Firstly why Houston, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Houston
• State: Texas
• Population: 2,320,268 people
• Houston’s quick summary would be The largest city in Texas, famous for its diverse cultural scene, the Space Center Houston, and world-class museums.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 80,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 75,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 25,000
• Number of Homeless people: 8,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers diverse job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting various populations

Perk #1: Houston Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 57%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $68,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Houston is $73,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Houston’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,586
• Property Tax %: 2%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,900
• Rent for an average house: $2,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: River Oaks
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Houston, Sugar-Land, Pasadena, Cypress, and probably could include The-Woodlands
• Avg. Age of Homes in Houston: 55 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Houston’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Houston are  Energy, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Houston Job Scene: strong job market in energy healthcare and finance
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for healthcare, energy, and aerospace sectors
• Houston Resident’s pay $2,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Houston: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 700 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 131

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Houston

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-45 and I-10 run through Houston creating a significant transportation hub
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy evening traffic on 45
• Transportation Score: 60 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Houston: 2,400,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 30 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Houston: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: George Bush Intercontinental

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Houston’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Houston is best described as hot humid summers mild winters with frequent rainfall
• Winter Weather in Houston i’d describe as mild and wet
• Spring Weather in Houston can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Houston are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Houston is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 69 days in summer
• Days in a row in Houston below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality heavily impacted by local emissions
• Houston Winter Air mixed air quality due to significant urban pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Houston Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Houston 45
• While the number of trade schools inside Houstons’s city limits are 34
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Houston Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Houston Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Houston only Doctors is about 1,200
• Local Hospitals here is  62
• Full-time Houston only Police Officers is about 10,000
• Crime Rate Index: 75/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Houston’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Houston’s Monthly Gym Membership: $60
• Houston’s Water Quality Score: 64

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Houston

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 20 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: large city known for its multicultural environment and activities
• You might enjoy performances at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Houston  offers a dynamic nightlife with a mix of bars clubs and cultural events reflecting diverse interests

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Houston

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a vast culinary landscape with diverse restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 500 scattered around Houston
• The Popular Sports Team is Houston Astros
• Top Level Political Climate in Houston can be described as politically diverse city focused on social justice and community issues
• Houston’s Longer standing religious establishment is Houston’s First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Houston Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Houston has 200 Parks?
• Houston Parks is Houston’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Houston Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, museum tours, and outdoor events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Houston Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Houston can be described as fast-paced urban lifestyle known for its diversity and economy
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Houston visiting local museums exploring parks attending events
• The Cities people commute to from Houston are Nuevo-Laredo 5 miles away Del-Rio 147 miles away San-Antonio 156 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Houston or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy evening traffic on 45. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Houston’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If River Oaks is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Houston are Nuevo-Laredo 5 miles away Del-Rio 147 miles away San-Antonio 156 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 75 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Houston has 0 days in a row below freezing and 69 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Houston people have an average (positive or negative) $5000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   8,000 homeless people living in Houston. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically diverse city focused on social justice and community issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Houston.

Retiree & Senior Life in Houston

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may benefit from property tax exemptions ensuring housing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Tanglewood
• Houston Senior Center provides meal services diverse programs and health resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Houston, Texas?

If Houston, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Houston, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!