Living in Houston: Is Houston a Good Place to Live?

Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is one of the largest cities by area  in the United States. The city was founded in 1836 and is named after former General Sam Houston, the president of the Republic of Texas. Houston grew steadily in the years that followed and later witnessed rapid growth in economic factors as well. Houston is now a global city with a strong culture, infrastructure, industries, medicine, and more. Houston includes a population from various backgrounds and is the most diverse metropolitan area in Texas. 

But is Houston a good place to live in? Here is all you need to know about life in Houston TX!

Reasons to move to Houston

1.Living in Houston is affordable

Compared to other urban areas and the nation’s 20 most popular metro areas, Houston has the second-lowest-cost of living, according to the survey by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Housing costs are 11.5% below the national average and 51% lower than the average of the 20 most popular U.S. metros. If you combine the cost of living with high salaries and no state income tax, you may find yourself saving a lot more money than you had anticipated. 

2.Finding a place to live in Houston is easy

Due to the large size of the city, Houston offers a variety of rentals with cheap, midrange, and luxury apartment options across many neighbourhoods. Moreover, every vicinity in Houston offers high-end entertainment at reasonable costs. Some of the most affordable rentals can be found in South Park and the Greater Fifth Ward.

3.Buying a property with a modest income is possible

Why move to Houston? One of the biggest draws to living in Houston is a wide selection of reasonably priced housing. So, why rent when you can buy? The median house is priced at under $200k and offers a large yard space to comfortably accommodate family life.

4.Houston has a mixed population

Houston is ethnically diverse and no single group represents a majority. The population comprises of several ethnic and religious backgrounds and the city has a growing international community as well. Moreover, it is home to several cultural institutions and exhibits, which attracts a tremendous number of visitors to the Museum District. Tourists from all across the country and globe travel to attend the city’s events such as the Bayou City Art Festival, Houston Auto Show, Houston Fashion Week, Houston Gay Pride Parade, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and more.

5.Low fuel prices

Love driving? Driving around in Houston will not make a big dent in your pocket. Low fuel prices and affordable street parking makes living in Houston much more convenient.

6.Students have access to top universities in Texas

No matter where you choose to live in Houston, there are various top universities for you to choose from. High school and college students living in Houston qualify for a lower in-state tuition as well. 

7.Houston offers delicious delicacies

Houston has so much to choose from as the city features cuisines from all over the world. It has award-winning chefs who make dishes so unique you’ll only find them there. You can even eat at different food places in Houston every day and not run out of options for a very long time. Classic American, Indian, Italian, Thai, vegan – you name it and they have it! A wide variety of street trucks make snacking quick, cheap, and enjoyable too. What’s more? The city has various pubs, cafes, and cocktail bars too.

8.Self-care is a part of Houston culture

Is Houston a good place to live in terms of self-care and fitness? If you are moving from a city like New York or San Francisco, you might be doubting the city’s fitness offerings. But be rest assured as Houston is full of yoga, pilates, CrossFit and much more to meet your needs. Houston also has many massage and skincare establishments along with therapies that will leave you feeling refreshed.

9.There is something for everyone

Living in Houston is a unique blend of traditions and a modern lifestyle. You have various things to see and do for all age groups, many of which you won’t find in other cities. The city offers museums, aquariums, theatres, zoos, adventure activities and a lot more.

10.Houstonians are very friendly

Houston has seen many hardships over the past few years. This includes the severe destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Back then, Houstonians helped each other in extreme capacity to recover from the devastation. Houstonians give off positivity, warmth, and friendliness all the time and it won’t be difficult for you to find your tribe in Houston.

Why living in Houston, Texas might not be for you?

Now that you are aware of the many reasons to live in Houston, the next thought in your mind might be, “should I move to Houston?” So, for you to have a full and clear picture, we’re also here to discuss some of the drawbacks before you decide to move here.

1.High sales tax

While Houston has no income tax, most purchases carry high sales taxes. Purchases carry more than 8% sales tax which makes it one of the higher sales taxes in the country.

2.Traffic issues

You are going to experience a huge amount of traffic in Houston as it is a large metropolis city. If you live in the suburbs, you may take at least an hour to reach the city. No doubt that Houston’s freeway system is enormous and always expanding, but so is the population and traffic.

3.Humid weather

The “H” in Houston probably stands for heat and humidity! The temperatures are generally very high and can leave you sweating on most days. It is not very cold even in the winters, so for someone who prefers a colder climate, Houston is not the place to be.

4.Mosquitos all around

The hot and humid climate of Houston makes it a suitable breeding ground for insects, especially mosquitos. You may find many large mosquitos, especially in summers.

5.Prone to disasters

Unfortunately, Houston’s gulf coast is prone to natural disasters, mainly floods. The city ranks amongst the most disaster-prone cities in the country.

Whatever brings you to Southeast Texas, living in Houston is surely going to be an adventure and discovering the city may be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences in your lifetime!

Frequently asked questions about living in Houston, Texas

1.Is Houston a good place to raise a family?

The city’s economy, job growth offerings and affordable living lure people. Moreover, it has a collection of world-class attractions, such as the Johnson Space Center and the Children’s Museum of Houston, which makes it a good place to raise a family. Houston is also diverse, both politically and culturally. The large diversity in terms of ethnicities, languages, and cultures make Houston an excellent choice if you are looking to raise a family.

2.What salary do you need to live in Houston?

It is much easier to live comfortably in Houston than in other major cities of the United States. According to Business Insider, in comparison with 15 major cities in the U.S., Houstonians with a family of four need to earn the least to pay for a living. Earning the least can also help people afford discretionary spending and save money. People living in Houston need to earn $131,400 a year to live comfortably in the city. This salary would allow residents to spend on necessities, some optional expenses and save some money for the rainy day too.

3.Is it cheaper to live in Houston or Dallas?

While Houston’s neighbors such as Dallas, Austin and San Antonio have received most of the attention over the past few years, the city has carved out a place for itself as a great city for both, families, and bachelors. According to findings, Dallas is 5.3% more expensive than Houston. The housing costs in Dallas are 15.8% more and medical costs are also 1.7% more expensive than in Houston.

4.What is the best area to live in Houston?

No matter what you’re looking for, Houston’s got everything you need. A fancy downtown apartment, a bachelor home, or a family and pet friendly space with a big yard, you can easily find a house that suits your needs in Houston. Some best places to live in the city are Downtown Houston, Midtown, Memorial, Houston Heights, Montrose, Nassau Bay, Katy, and The Woodlands.

5.Where should you not live in Houston?

Is Houston a good place to live? Yes, it is, but since Houston has a huge population, it also has its share of dangerous areas. Some areas in Houston like Far North, Northeast, North Houston, East End, Westchase, and Bellaire have a slightly higher crime rate, so do a thorough research before buying or renting a house in these neighborhoods.