Moving to Houston, Texas, can be a great decision for you and your family, but it can also be a stressful one. How do you know if it’s actually the best place to move?
Before you start the search for your new home, you’ll need to consider a list of things, including (but not limited to) the cost of living, taxes, crime rates, and even extreme weather.
With some insight into Houston’s job market, safety, climate, and various other aspects, you’ll be able to make your final moving decision with 100% confidence.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Houston
Living in Houston, TX can have its perks and downsides just as any other area does. Here is a breakdown of some pros and cons you need to think about before moving.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable housing | Pests are common |
| Low cost of living | Extreme weather like hurricanes |
| No state income tax | High property taxes |
| Culturally diverse | High crime rates |
| Great food scene | Not a walkable city |
| Strong housing market | Lack of zoning laws |
Ultimately, moving to Houston depends on your personal priorities and lifestyle.
14 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Houston
Here are some specific things you need to be aware of before living in Houston.
1. The Cost of Living in Houston is Affordable
One of the biggest concerns you may have when moving is how expensive things may be. At the moment, you may be thinking about rent or home costs, taxes, and utilities. The good news is that Houston is a very affordable city!
According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston’s cost of living is 5.9% lower than the national average. Its living costs are the third lowest compared to other metro areas in the United States.
Average Rent and Home Cost
Rent often costs people thousands of dollars, leaving them with little to no money for groceries and other expenses. However, Houston’s average rent (across the city’s top neighborhoods) hovers around $1,500 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment, which is relatively affordable, especially if you’re sharing the cost with others.
The average home cost for Houston residents is about $330,000 to $340,000, which is 17.8% lower than the national average. Houston’s housing costs are also the second lowest in the country compared to other metro areas.
Average Salary and Hourly Rate in Houston
If you’re wondering how much Houston residents make, the typical salary range is around $57,000 to $64,000. Houston’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but the average hourly wage is $23 to $27 per hour. And there’s no state income tax!
The Most Affordable and Upscale Neighborhoods
If you’re looking for the most affordable neighborhood, there are quite a few. Greater Eastwood seems to be one of the best options for renting, with rent prices being in the $700 to $850 range. Another option is the Mahatma Gandhi District, as rent prices start as low as $589.
If you’re looking to buy a house, Southeast Houston is your best bet. Houses are $100,000 to $200,000 here, which is much lower than Houston’s median.
River Oaks is by far one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Houston. Rent prices range from $2,000 to $3,500 per month and house prices are typically $2 million and up.
2. Houston Has a Strong Job Market
Houston’s job market is among the strongest in the country, making it appealing for job seekers and young professionals. As of July 2024, the city’s unemployment rate was 4.9%. This is slightly higher than the national average of 4.2%, but still very good in the grand scheme of things.
Several key industries drive Houston’s job market, including oil and gas, medical research, aerospace, technology, and healthcare.
3. Housing Options and Neighborhoods Are Abundant
Whether you’re looking for luxurious residences, budget-friendly apartments, or family-oriented communities, Houston has something for everyone.
Inside vs. Outside the Loop
The Interstate 610 loop in Houston divides the area’s urban and suburban neighborhoods. If you live inside the loop, you’ll have easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and cultural venues. Overall, it’s a populous city and bustling area.
In contrast, living outside the loop offers a calmer and quieter suburban atmosphere. It’s usually more appealing to families, as it provides more spacious living environments (and less traffic).
| 5 Top-Rated Houston Neighborhoods | ||||
| Neighborhood | Average Rent | Average Home Price | Safety Score | Walkability Score |
| Midtown | $2,000 | $390,000 | A | 8/10 |
| Greater Uptown | $1,500 | $360,000 | B+ | 6/10 |
| River Oaks | $2,000 | $2.5 million | B | 6/10 |
| Memorial | $1,700 | $650,000 | C | 5/10 |
| Greater Heights | $1,800 | $650,000 | C | 7/10 |
4. Extreme Weather is Possible
Houston’s climate features hot and humid summers with temperatures ranging from the 80s to the lower 90s, which allows insects to thrive. The winters are much milder, with temperatures typically hovering in the 60s.
One of the biggest challenges of living in Houston is the high probability of hurricanes and tropical storms. These types of big storms can lead to significant flooding, property damage, injuries, and even deaths.
Outside of hurricanes and tropical storms, Houston gets about 50 inches of rainfall per year, which can also lead to flooding. This is why flood insurance is vital!
5. Houston Has a High Crime Rate
Safety is a critical consideration when moving to a new city and unfortunately, Houston has a relatively higher crime rate. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 1148.2 per 100,000 residents, which was significantly above the national average of 380.7 per 100,000 residents.
Despite these statistics, many neighborhoods in Houston are considered safe and family-friendly. Areas such as The Woodlands and Sugar Land are known for their safety and strong community feel, making them good options for families.
6. Education Has a Good Reputation
If education is a top priority for your family, Houston will not disappoint. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the largest in Texas. It has a strong reputation, a graduation rate range of 75% to 90%, and a wealth of resources for students.
Houston is home to a mix of over 400 public and private schools and over 40 colleges and universities (including Texas Southern University and Rice University). While the public school system is free, private education in Houston can sometimes cost over $20,000 per year.
7. Transportation and Commuting is Difficult
Living in Houston means you’ll need a car, as the area is huge and not very walkable. But if a car is out of the budget, there are some public transportation options.
Choosing to use public transportation can help you reduce your carbon footprint, save money on gas, and reduce your commute time.
8. There is Plenty of Cultural Diversity
Houston’s population is home to a number of Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities. The city’s diversity shines through with cultural festivals like the Bayou City Art Festival and the Houston International Festival, which showcase global music, art, dance, and food, and local events like the Houston Livestock Show.
9. Houston Has High Property Taxes
Another financial aspect that you need to be aware of is Houston’s high property tax rates. They are actually some of the highest in the country and average around $0.50 per $100 of value.
Do note that property taxes range throughout the city depending on where you live, but they all hover around this amount.
10. Houston Has Excellent Healthcare
Houston is renowned as a leading healthcare destination. Its hospitals often rank among some of the best in the United States.
It’s even home to the Texas Medical Center, the biggest medical complex globally. Plus, the area’s reputable hospitals and institutions continually emphasize patient care and medical research.
Houston Methodist Hospital is another top-rated medical center that’s particularly known for heart and vascular treatments, cancer treatments, neurology, and organ transplantations.
All in all, Houston residents can feel at ease knowing they’re getting top-tier medical care.
11. There Are Many Recreation Options and Green Spaces
Houston is a nature lover’s and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with over 50,000 acres of park space. Memorial Park is a fan-favorite that offers extensive biking trails (and hiking trails).
12. Houston Has a Diverse Dining and Food Scene
Houston’s food scene is as diverse as its population, featuring over 10,000 restaurants ranging from chicken fried steak to international cuisines.
Top 5 Rated Restaurants:
- Torchy’s Tacos (Best Budget-Friendly Option)
- Taste of Texas (Best Fine Dining Option)
- Pinkerton’s Barbecue
- Huynh Restaurant
- Niko Niko’s
13. There is a Great Sports and Entertainment Scene
Sports lovers have plenty to cheer about in Houston. It’s home to multiple professional teams, including the MLB Astros, NBA Rockets, NFL Texans, and MLS Dynamo. Houston’s venues and stadiums, like NRG Stadium and Minute Maid Park, host major sporting events and exciting concerts throughout the year.
14. There Are No Zoning Regulations
There is a lack of zoning laws in Houston, which means there are no laws governing how land can be used. The city can govern the division of property, but land use is not governed. This means landowners can build whatever they want.
Final Thoughts
Considering all aspects of Houston is vital in your moving decision. Comparing the positives and negatives can help you make the best decision for you and your family.
If you do decide that Houston is for you, it’s a good idea to think about storage options during the moving process. Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, offers affordable self-storage options for you to utilize in all 50 states. And you’ll be able to save up to 50% compared to traditional options.
Becoming a Neighbor host after you’re settled can also help you make a passive income of $294 per hour worked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is So Great About Houston, and Why Is Houston a Good Place to Live?
Houston is an excellent place to live due to the affordable cost of living and its high bar for healthcare (among other pros).
Why Are People Leaving Houston?
The climate is a big reason why people leave Houston, as it can get quite hot and humid. But if you can handle the heat, it’s a perfect place to live!
