2,340,890
Population
Sunny Days: 90
47100 Affordability
85100 Schools
65100 Diversity
47100 Safety
Houston stretches out before us, a modern goddess, bruised by not defeated.
- Julia Heaberlin
Houston, Texas
The Big Heart
Houston Skyline, Credit: Adrian Newell
Sam Houston Park
Houston Metrorail
Downtown Houston, Credit: CY
The Best Thing About Houston?
It’s A Rocket Ship (And a Relatively Cheap Ride)
The economy of Houston is exploding with a diverse set of industries including Aerospace & Aviation, Manufacturing, Energy (oil has softened but still big), Healthcare and Digital Tech. Making a good living here is even more compelling when you realize how much less expensive Houston is compared to crazy cities like San Francisco (179% more expensive), New York (94% more expensive), or the other “hotter” cities in Texas, like Austin (19% more expensive).
Quick summary review from a local about the pros of Houston:
Pro: cheap to live close to the city, best/most varied food of any city except possibly NYC, some of the close-in neighborhoods are easy to get around on foot/bike/public transportation, easy to drive around despite the traffic, lots of green space and parks, clean/mostly doesn't smell like shit by the standards of most big cities, young and diverse population, lots of museums and stuff like that, great weather for a good portion of the year, good mix of feeling like a big city while also having some space for yourself.
For more reviews from locals check out: reviews section
The Worst Thing About Houston?
It’s Not A Dry Heat
For many from the Great White North the idea of year round sun sounds awesome. It is critical to know ahead of time though that not only does Houston get HOT, the fact that it is surrounded by water and low-lying flood-lands means it gets HUMID.
Cons from a local about living here:
Cons: sprawl, even in the loop most neighborhoods are not walkable/public transportation-able, lack of natural scenery/outdoors activities beyond city parks, lacks major historical significance, lacks major cultural significance, miserably hot in the summer (although you get used to it), pretty bad traffic (not as bad as any major East Coast city though… complaints about Houston's traffic are way overblown unless you're living way out in the 'burbs), and lots of Houston residents don't particularly wanna be here and will talk mad shit about it (as you've seen in this thread).
For more reviews from locals check out: reviews section
Lifestyle of Houston
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country and this diversity drives a cultural experience unlike many other cities in the country or the world. Inside the 610 loop, which is the “center” of Houston is an incredible concentration of museums, theaters (the cultural kind), art galleries, and a stunning collection of amazing restaurants with food from all over the world. Outside the 610 are more mellow neighborhoods, and then an incredible spread of suburbs that comprise a metroplex that is 15% larger than the entire state of New Jersey.
What is different about Houston is its working-class spirit and unpretentious behavior that is so different from many of the other major cities. Here you can attend a world-class performance, eat at a five-star restaurant and yet it never feels super-fancy or full of itself. Your life here would more likely be filled with trips to the local coffee shop and neighborhood park than the ballet but good to know you can go if you’d like, right?
If you want to check out the happenings in Houston here is the calendar of events:
https://www.visithoustontexas.com/events/
One final note: Texas is a concealed-carry state, which means the lifestyle here includes locals packing heat when they are out and about. If that bothers you then perhaps Texas won’t be your cup of tea.
Workstyle of Houston
Houston is also diverse in terms of its business opportunities. Presumably everyone knows that Energy is big business here, but Houston also has the largest medical center in the world (Texas Medical Center). The different industries that are exploding in Houston are referenced above so we’ll stick to other characteristics: 1) The commutes truly suck here. If you can be a wfh’er we’d recommend it. 2) No state income tax!!!! You gets to keep more of your dough. 3) Houston has a network of tunnels and sky bridges so if you work downtown you can avoid the icky-sticky when you’re walking around.
Overall Houston has a great business culture. While Texas in general and Houston in particular have grown, that has largely been on the back of people coming here for jobs. With the rise in wfh’ers who can enjoy what Houston has to offer without any commute we imagine more growth is on the way.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
The City With No Limits
We know a lot of people are looking to get away from big cities but Houston seems like a place that might receive some of that escaping traffic from the denser cities of the Northeast and Northwest. If you’re moving south but want the diversity, culture & art experiences, food scene and vibrant population of some of those cities but in a more chill, easier to afford package, then Houston’s the spot.
Living in Houston
Neighborhoods in Houston
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The Area
The Houston metroplex is massive in ways peeps from the Northeast are going to have a tough time comprehending. At over 10k square miles it is larger than five U.S. states: New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island. It lies on the Gulf of Mexico but access to swimmable beaches is tricky. Galveston is a popular destination, particularly East Beach, but the Gulf of Galveston can be hit or miss as a swimmable water source. Generally if you’re looking for a true beach vacation Houstonians head to South Padre Island or across to Destin, Florida.
One of the great things about Houston is its proximity to other major cities. Dallas, Austin and San Antonio are all ~ 3 hours or less of a drive, and an hour and a few minutes flight time. The icing on the cake is that New Orleans is only a 5 hour drive (or 1 hour flight) in case your craving for Beignets gets out of hand.
Downtown
Young Professionals
The Inner Loop is where young professionals want to live in Houston. And while there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from there are several that pull in the most young profs and the common characteristic for these neighborhoods is often proximity to “downtown”. Neartown/Montrose is a great example of these: just blocks from the downtown neighborhood it is one of the most walkable areas in Houston. It has a great art scene and is packed with nightlife for those looking to get out and about. It also has plenty of affordable housing with both purchase and rental apartments available.
Neartown/Montrose
- Downtown
- Fourth Ward
- Midtown
- Upper Kirby
- Medical Center
Greater Heights
DINKs/SINKs
There is a running gag in Houston that when one of your friends gets married and has kids they start prepping to move to “The Greater Heights” neighborhood in the inner Loop. It’s a bit suburban for an inner city neighborhood but the small town feel inside the city is very cool. Good place to start your search.
- Greater Heights
Montrose
LGBTQ+
Houston's LGBTQ+ scene is concentrated in a neighborhood called Montrose. It's a couple miles southwest of downtown, with a mix of historic, early 20th-century homes, cute cottages and condos and apartments for anyone looking for smaller housing options. The center of the community is where Westheimer Road crosses Montrose Boulevard, great walkscore LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants. Also within walking distance are great boutique shops and cafes.
- Montrose
River Oaks
Families
Established Families:
There are plenty of neighborhoods and communities for bigger families with more $ under their belts. River Oaks is probably the most famous of these. It has been called the Beverly Hills of Houston, so get that wallet open. The neighborhood is filled with beautiful historic homes that successfully represent the old money of Houston. Just as importantly for those who want the homes AND a fancy commercial district River Oaks has a District (not so creatively called River Oaks District) to rival Rodeo Drive. If you want to live in The Loop and have it all this is your joint. If you crave more of a suburban/rural vibe then look at Piney Point Village. Filled with more modern mega-homes and country club amenities this is where you live if you want it fancy but also want it quiet.
- River Oaks
- Piney Point Village
- Galleria-Uptown
- West University Place
- Boulevard Oaks