If you are considering moving to Houston, TX, the largest city in The Lone Star State, you’ll find a bustling city with great restaurants, arts and culture, good schools, and lots of Texan flair. There are a few things you’ll need to know before moving, and you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will dive into 10 things you need to know before moving to Houston, Texas.
Houston is an affordable place to live.
By moving to Houston, TX, you will be living in one of the most affordable large cities in the US. Although Houston is the biggest city in Texas, housing is 5% less than Dallas, and a whopping 19% less than Austin, meaning you’ll get more house for your buck!
Say goodbye to income tax.
Texas is one of the only states in the US that does not have income tax, saving you money on your paycheck.
Houston is very diverse.
According to the 2020 United States Census, Houston is 46.8% white, 44.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 22.6% Black or African-American, to name the largest populations. The diversity in this city makes it an incredibly vibrant and unique place to live.
Be ready for extreme weather events.
Unfortunately, Houston is no stranger to extreme weather, including hurricanes and tornadoes. Don’t skimp on home insurance for this reason, and be sure to avoid homes in flood zones.
Houston is a great place to sell your home for cash.
Investors purchased 40% of homes in Harris County (the county that encompasses Houston) in 2021 according to the National Association of Realtors. This means that tons of homes are being bought outright for cash. To sell your Houston home for cash, check out 7 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Houston on HomeLight.
Houston is home to some of the best realtors in the country.
You’ll be in good hands with some of the best realtors in the country in Houston, TX. Find your perfect home and perfect agent on HomeLight.
Don’t worry about zoning laws.
Although most US cities have strict zoning laws that dictate where and what you can build, Houston doesn’t have any zoning laws. This makes it a great city to build your dream home!
Are you in the loop or out?
You’ll quickly learn the local lingo referring to downtown Houston as “the loop”. Interstate 610 wraps around the downtown region of the city, giving this area a “big city” vibe. Outside of the loop has a more suburban, laid back feeling, so research what neighborhoods are best for you and your family!
Get a car.
If you’re moving from a walkable city, you might be in for a culture shock. Because Houston is so large, neighborhoods are spread out and are often connected by highways or major streets that are not great for walking. Hop in the car to explore the city.
Get into the culture.
From the rodeo to world-renowned art institutions, Houston is bursting with culture. Explore some of the best restaurants in the US, hit the dance floor, and attend music shows and theatrical performances. Get out and see what this city has to offer!
Whether you’re moving for work, school, or to find a new home for your family, you’ll find Houston, TX has all the benefits of big city living with a comfortable, small town feel. Happy Houston house hunting!
