Is Moving to Space City the Right Move for You?

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and the most populous city in the state of Texas. Located on the Galveston Bay, Houston is a flourishing metropolis known for its southern delicacies, vibrant culture, and expansive medical and space exploration programs. 

Thinking of relocating to H-Town? Here are a few reasons to consider Houston as your next home. 

Neighborhoods

Houston is a thriving metropolis full of diverse neighborhoods and people. With plenty of great residential areas to choose from, there truly is something for everybody in this blooming southern city.

Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is a thriving urban market of new developments and office buildings. It may not be the best residential area for young families, but it does boast a booming bar and restaurant scene in addition to some of Houston’s most iconic venues and the famous Minute Maid Park.

Midtown

Midtown Houston offers a lot of the same amenities (bars, shops, and restaurants) and facilities as Downtown, but with a younger, trendier vibe. This area is perfect for young professionals looking to rent or buy in the Inner Loop.

Houston Heights

Houston Heights is one of the most historical areas in the whole city. Abundant with vintage architecture, shops, and outdoor attractions, the Heights is a great community that really gives you that old-school Texas feel with a mix of the city’s new eclectic culture. 

Montrose

Montrose is Houston’s de-facto artsy neighborhood. It is home to many of the city’s coolest bars, boutiques, restaurants, and venues and is in close proximity to the city’s museum district.

Galleria/Uptown

The Galleria is the second-largest business area in the city. However, it also boasts some of the best shopping, restaurants, hotels, and nightlife.

Katy/Nassau Bay/The Woodlands

Houston is also home to many wonderful suburbs with affordable housing for both buyers and renters. Check out Katy for an accessible suburb with great schools and easy access to I-10 East. Nassau Bay is a great option for bayside property in a quieter, more residential area. The Woodlands is a more upscale suburb with some of the best schools and outdoor spaces in the city.

The cost of living in Houston is remarkably low in comparison to other major U.S. cities like L.A. and New York, and other major Texas cities like Dallas and Austin. For more on Houston neighborhoods, check out this guide. 

Education 

The educational opportunities in Houston are one of its main draws to both new families and young professionals thinking of relocating to the area. The Houston Independent School District is the 7th largest school district in the nation and the largest in the state of Texas with over 270 public and private education facilities. The HISD is also one of the largest employers in the city with over 27,000 employees.

Houston is also home to more than forty private and public universities including the University of Houston, Rice, Texas Southern, and the University of St. Thomas.​​

Job Market

Houston is a great place to work and home to twenty-four Fortune 500 companies including Academy Sports & Outdoors, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Baker Hughes, NRG Energy, Sysco, and ConocoPhillips. The Houston area also has ample opportunities in the manufacturing, tech, medical and aerospace hubs, with the Texas Medical Center and NASA’s Johnson Space Center being some of the biggest and most attractive employers. 

The unemployment rate is slightly above the national average due to the landmass and diversity of the city. However, the average annual income is generally in line with or higher than other large metropolitan areas like L.A., Chicago, and NYC. There’s also no state income tax, making it an attractive destination for young professionals, entrepreneurs and startups. 

Eating 

As with most major cities in Texas, Houston has a plethora of culinary options guaranteed to satisfy any food lover. If you’re looking for traditional southern barbeque, check out Truth BBQ, Feges BBQ or Corkscrew BBQ, or Brook’s Place. If you’re in the mood for tacos, try Tacos Tierra Caliente, Fusion Taco, La Macro, or Eight Row Flint. For more local favorites, there’s Post Houston, Himalaya, Christie’s Seafood & Steak, or the Turkey Leg Hut.

For a more in-depth guide to the Houston culinary scene, check out these guides at Eater Houston, Visit Houston, or Thrillsts. 

Shopping 

Houston is home to many malls, outdoor shopping centers, local shops, and boutiques that offer plenty of options for casual and luxury consumers. The Galleria is one of the biggest malls in Texas and is home to hundreds of stores including Chanel, Versace, and an escape room. Other malls and shopping centers include the River Oaks Shopping Center, the Memorial City Mall, and the Houston Shopping Center.

Traders Village is one of the biggest open-air flea markets in Texas, if not the nation. Historic Heights is home to some of the city’s best local shops and boutiques.

Nightlife & Culture

Houston is a young city with a lot to offer in terms of nightlife. 

If you’re looking to explore different bars, both Downtown Houston and the Galleria have a vibrant scene full of cool dives, wine bars, and upscale watering holes. Midtown is a great place for cocktail bars, wine bars, beer gardens, and clubs. If you’re looking for a more artsy scene, check out Montrose. For live music, check out White Oak Music Hall, House of Blues, Stereo Live Houston, or 9 PM.

Houston is also home to some of the nation’s best museums including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Lone Star Flight Museum.