Is moving to Houston in your future? There are several things that should be considered when moving to the 4th most populous city in the United States.
Living in Houston can be different than other cities you may have lived in before. Depending on your needs and situation, Houston’s quirks can be either positive or negative for your lifestyle, but we’re breaking them all down in today’s blog post.
Houston is ridiculously big. Houston is an hour away from Houston
Kevin – @kevonstage
One of the very first questions in our homebuyers consultation is “Is there a commute to be considered”? The next is “How far are you willing to drive to necessary places not considering traffic”?
This was said as a joke, oh but really, “Houston is ridiculously big. Houston is an hour away from Houston. The land area of Houston covers over 640 square miles.
The City of Houston is located primarily in Harris County, but parts of the city land in Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties.
Many move to Houston for educational and employment opportunities, and due to our size and traffic potential, it is important to choose a location first and work backward. The area is vast and encompasses various cities and suburbs. Consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, amenities, and lifestyle preferences when selecting your location.
Popular communities in the Houston area include Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Katy, Pearland, or Friendswood, to name a few.
Commutes
Houston is known as a commuter city. For reference, a commuter city (or town) is known where residents leave for work during the day and come back to their city or town afterward. Many who live in the suburbs may commute to downtown destinations.
Although there are various transportation methods to commute around the city, we they are lackluster and inefficient. It is almost a non-negotiable to have a vehicle when moving to the city and should be factored into your expenses.
Weather
Houston experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. Air conditioning is a non-negotiable in our area.
Houston can experience extreme weather conditions including flooding, hurricanes, and more.
Culture
One thing that I love about living in Houston is its culture. They don’t call us Diverse City for a reason. The population of Houston comprises people from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and nationalities. The city embraces this diversity, making it a melting pot of cultures. Houston’s diverse population contributes to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, offering residents a chance to experience different traditions, languages, and cuisines.
Cultural Events in Houston
Some of the cultural events in the Houston area include the following:
Event Type | Month |
Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade | January |
Asian Lunar Year | February |
Holi Festival of Colors | March |
Houston Rodeo | March |
Cajun Heritage Festival (Port Arthur) | April |
Mediterranean Festival | May |
Juneteenth Celebration | June 16th |
Pride Houston | June |
Igbofest Houston | July |
Fiestas Patrias | September |
Hispanic Heritage Month | September 15 – October 15 |
The Renaissance Festival | October 7 – November 26 |
Oktoberfest | October |
Original Greek Festival – October | October |
Día de los Muertos (Discovery Green) | November |
Día de los Muertos at Sugar Land Heritage Foundation | October |
Annual Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival | November |
Annual Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival | November |
Annual Turkish Festival | November |
Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow | November |
Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service | November |
Tomball German Christmas Market & Festival | December |
Tamale Festival Houston – December | December |
View Houston’s cultural events calendar here.
Finding a Place to Live
Houston has a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own character, amenities, and proximity to workplaces, schools, and entertainment. Our zoning laws are a bit different, so its possible to find something in each neighborhood within your budget.
Determine Your Budget: Start by establishing a budget for your housing expenses. Consider your income, other financial obligations, and the cost of living in Houston. This will give you a clear idea of what you can afford in terms of rent or mortgage payments.
Decide on Housing Type: Determine whether you prefer renting or buying a home. Houston offers a variety of housing options, including apartments, townhouses, condos, and single-family homes. Consider your lifestyle, space requirements, and long-term plans to make an informed decision. Our area is known for ridiculously high property taxes compared to other cities so this should be considered with both the location and housing type.
>> RELATED READ :: 12 Questions to Ask When Buying a House <<
Once you decide on a housing type, the best place to view homes would be here on our website, of course. The information is derived directly from HAR, the Houston Association of Realtors website, and updated every 15 minutes.
>> RELATED READ :: Finding a Place to Live in Houston <<
Making Friends in a New City
One of the worse things about moving is feeling like you’re alone. Making friends in a new city can be an exciting opportunity to expand your social circle and build meaningful connections. No matter the interest, Houston has so many opportunities to get involved in your communities.
While it may be easier to connect with people from work because you are there most of the time, there are other ways to become a more active member of the community.
Katy TX, one of Houston’s suburbs offers many opportunities for people from different walks of life.
>> RELATED READ :: Making Friends in Katy Texas <<
Selling The Idea of Moving to Houston to Your Kids
Introducing the idea of moving to Houston to your children can be an exciting opportunity for them.
Here are some tips to help sell the idea and make the transition smoother for your kids:
- Emphasize Exciting Opportunities: Highlight the unique opportunities that Houston offers.
- Talk about the vibrant culture, diverse community, and the wide range of activities and attractions available in the city.
- Discuss the possibilities of exploring new places, trying new foods, and participating in different events and festivals.
It is important to explain to your children the exciting opportunities this move can present for your family. How their overall quality of live can be improved for them due to the move, and your sharing your excitement! Its easy to find the negatives in any situation, but if you focus on the positive things that can happen, you too will have a better experience.
Are you considering moving to Houston soon? We can help! Schedule a clarity call with us today.