Houston, which has a population of approximately 2.3 million people, is the most populous city in the state of Texas and the fourth most populous in the United States. It is not a surprise that it is continuing to expand, given that it has a low cost of living, a robust job market and a variety of activities to choose from.
19 Things You Must Know before moving to Houston
1. It’s Beyonce’s hometown.
The most important thing to know is that Beyonce is originally from Houston, Texas. If that isn’t enough to persuade you that Houston is a good place to settle down, we don’t know what else to say to help you make up your mind. Beyonce may very well be the most well-known native Houstonian. However, there are many other popular Houstonians as well.
2. Hot And Humid.
It’s common knowledge that Texas has a scorching climate. But unless you’ve spent a summer in Houston, a city that publicly brags about how frequently its temperatures reach the hundreds of degrees, you won’t truly understand what it means to be hot…
3. Disaster Preparedness Kit.
In a more somber tone, Houston is located in the path of hurricanes and tropical storms; hence, if you are relocating to Houston, it is prudent to devise an emergency plan that you discuss with your loved ones and then share it with them. Where would you go if you and the other individuals you live with were removed from each other? Does your house or apartment contain a kit for emergency preparation? If you plan on making Houston (Which is located in a subtropical region) your permanent home, it is important to find answers to the abovementioned issues.
4. Big City Life.
Houston is not precisely a walkable metropolis; the traffic is one of the city’s main drawbacks. According to Allstate, the typical commuting expense in Houston can build up to $6,000 per year.
5. You’ll need a car.
Driving is common in Houston, so traffic can be difficult. Although there are more buses and light rails than in the past, the public transit system is still not as developed as it should be. It’s not an option not to have a car and we’ll bet that you’ll want to put your money into a vehicle with an operational air conditioner. The heat and humidity in Houston can sometimes reach very uncomfortable levels.
6. Know how to stay in the Loop.
The motorway known as Interstate 610 makes a loop around the core of Houston. When giving directions, locals will frequently indicate whether the destination they are referring to is located inside or outside of “The Loop.” One may find various interesting things inside the Loop, such as cultural institutions and professional sports teams. After relocating to Houston, you might consider settling down inside the Loop if you do not want a sizable property in the suburbs with a yard and a swimming pool.
7. Houston has no zoning laws.
You’re familiar with those zoning restrictions, right? The ones that restrict the maximum height of buildings that can be constructed in particular districts and tell developers they can’t construct a commercial structure in the center of a residential block. There is not a single one of them in Houston. In some respects, this benefits a rapidly growing city that is expanding and adding housing stock. Still, it can also lead to a peculiar mix of structures looking very different from one another.
8. City You Can Afford.
Although Houston’s traffic may be a headache, the city’s high cost of living more than makes up for it, Houston’s low cost of living is nearly unbelievable when compared to those of other major cities located throughout the United States.
9. International City.
Due to several international industries, Houston is an extremely varied city. Nearly one-third of people living in Houston was born in another country. The city is home to a significant Hispanic community, which accounts for 45 per cent of the population. It has been the most internationally diverse city in the United States since 2014.
10. NASA’s hometown.
As the headquarters of NASA, Houston is filled with activities that will pique the attention of anyone interested in space exploration. After moving to Houston, you must pay a visit to the Space Center; however, if you purchase a Houston CityPASS and check out the other Houston attractions included in the pass, you will save money.
11. Texas Medical Center in Houston.
The Texas Medical Center is the most important location in the field of life sciences anywhere in the globe. The Texas Medical Center is frequented by more than 160,000 individuals daily, thanks to its 106,000 employees, 61 institutions, thousands of volunteers and patient visits.
12. Education City.
Rice University as well as the University of Houston are both considered to be Tier 1 higher education institutions in Houston. Rice is a private institution and the Ivy League School of the South. There are a few famous private universities in the region, including the University of St. Thomas and Texas Southern University, the latter of which is regarded as one of the most historically black colleges and universities in the United States. There are over 50 trade, vocational and business schools in the surrounding area and the multiple campuses of Houston Community College that are spread out over the city.
13. Charities and Nonprofits.
In line with the community-oriented nature of Houston’s culture, the city is teaming with famous charities that are doing incredible work, such as:
• Houston Food Bank
• Best Friend’s Animal Society – Houston
• Galveston Bay Foundation
• The Beacon – Legal aid for the homeless
• Writers In the Schools
14. Houston is an Art Center.
Fine art, modern collections and an overwhelming number of art galleries may all be found in Houston. Because of this, Houston was recognized by the International Association of Art Critics in 2012 as having the “greatest show” four times out of twenty-four.
15. Clutch City.
Bayou City, Space City (Due to the presence of NASA’s Manned Space center) and Clutch City are all monikers that have been given to the city of Houston (Due to back-to-back NBA championships won by the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995).
16. Texas Livestock Show & Rodeo.
To get a thrill out of the rodeo, you don’t need to be a cowboy or cowgirl to enjoy yourself. Everyone is guaranteed a good time at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Even though the event takes place every year for 20 days, Houstonians spend the entire year talking about it and getting ready for it. The rodeo has a variety of events, including the world-famous barbecue cook-off, music, a massive carnival and many more. There is no requirement for cowboy boots.
17. Houston’s Job market is BOOMING!
Oil and gas are typically the first two industries that come to mind when people are asked to name the major industries in Texas. And you can’t deny it. The Port of Houston is a key hub for moving oil, gas, and other materials into and out of the country, contributing to the growth of Houston’s petrochemical industry, one of the city’s primary economic drivers. However, Houston is also the location of the Texas Medical Center, which has the title of the largest medical city in the entire world! Additionally, the city has a rich tradition of technological innovation, as seen by the presence of NASA’s Space Center and the fact that it is home to the headquarters of more than two dozen Fortune 500 firms.
18. Restaurant Capital.
It has been named “America’s Next Great Food City” by GQ magazine, which acknowledges that Houston is home to some of the finest dining establishments in the United States. Be ready to fill your stomach as you travel across the metropolis. Not only are college students at risk of gaining weight known as the “freshman 15,” but immigrants to Houston are just as likely to experience this problem.
19. Lots of Options.
Although Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States (falling behind New York, Los Angeles and Chicago), it is still considered to be a large metropolis since it has a wide variety of neighborhoods, green and open spaces, alternatives for nightlife and readily available real estate.
Thinking about moving to Houston, Texas?
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