Should I Move to Houston? 11 Reasons to Confirm Your Answer (YES)
These days, “should I move to Houston?” is an increasingly popular question waged in conversation by young professionals, growing families, and energetic entrepreneurs alike. This continued interest has propelled Space City to astronomical heights in terms of growth, public opinion and general demand.
Gazing strictly at population, Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and the largest city in the State of Texas. According to Forbes magazine, this growth is expected to continue through the next decade. Larger operations such as the city’s medical center and space exploration hubs are expected to continue waving Houston’s flag adamantly across the globe.
While quite a bit of Houston’s growth can be attributed to the city’s medical and technological advancements, not every individual moving to Houston is tethered to these industries. So, how do we explain the larger remaining migration? Why is such a diverse subset of the world’s population choosing Houston as the site of their brave new world?
11 Reasons Why You Should Move to Houston
From job opportunities scouting Mars to family-friendly suburbs and a buzzing art scene, Houston has quite a bit to offer its prospective residents. Keep reading to learn more about Houston and to gain information to properly weigh the pros and cons of living in H-Town.
- You get a job
- Income tax, who’s heard of it?
- Sunny skies year-round
- Picasso, O’Keeffe & more
- Legion of sports
- Tasty eats & daring concepts
- Relatively low cost of living
- Hello Suburbia
- Quality education
- Endless attractions
- It’s Texas Y’all
1. Professional career pathways
Ok, let’s get the obvious few out of the way. Yes, Houston is a great place to settle because of its seemingly endless job opportunities. These opportunities largely stem from the city’s designation as the capital of the “Third Coast.”
Once slept on as inferior to the more pronounced East and West Coasts of the United States, the region encompassing South Texas to Western Florida has become a powerhouse in the highly profitable medical, energy and trade industries. According to Forbes, the Third Coast, largely led by Houston, will reach new heights in years to come. By 2023, the coast’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to amount to upwards of $1.2 trillion. To put this figure in perspective, it is almost exactly equal to the estimated GDP of both Venezuela and Argentina, combined.
2. Lowest income tax in the nation: none
Nine states in the country currently operate without an income tax, and Texas is one of them!
This lack of income tax highly complements Houston’s reputation as a haven for working professionals. Individuals looking to start off their career in Space City will have no problem doing so. These individuals will not only be able to secure a well-paying job, but they will be able to do so without being taxed by the State of Texas.
3. Weather to live for
While Texas is not plagued with state income tax, there is no shortage of sun. Therefore, you won’t have to search far and wide to find a warm and sunny day to get started exploring H-Town. The city is consistently blessed with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the dead of summer, these temperatures can even reach sweltering highs of 90 to 100 degrees. In addition, winters in Houston and the rest of South Texas are quite mild. It is completely normal for the winter season to only bring a few days where temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
This bounty of prime weather allows Houston residents the ability to experience all the city has to offer year-round. Let’s start with the art scene.
4. Stellar art scene & museum selection
If you are a fan of any kind of art, you will find several places to love in Houston. Contemporary art enthusiasts will enjoy browsing works from Picasso, O’Keeffe and Van Gogh at the Museum of Fine Arts. Drawing purists will be impressed and inspired by the Menil Collection. Comedy lovers and movie buffs will also find plenty to enjoy at the Improv Comedy Club and Alamo Drafthouse respectively.
Live among the stars by scoping out a game at either the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park or NRG Stadium. These three highly immersive venues offer Houstonians the opportunity to watch professional football games, battles at the ballpark, and showdowns on the hardcourt; all conveniently in their own backyard.
Space City residents take a great deal of pride in their home teams. Join in on the fun by rooting for the Houston Astros as they fight for a chance to represent their city in the World Series, cheering for the Houston Rockets as they surge toward a playoff berth, or celebrating the Texans as they look to take down rivals such as the Indianapolis Colts.
Other sports teams located in the Houston area include Houston Dynamo FC, who represent their city in the MLS, and the Houston Dash, of the NWSL. College sports are also plentiful in the area. The University of Houston, Houston Baptist, Rice University and a few other collegiate programs all play their games in and around the city.
6. Award-winning chefs & downhome eateries
Composed of James Beard Award-winning chefs, downhome eateries and a smorgasbord of nationally recognized restaurants, the Houston food scene is unmatched. In recent years, legendary chefs Chris Shepard, Hugo Ortega and a few others have worked to solidify the city’s reputation as a dining mecca.
Houston’s foodie palate is comprised of several notable and competing flavors. Barbecue, Tex-Mex, Vietnamese, seafood and burgers all crowd the city’s dining spotlight, while kolaches, Vietnamese iced coffee, Viet Cajun crawfish and conchas are all Houstonian staples.
| RESTAURANT | TYPE OF CUISINE | NEIGHBORHOOD | AFFORDABILITY / AMBIANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squabble | Refined European | The Heights | $$$/ Laid-back, classy |
| Blood Bros. | Barbeque | Bellaire | $$/ Casual |
| One-Fifth | Italian-American | Lower Westheimer | $$$/ Upscale casual |
| Phat Eatery | Malaysian Street Food | Katy | $$/Casual |
| Xin Chao | Modern Vietnamese | Sixth Ward | $$$/ Upscale casual |
| Turner’s | Luxe Italian Mix | Post Oak | $$$/ Fine dining |
| Cali Sandwich | Vietnamese | Midtown | $/ Fast food |
| State of Grace | Oyster Bar | River Oaks | $$$/Upscale casual |
| The Breakfast Klub | American | Midtown | $$/Casual |
| The Pit Room | Barbeque | Montrose | $$/Casual |
7. Big city, low cost of living
Though Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, compared to other metropolises, its cost of living is still relatively low. Furthermore, Houston’s growing reputation as a proving ground for young professionals, combined with its Texas locale (no state income tax), provides most citizens the opportunity to store a larger percentage of their hard-earned salaries safely in their savings.
When compared to other Texas hotspots, the real value of Houston’s cost of living shines through. In the battle of Dallas vs Houston, Space City touches down at an overall mark of 5% less expensive, whereas the cost of living in Austin soars in at around 20% more expensive than Houston. Comparing Houston to other major cities across the United States further enunciates Houston’s affordability.
| CITY | STATE | COST OF LIVING* | MEDIAN CONTRACT RENT* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | Texas | $1,502 | $946 |
| New York City | New York | $2,176 | $1,385 |
| San Francisco | California | $2,775 | $1,889 |
| Seattle | Washington | $2,438 | $1,648 |
| Denver | Colorado | $1,957 | $1,352 |
| Los Angeles | California | $2,171 | $1,436 |
Advice from a local: “Houston offers a great deal, especially to young start-up companies and entrepreneurs. Taxes and cost of living are both very low, compared to other states. The opportunities that Houston provides to businesses are second to none. – Brian Donovan, CEO, TimeShatter
8. Variety of neighborhoods & suburbs
Young professionals, growing families and retirees can all find several areas in Houston they are excited to call home. Greater Houston boasts everything from swanky and quaint suburbs like the Woodlands to inner loop hotspots such as River Oaks and The Heights. Here is a quick rundown on the best suburbs in Houston and the most popular neighborhoods:
Best Houston Suburbs
- The Woodlands – Voted the #1 best city to live in America by niche.com, The Woodlands has much to brag about. Its residential and commercial sectors are incredibly well laid out. This focus on design offers an immersive suburban feel with the luxury convenience of a larger city. Highly rated parks and schools make this Bayou City suburb a family magnet.
- Nassau Bay – South of the 713 city-center, Nassau Bay, offers its residents lakeside living at an affordable price. The median home value in the area is just under $244,000. The suburb is filled with a variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Park are two local attractions.
- Cinco Ranch – Soaring in as the #2 rated suburb in the Houston area, Cinco Ranch offers its residents a hybrid of both The Woodlands and Nassau Bay. The median home values are significantly higher than those of the Bay but still less expensive than the highly manicured former. Highlights in Cinco Ranch include Hidden Lake and LaCenterra.
- Sugar Land – Composed largely of individuals employed in one or more sectors of Space City’s energy industry, Sugar Land’s population is mostly university-educated. The city has also been named the “Fittest City in Texas” in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Best Houston Neighborhoods
- River Oaks – Blanketed with historic mansions and groves of towering oak trees, River Oaks is known as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S. Therefore, if you are looking to move to Houston to capitalize on low home prices, don’t stop in River Oaks. However, for those looking for luxury and a prime Houston locale, it doesn’t get more glamourous.
- Tanglewood – Still located in the coveted “inner loop,” Tanglewood is a popular neighborhood for those looking for a compromise between a suburban escape and city amenities. The neighborhood has been made famous by a slew of big-name residents including Barbara and George H.W Bush.
- The Heights – A historic haven from yellow fever and cholera, The Heights is remembered as one of the more important districts of Houston. Today, while offering modern conveniences, the neighborhood keeps up with its historic roots by adhering to strict home-design guidelines. All houses in the area are an example of one of four home designs: The Craftsman, Queen Anne, Folk National or Folk Victorian.
- Museum District – What many refer to as “the heart of Houston,” the museum district compromises acreage for amenities. Prime attractions such as The Menil Collection and The Houston Zoo are within walking distance. Hermann Park is another Museum District hotspot that boasts an outdoor theater, golf course and several walking/running trails. While you will be hard-pressed to find a home on par with prices in The Heights, if you love the Bayou City, the Museum District is where you will want to be.
- Spring Branch – One of the largest neighborhoods in Houston, Spring Branch is also one of the most diverse. The area is perfect for those looking to capitalize on Houston’s distinct and vibrant culture but also score a home with a yard suitable for hosting friends and cooking out under the Texas sun.
9. Prestigious universities offering an exceptional education
Setting up a home in Spring Branch, The Heights or The Woodlands will grant you the space to grow your family, while the various universities in the Houston area will foster your family’s higher education. Leading the charge in stellar achievement, Rice University is consistently nominated as one of the top universities in the country, and is typically in the top 20. The University of Houston and Texas Southern University are also represented on this list.
Additional colleges in the Houston area include Houston Christian University, San Jacinto College and the Houston Community College System.
10. Too many attractions to name
Throughout this list, we have included several things to know before moving to Houston and touched upon several categories of attractions Houston has to offer. However, it is worth noting that there is a seemingly endless list of other attractions we have not included. Listing all the entertainment, dining and recreation opportunities in H-Town might be impossible. However, here are a few of our favorites once more just so you believe us when we say, the list of top things to do in Houston is as endless as the galaxy.
Parks, Nature, & Recreation
- Big Thicket Park
- Galveston Island State Park
- Buffalo Bayou
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Surfside Beach
Museums
- Space Center Houston
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- The Museum of Fine Arts
- The Children’s Museum of Houston
Live Music
- House of Blues Houston
- McGonigel’s Mighty Duck
- Fitzgerald’s
- Walter’s Downtown
- The Continental Club
Food & Drink
- Squabble
- Blood Bros BBQ
- Underbelly
- Karbach Brewing Company
- Space Cowboy
11. Texan culture & pride
Chances are even if you have never taken a single spur-jangling step in the Lone Star State, you still have been subjected to endless debates about how wonderful it is. Backed by prior experience, most Texans will chomp at the bit for a chance to convince you their neck of the woods is superior to your own stomping ground. And while it’s not always enjoyable to endure a conversation where the convincing evidence is a phrase with more than one innuendo: “everything is bigger in Texas,” Houston at least may have the chops to back up such an ego.
Thankfully, if you do decide to make the move to Space City, you will know you are surrounded by other individuals who are honored to live where you call home. This loyalty may rub outsiders the wrong way, but to Houstonians, city pride feels just right.
It’s not exactly what Texas is known for, and likely not what most non-Texans picture when they think of the state. However, the fact is that Houston is the most diverse big city that there is in the US. Yep, more so than New York City! – Hannah Alexander, Editor-in-Chief, TodayTesting
FAQS
Q: Why should I move to Houston, Texas?
A: Impressive job opportunities, low cost of living, zero income tax and warm weather year-round are just a few of the qualities that make Houston a great place to live. Families, young professionals and retirees can all find a place in Space City to carve out a fine life.
Q: Is Houston a good place to move to?
A: Houston continues to offer an impressive quality of life. Careers in tech, energy, medicine and space exploration are expected to rise in demand and offer increasingly larger pay-days over the course of the next few years. Endless entertainment, stellar educational systems and a reasonable cost of living are also positive factors influencing migration to H-Town.
Q: What is Houston known for?
Space exploration breakthroughs. The city is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and even features its allegiance to science in the names of its sports teams: Houston Astros, Houston Rockets; even the Houston Dynamo have their roots in space exploration.
Q: Is Houston safe?
A: While Houston is consistently rated one of the most unsafe cities in the United States, these statistics are slightly misleading. A large percentage of Houston’s crime occurs in only a few of its neighborhoods. If you’re considering moving to Houston, do your research to find the best neighborhood for you.
Q: Do I need a car in Houston?
A: While there are areas of Houston that are commuter-friendly, most people will need a car when living in the city. It is possible to live in the city without a car, but it is a real challenge.
Let Us Guide You to Space City!
Hopefully, this guide has given you a bit of information to solidify your moving decision.
No matter how excited you are to get settled in a new city, there are a series of challenges that can make any move a headache. However, storage does not have to be one of them. Whether you are a homeowner, business, or prospective student who has answered “yes” to the question looking to make the move to Houston, Store Space has you covered.
Blast away over to our storage location finder for the facility nearest to your Space City headquarters!