISD, Hutto ISD, Thrall ISD, and Granger ISD. Visit school websites and call for enrollment information.
Connect with a local realtor. Working with someone who knows the Taylor market saves you time and money. I can set up automated searches, send video tours, and answer the specific questions that online research can't cover. No obligation — let's just start a conversation.
6-8 Weeks Before Your Move
Plan a house-hunting trip. Dedicate 2-3 days to visit Taylor in person. Drive the neighborhoods, eat at the restaurants, visit schools, and get a feel for daily life. I'll build a customized tour based on your priorities — commute, schools, budget, lot size, whatever matters most to you.
Tour homes and make an offer. In Taylor's current market, well-priced homes move in 30-45 days. When you find the right one, be ready to act. Your pre-approval and your realtor's market knowledge will help you make a strong, competitive offer.
Start the closing process. Once your offer is accepted, the closing timeline is typically 30-45 days. Your lender, title company, and realtor coordinate the process. Key milestones: home inspection (days 1-10), appraisal (days 10-20), and closing preparation (days 20-45).
Get quotes from movers. Book early — especially if you're moving during summer months (peak season). Get at least three quotes. For long-distance moves, verify the company is licensed with the FMCSA. Keep receipts — moving expenses for work relocation may be tax-relevant.
2-4 Weeks Before Your Move
Set up utilities. Here's what you need for a Taylor home:
Electricity: Texas has a deregulated electricity market — you choose your provider. Compare plans at PowerToChoose.org. Lock in a fixed-rate plan to protect against seasonal price swings. Popular providers in the area include TXU, Reliant, and Gexa.
Water and sewer: Contact the City of Taylor Utility Billing at (512) 352-3463 to set up water service. If you're outside city limits, you may have a well or a rural water supply district.
Gas: If your home has natural gas (some newer communities like Spring Creek do), contact Atmos Energy to set up service.
Internet: Spectrum and AT&T are the primary providers in Taylor. Availability varies by address — check coverage before you move. Fixed wireless options are also available in some areas.
Trash: Included with City of Taylor water service for homes within city limits.
Forward your mail. Set up USPS mail forwarding at usps.com at least two weeks before your move. Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance companies, subscriptions, and employer.
Transfer medical records. Request records from your current doctors and dentists. Baylor Scott & White has a clinic in Taylor. For hospital care, Baylor Scott & White Round Rock and St. David's Georgetown are the closest major facilities (20-25 minutes).
Notify your current utility companies. Schedule disconnection dates for your current address to avoid paying for service you're not using.
Moving Week
Close on your home and get your keys. Closing typically takes 1-2 hours at the title company. Bring a valid photo ID and a cashier's check or wire transfer for closing costs (your lender will provide the exact amount in advance). You'll sign a stack of documents, and then the home is officially yours.
Do a final walkthrough. Before closing, walk through the home one last time to confirm it's in the agreed-upon condition. Check that any negotiated repairs were completed. Test lights, faucets, HVAC, and appliances.
Change the locks. This is a standard recommendation for any new home purchase. A locksmith can rekey all exterior doors for $100-$200 — worth every penny for peace of mind.
Introduce yourself to neighbors. Taylor is a friendly community. A wave, a knock on the door, or a simple introduction goes a long way. You'll be surprised how quickly you feel at home.
First Month in Taylor
File your homestead exemption immediately. This is free money you're leaving on the table if you delay. The homestead exemption removes $140,000 from your assessed value for school tax purposes, saving $2,000-$4,500 per year. File online at wcad.org with the Williamson County Appraisal District. See my property tax guide for the full breakdown.
Get your Texas driver's license. Texas requires a new license within 90 days of establishing residency. Visit the Williamson County Tax Office in Taylor (400 Porter Street) — it's typically faster than Austin-area DPS offices. Bring your current license, Social Security card, two proofs of Texas residency (utility bill, mortgage statement), and your passport or birth certificate. The fee is $33 for ages 18-84.
Register your vehicle. Same 90-day window. You'll need a Texas vehicle inspection first ($7.50 at any certified station in Taylor). Then visit the tax office with your inspection report, insurance card, and out-of-state title. Registration fees vary by vehicle but typically run $50-$75 plus local fees.
Register to vote. Register at VoteTexas.gov or at the Williamson County Elections office. Texas does not have same-day registration — you must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote.
Enroll kids in school. Contact the school district office for your zoned schools. Bring immunization records, previous school transcripts/report cards, proof of residence, and your child's birth certificate. Most Taylor-area districts can enroll students within 1-2 days.
Find your essentials. Here are the everyday spots you'll want to know:
Groceries: H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter are both on North Main Street. H-E-B is the beloved Texas grocery chain — give it a chance and you'll understand the hype. **Gas:** Multiple stations along Main Street and US 79. **Pharmacy:** Walgreens, CVS, and H-E-B Pharmacy. **Post office:** Taylor Post Office at 400 Talbot Street. **Library:** Taylor Public Library on North Main — great programs for kids. **Parks:** Murphy Park for playgrounds and the pool, Bull Creek Park for trails.
Explore your new community. Eat at Louie Mueller Barbecue. Walk downtown. Attend a First Friday event. Check the City of Taylor events calendar. Join a community group, a church, or a sports league. The fastest way to feel at home is to get involved.
The Big Picture
Moving is stressful — there's no getting around it. But Taylor makes the transition easier than most places. The community is welcoming, the pace is manageable, and the small-town feel means you'll find your footing quickly.
If you're in the planning stages and want someone to walk you through the process from start to finish, that's literally what I do. From finding the right home to recommending a locksmith for move-in day — I'm here for all of it.
Call me at (512) 809-8525 or visit baconsellstexas.com/contact. Let's get you to Taylor.
