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Moving to Houston in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Houston.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Houston.

Planning to move to Houston?

Moving is a big change in anyone’s life, and if you are planning to move to some place new then you must be prepared. You need to be prepared financially, emotionally and physically for the big change in life. If you decide to move to Houston, then you must know that Houston is a large and diverse city with numerous opportunities for its residents. The cost of living in Houston is relatively low and has affordable housing. You must know that the property taxes are higher in the city. The job market is strong and the city is culturally diverse. If you are moving to Houston then be prepared to experience extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, thunderstorms and more. However, this much information is not enough to decide whether the city will be a perfect fit for you and your family.

We have prepared a city guide that will help you learn all the details about the city. Let us explore Houston together.

Quick Facts of Houston

Let us check out some quick and interesting facts about Houston

Houston is the fourth-most populous city in the United States.

The city is home to more than 5,000 energy companies which makes it a major energy hub.

Houston has the most diverse population and speaks more than 140 languages.

The Johnson Space Center which is located in Houston is the largest NASA space center.

Houston is heaven for foodies, you can choose one out of 10,000 restaurants in the city.

Houston is home to the world’s largest rodeo- the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The city is a major transportation hub as there is one major seaport and two major airports.

The city is home to the largest solar power plant in Texas.

Houston is home to more than 200 Fortune 500 companies which makes it center for research and development.

The world’s largest medical center- the Texas Medical Center is in Houston.

Top reasons to move to Houston

Before moving to Houston, you must get some strong reasons that encourage you to move there.

Cost of living- The city has a relatively low cost of living as compared to other cities in the United States. The housing market in the city is affordable.

Job Market- The job market in Houston is strong and there are plenty of opportunities for the residents. The city is home to more than 200 Fortune 500 companies.

Taxes- There is no state income tax in Houston but there are high property taxes are higher.

Diversity- The city is one of the most diverse cities with culture, food and arts as there are people from all around the world.

Climate- Houston has a warm humid climate with extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, thunderstorms, etc.

Art and Culture- The city has world-class museums, music venues and theaters. You can enjoy festivals and events throughout the year.

Sports- The city is home to several professional sports teams like Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Texans (NFL), and more.

Education- The city is home to over 100 colleges and universities offering research and development opportunities.

Source: Houston Chronicles

Pros & Cons of Living in Houston

A new city means new challenges and struggles to find better solutions. But if you know about all the pros and cons of the city then you can easily find the way to a new city. Let’s check out the pros and cons of living in Houston

Pros of living in Houston	Cons of Living in Houston
Strong job market with industries like healthcare, tech, and energy	Summers can be extremely humid and hot with temperatures between 90–100-degree Fahrenheit
Population diversity resulting in diverse cultures and food scene	Traffic congestion is a major issue in the city and there is lack of public transportation
Affordable cost of living with no state income tax	Property taxes are high
Professional and college teams for various sports	City is prone to extreme weather events like tropical storms and hurricane
Warm weather throughout the year	Air pollution is a major concern in Houston
Several options for outdoor activities like trails, parks and more

Sources: Houston Chronicle: https://www.chron.com/

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Houston, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Houston

When you move to a new city, you want to find a perfect neighborhood to make your home there. In this section of our guide, we have listed the best neighborhoods in the city-

Montrose- A vibrant neighborhood with a diverse population. If you move to this neighborhood you can explore its eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants.

River Oaks: If you are looking for a neighborhood with single-family homes and apartments, then this is the perfect place for you. This locality is famous for its high-end shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Memorial- This is a large neighborhood where you can find a mix of single-family homes and apartments. This is a perfect neighborhood for families as there are good schools, recreation facilities and parks.

Upper Kirby- If you are looking for an upscale neighborhood then this is your destination. There are all types of homes like single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. There are plenty of upscale dining and shopping options with exciting nightlife.

Washington Avenue- If you are looking for a vibrant neighborhood then you can move to Washington Avenue. In this neighborhood you will find a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. This is in proximity to Memorial Park and has shops and dining options.

The Heights- A historic neighborhood with a mix of houses. This locality is known for its charming streets, restaurants and shops.

The Woodlands- This is a master-planned community established in the north suburbs of Houston. This is the right neighborhood for families are it has good schools, parks, recreation facilities and more.

Pearland- This suburb is located in the south suburbs of Houston. A perfect destination for families as it is well equipped with schools, several amenities, shopping stores and dining places.

Source: Niche

Cost of living in Houston

The cost of living in Houston is relatively low compared to other cities in the US. The cost of living in Houston is 4.7% below the national average. The cost of living is influenced by several parameters like lifestyle, mode of transportation, type of house, and personal expenses.

The cost of living in Houston is affordable and the cost can be managed easily if the budget is created efficiently. Before moving to Houston, you must know about all the expenses that will be added to your budget. In this section, we have compiled the data about the cost of living in Houston-

Expense	Average Cost
Housing	$1742 per month
Utilities	$187.37 per month
Transportation	$370.65 per month
Food	$621.83 per month
Healthcare	$578.90 per month
Other expenses	$2,788.58 per month

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research: https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/tx/houston/

Housing Market in Houston

The housing market in Houston is currently in the cooldown phase. The home prices and sales of houses are declining due to several factors including inflation, economic uncertainty and increasing interest rates. In October 2023, the median home price in Houston was #314,889 which is 6% lower than the last year.

Source: Houston Association of Realtors (HAR)

Average rental cost in Houston

The average rental cost in Houston ranges between $1,299 and $2,022. The rental value can depend on the amenities, neighborhood and other factors. It has been reported that the average rental price has decreased by 2% since last year.

Source: RentCafe

Houston job market

If you are moving for a better job to Houston, then you have made the right decision. Currently, the job market of Houston I strong with high demand for workers.

It is estimated that the job market in Houston will continue to grow in coming years where several industries like energy, technology and healthcare will flourish.

The unemployment rate in Houston is below the national average and it was 3.9% in October 2023.

Source: Texas Workforce Commission

Top Career Options in Houston

As you are moving to Houston to find a better career opportunity, then you should about the top opportunities available in the city. In this section, we have compiled a list of top career options for everyone-

Job title	Average salary	Entry-Level Salary	Total Employees
Software Engineer	$123,800	$70,000	137,600
Petroleum Engineer	$147,170	$80,000	11,800
Registered Nurse (RN)	$77,460	$50,000	84,800
Accountant and Auditor	$73,560	$45,000	77,900
Sales Representative	$65,930	$40,000	462,200
Customer Service Representative	$39,910	$30,000	1,916,400
Financial Analyst	$87,560	$55,000	49,400
Project Manager	$84,380	$50,000	55,400
Civil Engineer	$82,200	$50,000	38,500
Electrical Engineer	$81,970	$50,000	47,100
Mechanical Engineer	$81,040	$50,000	49,800
Human Resources Manager	$105,010	$65,000	78,200
Marketing Manager	$100,820	$60,000	66,700
Teacher	$60,790	$40,000	113,000
Police Officer	$65,170	$45,000	8,300
Firefighter	$62,070	$40,000	4,100

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Median Salary in Houston

The median salary in Houston is $71,520 which is higher than the national median salary of $53,490. The reason for such a high median salary is the strong economy of the city.

Source: Salary.com: https://www.salary.com/

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Major industries in Houston

The economy of Houston is strong with several industries that offer high-paying jobs to the residents and newcomers. Let us check out the major industries in Houston-

Energy

Technology

Healthcare

Finance

Professional & business services

Transportation

Construction

Warehousing

Manufacturing

Media and Entertainment

Food and Beverage

Retail

Education

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Best things to do in Houston

There are plenty of options for everyone to do something in Houston-

Visit the museum of Fine Arts which has a collection of arts in the southwestern United States

You can explore the Houston Zoo, which is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the country.

Catch a play or musical at the Alley Theatre which is a Tony Award-winning theatre company.

Enjoy the diverse culinary scene at the restaurants of Houston.

Spend a day exploring the exhibits on space at The Space Center Houston.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Houston by visiting one of the nightclubs in the city.

Plan a day trip to Galveston which is a popular island just off the coast of Houston.

Source: Visit Houston: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/

Education System in Houston

Moving to a new city means you have to secure a place for your child in a good school, college or university. But which school or educational institution is best in the neighborhood you choose is difficult to find.

So, Van Lines Move have simplified your search by listing the top elementary, middle and high schools and also the best universities and colleges in Houston

Elementary schools in Houston
Spring Branch Academic Institute (SBA)
West University Elementary School (WUES)
River Oaks Elementary School
Horn Elementary School
Roberts Elementary School

Middle Schools in Houston
West University Middle School (WUMS)
Middle School of the Arts at T.C. Jester (MSA)
T.H. Rogers School
Vanguard Magnet School
Pin Oak Middle School

High Schools in Houston
West University High School (WUH)
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA)
Vanguard Magnet School at Rice University (VMS)
The Emery/Weiner School
Lamar High School

Universities and Colleges in Houston
Rice University
University of Houston
Texas Southern University
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston Baptist University

Source: Niche

Transportation & Navigation in Houston

Moving to a new city and getting around can be challenging. But with some guidance, you can find a way to your destination without spending too much money and wasting your valuable time. Check out this section to find transportation and navigation systems in Houston as the city has multiple options like public transportation, private vehicles, bicycle and more-

Public Transportation- In Houston, public transportation is provided by METRO. Though the METRO system is not extensive like other major cities it provides buses and light rail trains in the city.

Driving- The most common way to get around the city in Houston is driving. So, if you are moving to Houston, you can ride your car. The city has great connectivity with freeways, highways and toll roads. Parking can be a problem in Downtown but you can find plenty of parking garages available.

Cycling- This is one of the growing modes of transportation in Houston. There are several bike lanes and trails in the city. Various companies in Houston are promoting cycling as a healthier option for getting around.

Navigation- Houston is a large city and it is challenging to understand the complex road system. However, you can use GPS and mapping apps to get around.

Source: METRO: http://www.ridemetro.org/

Type of insurance required in Houston

Insurance provides assurance and financial support at the time of loss or damage to your valuables. There are different types of insurance that you need in Houston-

Property Insurance- This type of insurance will protect your home or business from any damage or loss caused by fire, theft, or any other event. This insurance is required by lenders for homeowners and business owners.

Health Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law in Texas but you can buy it for your benefit. This insurance will help you pay for medical expenses including medication, doctor visits and hospital stays.

Life Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law but can provide you with financial support in the event of your death

Auto Insurance- This type of insurance is required by law in Texas and all the drivers are required to have this insurance. This provides liability coverage to pay for any damages caused to other people’s property by an accident.

Worker’s compensation insurance- This is required by law in Texas for all employers with one or more than one employee. This will provide financial support to the employees who get injured or ill on the job.

Cyber Insurance- This type of insurance protects businesses from any loss caused by cyberattacks and data breaches.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/

Taxes in Houston

Taxes are a major part of the cost of living and you must be aware of all types of taxes you have to pay in Houston-

Income Tax- The city does not have any city income tax, but there is a state income tax in Texas. So, you have to pay state income tax that ranges between 0%-5.4%.

Property Tax- The property tax in Houston is high and the value of the tax depends on the assessed value of the property. Currently, the property tax rate in Houston is 2.58%.

Vehicle Registration Feed- This is the tax on the registration of a vehicle. The vehicle registration fee is based on the weight of the vehicle.

Sales Tax- There is a sales tax on most services and goods in Houston. The sales tax rate in Houston is 8.25%.

Hotel Occupancy Tax- This tax is a tax on the hotel rooms and the rate of this tax is 7%.

Source: City of Houston: https://www.houstontx.gov/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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