Moving to Houston is stepping into a city where the energy is palpable, and not just because it’s a global oil hub.

The Energy Capital of the World stands out for its incredible diversity, topping charts year after year. All this is reflected in every corner of life, from restaurants to annual cultural events. Yes, it’s a city that loves to eat and not just great Texas BBQ — there are over 10,000 restaurants representing cuisine from more than 70 countries.

Eating aside, there’s always something fun to do around here, from catching a game — go Astros! — to visiting one of the many museums or parks (nearly 53,000 acres of green space!). Frankly, Houstonians never run out of options for adventure.

Its economy is booming, too. Home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where you can hear, “Houston, the Eagle has landed,” live, Houston sure has a thing for space. Also, for science and health. And the best part? Living costs here are low enough to let you enjoy all the big city has to offer without stretching your budget too thin.

Houston, TX Weather

Do you enjoy a splash of sunshine with a serious side of humidity? Houston’s subtropical climate is tailored to those who prefer warm weather year-round. Sure, summer here can feel like a premium sauna, with high temperatures soaring into the 90s and humidity that makes the air feel thick as syrup. But it’s not all sweat; these are perfect conditions for cooling off at one of the many local splash pads or beaches nearby.

Rolling from summer to a mild winter, Houston rarely flirts with freezing temperatures and snow is almost unheard of. The coldest months still see temperatures that often hover around the 50s and 60s — the kind of winter that can have you enjoying outdoor cafes in January without so much as a shiver.

And yes, it rains, especially in the spring and fall, but Houstonians see this as the perfect excuse to enjoy the lush, green landscape that thrives because of it. But when it comes to severe weather, Houston is most at risk from powerful Gulf Coast hurricanes that are strengthening due to the warming planet. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey dumped 48 inches of rain on Harris County over four days, with about a third of the county underwater from flooding. If you are new to the area, you’ll need to make sure you are prepared for such a disaster and stock up on emergency supplies.

Housing and Real Estate

Houston’s housing prices might surprise you — according to Census.gov, they sit right at the median home value of $235,000, which aligns neatly with Texas overall and is about 17% more affordable than the national average. Despite being a major city with over 2 million residents, Houston’s rent levels mirror Texas and U.S. averages, and that’s a big draw for many.

Now, you might want to time your house hunt if you plan to buy here. While properties in Houston typically zip off the market during the balmy summer months, things cool off in January, making it the slowest month for sales. Overall, the housing market looks good, and WalletHub ranks Houston’s metro area as the 10th healthiest in the nation.

Note: On average, it’ll take about 20 years to pay off a mortgage here, just a tad under the national average.

Best Houston Neighborhoods

Established in the 1830s, Houston was originally divided into “wards,” which laid the groundwork for today’s diverse neighborhoods. We had a hard time picking just three to sample its greatness, and if you want to venture further to the suburbs, don’t forget to also put Cinco Ranch on your map.

• Downtown Houston: Right in the heart of the city, this collection of districts buzzes with energy. It’s all happening here: sports games, top concerts and food from every corner of the globe. While the average rent here is the second highest in Houston, it’s perfect for those who love the nightlife and never want to miss a beat.
• Memorial: Only 20 minutes from downtown, this is the sweet spot between the city and the suburbs. While home prices in Memorial are on the rise and average roughly $650,000, you do get big, beautiful yards. Paired with great schools and plenty of parks, it is quite a hit with families.
• Neartown/Montrose: Can you imagine a slice of Austin in Houston? Eclectic and artsy, this is the go-to for vintage shops, quirky bars and an inclusive vibe — perfect for young professionals and those who love a diverse and dynamic neighborhood feel.

Houston, TX Schools

Houston really schools the competition when it comes to education. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is Texas’s largest and a major league player nationwide, educating over 184,000 students with a team of more than 27,000 staff. For a more tailored (and private) experience, places like St. John’s offer a classroom environment that’s almost as exclusive as its 100% college admission rate.

On the higher education front, the Houston area is home to 14 major institutions. Among these: Rice University and its top-tier science and engineering programs, the University of Houston (UH) reaching for the stars and designing houses for them with the world’s only Space Architecture program and Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the nation’s largest HBCUs.

Medical Centers in Houston

Houston may lead the charge in energy and aerospace but is no stranger in the healthcare landscape. The city is proud to host the Texas Medical Center. It’s the largest medical complex globally, with 8 million patient visits a year, and at the forefront of medical breakthroughs in everything from heart surgery to cancer treatment. Home to the world’s largest children’s hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, as well as the world’s largest cancer hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, TMC is truly pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Houston Economy and Employment

Oil is big here and the Port of Houston is humming, but the city’s economy really is as diverse as its population. The biggest employer sectors are trade, transportation and utilities, closely followed by all those brainy professional and business services. And if you’re into healthcare or education, you’re in luck — the job growth here looks promising.

The city is also a star-studded hub with NASA’s Johnson Space Center cooking up some out-of-this-world projects. Speaking of stars, did you know Houston is home to 20+ Fortune 500 headquarters? That’s a lot of big deals being made under the Texan sky.

Houston Transportation

Houston is famously spread out, making cars the most common method for getting around. The extensive freeway system accommodates a high volume of daily commuters — this also means traffic congestion is a common issue, especially during peak hours. The evening rush average speed is only 19 mph and the best time to avoid driving is Wednesday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sure, cars aren’t the only option for commuters. Houston offers public transportation options through the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, known as METRO. This provides bus services and light rail lines that connect major parts of the city, including downtown, the Medical Center and several park-and-ride facilities that greatly help suburban residents.

And while Houston is not known for being particularly walkable due to its spread-out nature, there are pockets of the city, especially newer developments and certain urban areas like Downtown and Midtown, where walkability is significantly better.

Crime in Houston

Houston’s crime scene can scare newcomers when taken out of context, but it’s really about knowing where to hang your hat. Sure, the city scoops the fourth spot for aggravated assault, but it’s also the fourth-largest city in the U.S. — big city, big numbers, but not necessarily bigger risk. 

Houston Attractions

Think you know Houston? There’s more to this city than just big oil and space explorers. Sure, it’s the heart of the energy universe, but it has a softer side that’s all about the arts and eats.

For instance, step into the Museum District where you can art-hop from one cool exhibit to another faster than a space shuttle liftoff. And if you’re hungry for more than just culture, Houston serves up a culinary journey that spans the globe — it really puts the “space” in Space City’s dining scene, no passport needed. 

Oh, and don’t miss out on the city’s signature event, the 20-day-long Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It’s the equivalent of New Orleans’s Mardi Gras or San Diego’s Comic-Con… but with cattle.

Storage Units in Houston, TX

Thinking of moving to Houston? As one of America’s largest cities, it might have plenty of room to roam, but when it comes to keeping your gear organized while you find your footing, home and garage space alone might not keep up with your lifestyle or business needs.

Get a hold of a storage unit in Houston to stash rodeo gear, seasonal decor from those massive Texas-sized holiday celebrations or just to keep your collectibles safe while you finally settle in.