Essential Moving to Houston Tips and Considerations

Introduction to The Bayou City

Houston, also known as the Bayou City, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with a rich cultural scene and a strong economy. Moving to Houston offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with many master-planned communities and suburbs to choose from. The city's proximity to other major cities, such as San Antonio, makes it an ideal location for those who want to experience the best of Texas.

Pros and Cons of Living in Houston, Texas

Like moving to any other city, moving to Houston comes with some unique advantages and disadvantages, so understanding your lifestyle, economic, and family needs is paramount. In comparison to other major cities, Houston and its suburbs offer something for everyone.

Pros

1. Strong Job Market - Houston is a central economic hub with career opportunities in energy, healthcare, aerospace, tech, and logistics. And while the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average, at 4.3% the rate is lower than Los Angeles (6%), Seattle (4.4%), and Chicago (5.3%), as of June 2025.

2. Diverse Culture & Cuisine - One of the most diverse cities in the U.S., Houston boasts a global food scene, cultural festivals, and thriving arts districts. BBQ to Indian, Houston restaurants offer something for everyone, and it's home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world.

3. Affordable Housing (Compared to Other Major U.S. Cities) - Despite recent growth, Houston still offers relatively affordable real estate, especially compared to cities like LA, New York, or even Austin.

4. No State Income Tax - Texas residents don't pay state income tax, saving high earners and remote workers 4-13% of their income in comparison to other states like California or New York.

5. World-Class Medical Facilities - The Texas Medical Center is the largest in the world, making Houston a leading destination for healthcare.

Cons

1. Extreme Heat & Humidity - Summers can be brutally hot and humid, with heat indexes regularly exceeding 100°F. And while summer seems to last forever, the winters are typically milder than in most areas.

2. Traffic Congestion - With its vast sprawl (it can be an easy 50-60 miles across the metro area) and limited public transportation, Houston ranks among the worst U.S. cities for day-to-day travel and commuting.

3. Flood Risk - Due to its gulf location and bayou system, the city is prone to flooding during heavy rains and hurricanes, as seen during events like Hurricane Harvey. When comparing areas to live, ask questions about proximity to one of the area's many bayous.

4. Urban Sprawl - Houston's low-density layout can lead to long commutes and a lack of walkability in many areas.

5. High Property Taxes & Insurance Costs - While there's no state income tax, property taxes and homeowners' insurance can be expensive—especially in flood-prone zones.

The People and Makeup of Houston's Culture

As of 2025, the City of Houston is home to 2.3 million residents, with the total metro area's population reaching 7.8 million, up roughly 500,000 since 2023. This growth has made Houston the fourth most populous city and, with the suburbs, the 5th largest metro area in the U.S.

The population makeup is very diverse, with the city being the oil and gas center of the world; roughly 24% of its residents are foreign-born. The median age of the population is 34 years old in this vibrant city, and almost 36 years old for the metro area. In Harris County (including much of Houston and surrounding areas), about 34% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. The average household income is $102,000, so moving to Houston offers a comparable income level to national averages, with a lower cost of living.

Job Market and Economy

Houston's job market is strong and diverse, with many major industries, including energy, healthcare, and aerospace. Houston's job market is also known for its high-paying jobs, with many opportunities for career advancement. The job market is also attractive to young professionals moving to Houston and anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding career.

Energy Corridor for The U.S.

Downtown Houston and its surrounding areas are known for being the U.S. and world headquarters for some of the largest oil and gas companies around, as well as engineering and manufacturing firms related to the energy industry. The list is long, but here are just a few examples:

• ExxonMobil - Globally headquartered in the suburb of Spring; the region's top energy employer.

• Chevron Corporation – Recently relocated HQ to Houston, creating thousands of local jobs (7,000 plus as of 2025).

• Shell USA – U.S. subsidiary with a large Houston campus of more than 3,000 employees.

• ConocoPhillips – Major headquarters in the Energy Corridor employing roughly 2,600 residents

• Halliburton - World-leading oilfield services employer headquartered in Houston; employs tens of thousands locally.

• Chevron Phillips Chemical - Joint venture chemical producer in The Woodlands area.

• Westlake Chemical - A major manufacturer with a large regional employee base of more than 5,000.

 

Other Business Sector Employers

In addition to being the energy corridor, Houston is home to many other business sectors' headquarters, including aerospace, tech, and world-class hospital systems. Here is a small list of such employers:

• Houston Methodist – The flagship hospital and health system within the Texas Medical Center.

• MD Anderson Cancer Center – World-renowned cancer center and research institute.

• Texas Children's Hospital – One of the largest pediatric hospitals in the U.S.

• Memorial Hermann Health System – Region's largest not-for-profit health system with dozens of facilities.

• NASA's Johnson Space Center – Major federal employer and innovation hub for human spaceflight operations, leading to Houston's other nickname of "space city".

• KBR – Engineering and support firm heavily engaged in aerospace and defense activities (~10,000+ local workforce).

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) – Global HQ relocated to Houston, employing thousands in cloud, AI services, and cybersecurity.

• Oracle – Major presence in enterprise IT and cloud services in Houston

• AT&T / Deloitte / JPMorgan Chase – Among well-represented exec and business services firms with significant Houston footprints

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport - One of two international airports in the Houston area, employing over 1,100 city staff, and 42,000 directly and indirectly in the area.

 

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

After researching the city's job market, another primary consideration is what part of the Houston metro area to live in. As the Lone Star State's largest city, Houston's housing market and its suburbs can meet a wide variety of needs, from young urban singles to growing families. There's a place to fit your needs. Use neighborhood forums like Nextdoor and Facebook groups to discover more about each one, including its feel, amenities, and access to local jobs and attractions. The median home price in the Houston area is between $340,000 (Houston proper) to $395,000 in Fort Bend County, meaning that the cost of housing is very attractive in comparison to other large cities like San Francisco, Seattle, or Los Angeles.

Popular Houston Neighborhoods

Houston has numerous diverse neighborhoods to choose from, each with its unique character and charm. From urban and walkable to a suburban feel that is within the city, there's a lot for Houston residents to choose from. Some of the more popular neighborhoods within the city include:

• Montrose - Known for its artsy vibe, LGBTQ+ friendly, vintage homes, galleries, nightlife, and popular for its central location and unique character.

• Midtown - Popular among young professionals, its proximity to downtown Houston, and the METRO Rail system, this walkable area is home to bars, restaurants, high-rise condos, and modern townhomes.

• East Downtown Houston - A unique area with loft-style living, breweries, music venues, and Houston Dynamo stadium. It has been a centerpiece to Houston's urban renewal, with new townhomes and warehouse conversions for urban dwellers.

• The Heights (Greater Heights) - Popular for its walkability and craftsman bungalows, The Heights offers historic charm and new construction, as well as close-in shopping on 19th Street.

• River Oaks - Known for luxury homes, elite schools, and single-family homes within the city, this area boasts stately mansions, shopping nearby in the River Oaks District. Easy access to all that Houston proper has to offer.

 

Popular Suburban Cities

In addition to Houston neighborhoods, the Houston suburbs offer a more family-friendly environment, with many top-rated schools and community amenities. Some master-planned communities, such as Cinco Ranch and Sugarland, provide a range of amenities, including parks, golf courses, and community centers. Do your research, but many of the suburban cities boast some of the best public schools in Texas. Some of the best Houston suburbs include:

The Woodlands - Located about 30 miles north of Downtown Houston, the city is known for excellent schools, the Cynthia Woods Pavilion (a popular concert venue), and an upscale vibe.

Sugar Land - Known for top-ranked schools, great neighborhoods like Telfair and Riverstone, this suburb offers a diverse and affluent feel, with homes ranging in the $300K-$900K range, high-quality public services, and the Smart Financial Centre (popular event and music venue).

Katy - Located about 30 miles west of Houston, this city is one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Houston, with the award-winning Katy Independent School District, a family-focused lifestyle with pockets of rural charm. While prices are increasing, affordable housing costs are still a primary draw to the area.

Cypress - A growing area northwest of Houston, this city offers master-planned developments like Bridgeland and Towne Lake, top schools in the Cy-Fair ISD, community lakes, trails, and shopping centers. Home prices in the area range from $250K to $800K, offering something for most budgets and families looking for room to grow.

Public Education and Area Universities

Houston's education system is highly rated, with many top-rated schools and universities. The city is home to many charter schools and magnet schools, offering a range of educational options. Houston's education system is also attractive to families who are looking for a high-quality education for their children.

Best Public School Districts

When selecting where to live, families should consider using the Texas Education Agency ratings to discover which school district makes the most sense for their needs. Using TEA ratings, here are the five best public school districts in Greater Houston:

• Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD)- This school district is within the top 1% of all public schools in Texas, earning an A+ for academics, college prep, and athletics.

• Tomball Independent School District - Ranked number two in the Houston area, with strong ratings on academics and student support.

• Friendswood Independent School District - Another highly rated district, with strong academics and a supportive learning environment.

• Pearland Independent School District - Ranked highly for strong academics, well-rounded offerings, and extra-curricular activities.

• Clear Creek Independent School District (League City area) - Rounding out the top 5 in Niche and TEA ratings, this school district is consistently solid in Niche grades and statewide test performance.

 

Area Universities and Colleges

In addition to an excellent public school system, the area is home to several higher education providers, including:

• Rice University - A private, highly selective research university consistently ranked among the nation's best.

• University of Houston (UH) - A public tier-one research university with over 300 degree programs.

• Texas Southern University - A historically Black public university offering a range of undergrad and graduate programs.

• Baylor College of Medicine - Leading private medical and health science institution.

Attractions and Activities in Houston

In addition to being home to the world's largest livestock and rodeo, the Houston area offers activities for all tastes and lifestyles. From family-friendly to sports teams to art galleries and dining, there's plenty to choose from

Sports Teams

Houston is home to most major sports leagues, including:

• Houston Texans - NFL

• Houston Rockets -NBA

• Houston Dynamo and Dash - MLS and NWSL

• Houston Atsros - MLB

• U of H - College athletics

Arts and Cultural Activities

• Houston is home to many cultural attractions, including the Museum District and the Contemporary Arts Museum.
• The city's cultural attractions are highly rated, with many world-class museums and galleries.
• Houston is home to many fine arts and performance venues, including the Houston Symphony and the Houston Ballet.
• The city's fine arts and performance scene is highly rated, with many world-class productions and exhibitions.

Family and Community Activities

• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston International Festival.
• The Houston Zoo attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year, making it the second-most visited zoo in the U.S., only trailing the San Diego Zoo.
• The Houston Aquarium is a family staple in downtown Houston.
• NASA Space Center Houston and Johnson Space Center is a local hotspot. Great for families and tourists, offering a look into the U.S. space program.
• A number of Houston parks and gardens, including Buffalo Bayou Park, Hermann Park, George Bush Park, and the Houston Botanic Gardens.

Moving to Houston Resources

If you've done your research about the city, or you're already in the process of planning a move to Houston, there are a number of resources to help you plan your move.

Schools

• Texas Education Agency - Official school ratings, demographics, and performance data by district.

• GreatSchools.org - Parent reviews, test score comparisons, boundary maps, and ratings

Utilities

• PowerToChoose.org -Texas' official site to compare electricity plans in deregulated areas (Dallas included)

• Center Point Energy - Primary natural gas provider in Dallas

• BroadbandNow - Compare ISPs (AT&T, Spectrum, Frontier) and their speeds in your zip code.

Government Offices

• DMV (Driver's Licenses) - Schedule appointments for licenses, IDs, etc.

• USPS Change of Address - Forwarding Your Mail and Updating Addresses Online.

Realtors

• Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) - Resources to verify real estate licenses and lookup brokerage firms.

• Houston Realtors Association - Local Houston area resources for finding agents and searching metro area properties.

Movers and Relocation Services

• Move.org - Rankings and reviews of the top Houston-area movers

• BBB - Resources to verify movers' licenses, insurance, and to view complaint history and ratings.

Final Tips for a Smooth Relocation

• Research, research, research: learn as much as you can about Houston and its neighborhoods before making a decision.

• Plan ahead: make a budget, find a place to live, and get familiar with the city's transportation system.

• Get involved: join local groups and clubs, attend community events, and get to know your neighbors.

• Be patient: relocating to a new city can be challenging, but with time and effort, you'll find your place in Houston.

• Enjoy the city: Houston has a lot to offer, from its vibrant cultural scene to its beautiful parks and gardens, so take time to explore and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The Houston area is a massive metropolitan area that offers a wide variety of lifestyles, with a cost of living that suits all groups, ages, and cultures. Explore as many resources as possible during your decision-making process. Texas even has a guide for moving to the state. When you're ready to move (especially if you're moving within Texas), check out the reviews on the moving resources. If the fit is right for you, please get in touch with 3 Men Movers for all of your packing and moving needs. We go beyond for both our established and new Texas neighbors.