The Houston Moving Guide

If affordability, career opportunities, a wealth of culture, and diverse neighborhoods are on your wish list for a great place to live, then Houston ticks all those boxes and more.

Here is why we think Houston is a great place to live:

Cost of Living, Housing, and Rentals

Houston is known for its affordable cost of living when compared to other major U.S. cities. The overall cost of living is about 8% lower than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor.

• Renting: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston is approximately $1,200, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,500. Prices can vary based on the neighborhood and amenities.
• Buying a Home: The median home price in Houston is about $300,000. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the area, with the more desirable neighborhoods commanding higher prices.

To learn more about the cost of living in Houston, visit www.numbeo.com  

You may also like to read: Moving to a New State. With checklists and tips, this guide will be invaluable if you are moving to a new state.

Best Neighborhoods in Houston

This is our pick of the best neighborhoods in Houston.

• Montrose: Known for its eclectic vibe, Montrose has a vibrant arts scene, historic homes, and a diverse community. It’s a hub for LGBTQ culture offering numerous cafes, galleries, and vintage shops.
• Museum District: Home to 19 museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this area is ideal for culture lovers. It’s also adjacent to Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo.
• West University Place: Often referred to as “West U,” this family-friendly neighborhood offers top-rated schools, tree-lined streets, and a suburban feel.
• Bellaire: Known for its strong sense of community and excellent schools, Bellaire offers spacious homes and a suburban atmosphere.
• Greater Uptown (Galleria Area): An energetic commercial district featuring upscale shopping at The Galleria, fine dining, and high-rise living options.

Read more about the different neighborhoods of Houston at www.niche.com

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good Neighborhood. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing which neighborhood to move to.

Education and Top Schools

Many families are drawn to Houston because of the choice of high-quality education.

• Public Schools: The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the largest in Texas, with several schools recognized for excellence. Notable high schools include Carnegie Vanguard and DeBakey High School for Health Professions.
• Private Schools: Houston is home to numerous highly regarded private institutions, such as St. John’s School and The Kinkaid School.
• Higher Education: The city is home to several universities, including Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University.

Read more about the best schools in Houston at www.greatschools.org

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.

Career Opportunities

Those looking to further their career can do a lot worse than heading to Houston. These are the leading employment sectors:

• Energy: Known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” Houston hosts over 4,700 energy-related firms, including major oil and gas companies.
• Medical and Biotechnology: The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in the world, offering numerous opportunities in healthcare and research.
• Aerospace and Aviation: With NASA’s Johnson Space Center nearby, Houston is a hub for aerospace innovation.
• Technology and Startups: The city is experiencing growth in tech industries, with over 8,800 tech-related firms and a thriving startup scene.
• Corporate Presence: Houston is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, including Phillips 66, Sysco, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.

Read more about the best places to work in Houston at www.houstonchronicle.com  

You may also like to read: Relocating for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving for a new job.

Social and Cultural Attractions

There is no shortage of culture and things to do in your spare time in Houston:

• Theater District: A 17-block area in downtown Houston houses nine professional performing arts organizations, including the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet, attracting over two million visitors a year.
• Museums and Galleries: Beyond the Museum District, the city features institutions like the Menil Collection and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, showcasing diverse art forms.
• Culinary Scene: For foodies, Houston’s culinary scene reflects its multicultural population, offering everything from Tex-Mex and Vietnamese to Ethiopian and Indian cuisines.
• Festivals and Events: The city hosts numerous events, such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Pride Parade, and the Bayou City Art Festival.

To discover more about all the great things going on in Houston, visit www.visithoustontexas.com

You may also like to read: Moving after Retirement. Houston would seem like a great place to retire to, and in this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving after you have retired.

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

If you love the great outdoors, then Houston delivers here, too:

• Parks: Hermann Park, Memorial Park, and Buffalo Bayou Park are perfect for jogging, biking, and picnicking.
• Water Sports: The city’s bayous and nearby lakes offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing opportunities.
• Golf and Sports: There are several golf courses and sports facilities.

To discover more about all the green spaces in Houston, visit www.houston.org

You may also like to read: Moving to a New City Alone. In this guide, we look at the challenges and solutions when moving to a new city alone.

Climate and Weather

Houston has a humid subtropical climate:

• Summers: Hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C).
• Winters: Mild, with average highs around 60°F (15°C), making it comfortable year-round.
• Rainfall: The lush greenery is a result of the frequent rain here, which also means that you should be prepared for occasional flooding.

You may also like to read: Climate Migration. If the changing climate is a concern of yours, then in this guide, we look at where to move to avoid climate change.

Public Transport and Commuting

• Public Transit: METRO provides bus and light rail services, mostly serving the downtown and central areas.
• Driving: Many residents rely on cars, with several major highways running through the city.
• Cycling and Walking: Some neighborhoods, like Montrose and the Heights, are more pedestrian and bike-friendly.

Find out which are the most bike-friendly neighborhoods in Houston at www.peoplepoweredmovement.org  

You may also like to read: How Much do Movers Cost in Houston? If you are moving locally to or within Houston, then you will find this guide invaluable. With local movers’ costs and tips to make your move easier and cheaper.

Is Houston a Good Place to Live?

With a high quality of life at a relatively low cost, highly rated education, a strong job market, plenty of cultural and social highlights, and a diverse but very welcoming community, Houston is a very appealing place to call home.

Good luck with your move to Houston, and for guides on how to make every aspect of your home move cheaper, easier, and safer, be sure to visit our home moving blog.