Is a move to Texas on your horizon? The Lone Star State is home to many fine cities, and Houston is arguably one of the best. (Wondering how much moving to Houston may cost? Get a quote from multiple movers now!) Let’s take a closer look at what makes Houston a city worth checking out.
1. Your dream of home ownership can become reality in Houston
If you long to live the American Dream and own your own home, you could wake up to that reality in Houston. All things considered, the price of housing in Houston is significantly more affordable than in many major American cities.
In Houston, you’ll see smoke wafting up from backyard grills in both urban and suburban neighborhoods on bright weekend afternoons. This traditional picture is made possible by the abundant residential properties and reasonable home prices. Whether your budget is modest or generous, you have a good chance of finding the right home in Houston.
2. Houston has many great neighborhoods
Finding a great place to live in the United States requires a lot of homework and legwork. Because Houston is a growing city that keeps up with change while respecting tradition, you can find a home that suits you, whether you’re single or have a family. Starting in and around the Loop, you’ll find some of the best Houston neighborhoods, such as Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, Cypress, and East Downtown. If the suburbs better suit your lifestyle, check out the Woodlands, where you’ll find lots of green space and shopping areas; or consider Katy, a smaller, more affordable ’burb.
3. The population and job market are both growing
With aerospace and aviation and manufacturing leading the way, Houston’s job market is steadily expanding. The zoning laws in Houston are laxer than in other major cities, allowing new businesses to succeed and existing businesses to grow and thrive. Houston’s strong economy has resulted in greater employment opportunities and job security, and the resulting high quality of life attracts new residents and contributes to the city’s steady growth.
4. Your wheels are meant for Houston highways
To many of us, our cars mean freedom. If you’re one of those folks, you should be fine getting around Houston. Public transportation and bike lanes are still being developed, but for now you’ll probably want to own a vehicle that gets you from home to work and around the town.
5. Primary and higher education get top billing
Whether you have kids in school or you’re a young adult seeking higher education, Houston can accommodate your education needs. The Houston Independent School District is the largest public school district in Texas and operates 283 top-notch schools. The University of Houston is one of the most respected educational institutions in Texas, offering more than 300 degree programs, while Rice University is renowned for its engineering, music, and architecture programs.
6. Barbecue and Tex-Mex are the heart of Houston’s culinary scene
Tex-Mex is everywhere in Houston—but there’s also Bernie’s Burger Bus, Pokii Eatery, Pokeworks, and thousands of other restaurants serving a range of local and international cuisines. Where there’s smoke there’s barbecue—and it’s everywhere in Houston, from small out-of-the-way spots to famous locations like Killen’s Steak House and Pappas Bar-B-Q. International and local fare mingles with must-try fusions like Korean Tex-Mex.
7. Take in culture, museums, zoos, family fun, and more
Before, during, or after you enjoy some of that famous Houston cuisine, you’ll have endless choice of places for fun and learning. There’s something for every age and taste, including the Museum District, the Theater District, and the Galleria with more than 400 stores and restaurants. Kids and adults alike can enjoy Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Zoo.
8. If you hate being stuck inside, Houston is for you
Yes, Houston can be rainy and rather warm. But its subtropical climate also gives rise to lush greenery and numerous parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. Come January you’ll love being able to enjoy the outdoors without heavy layers of clothing, and year round you can explore the vast green spaces of Hermann Park, Discovery Green, and Buffalo Bayou Park. You may even want to trade in your galoshes for some cowboy boots.
9. Houstonians are genuinely nice folks who look out for each other
Of course Houston means Texas hospitality, but it’s also so much more. When natural disasters strike, Houstonians pull together and help each other rebuild lives and property.
Small towns are known for their friendly, community-minded citizens. In the city of Houston, this small-town spirit prevails in its people, who are welcoming and proud to make their city a great place to live and work.
10. These boots are made for walkin’—and rodeos
Though Houston is ever-changing, its traditions are here to stay. Take the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: this 20-day celebration of Texas heritage and Old West culture attracts thousands each year with rodeos, livestock, music, carnival rides, and more. Don’t be afraid to adopt some cowboy culture in your everyday life. Cowboy boots are meant for pretty much any occasion or setting in Houston.
11. Good times and good friends are easy to find in Houston
Houstonians are hard-working people who know how to relax and enjoy the weekend. The after-hours crowd starts with happy hour and then goes out to enjoy the nightlife. Saturdays begin with brunch and mimosas, but the rest of the weekend is wide open territory—from backyard barbecues to downtown gatherings. Live music can be found almost anytime and anywhere in Houston. With venues like the new White Oak Music Hall or the renovated Armadillo Palace, local, national, and international entertainers are an integral part of the Houston music scene.
12. Take your pick of gridirons, courts, and diamonds
There’s no shortage of hometown sports heroes in Houston, from the Friday Night Lights of your favorite high school team to Sunday afternoons rooting for the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. If hoops are more your style, bounce over to the Toyota Center and roar for the NBA’s Rockets. And don’t forget the Astros—the 2017 World Series champions—who have been entertaining baseball fans for more than 50 years.
Houston really seems to have it all. So if you’re considering moving to Houston, focus on what it has to offer, and don’t get discouraged by the expense of getting there. Get a free quote from multiple movers for high-quality, affordable moving services in Houston.