Relocating to Houston
As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to strong manufacturing, aeronautics, healthcare, and oil and gas industries, Houston is a great place to live and work. With so much to experience, this massive city can be a bit overwhelming at first. That’s why I’ve put together a quick guide to help ease the stress of moving and allow you to take advantage of everything this exciting city has to offer.
Quick Facts:
Population: 2,325,502 (2018 estimate). The wider metropolitan area’s population is over 7 million.
Houston has the third-largest number of languages spoken in the U.S. The residents speak more than 145 languages in the city.
It is home to the largest medical center in the world, The Texas Medical Center, which contains 54 medicine-related institutions.
The Houston Galleria, or just The Galleria, is the largest mall in Texas and 9th in the U.S.
Houston is one of the busiest port cities in the nation, boasting a 25-mile long system of commercial docks.
What’s the Cost of Living in Houston?
The cost of living in Houston is about 2% lower than the national average. In recent years, the city's year-over-year rent growth has declined by 3.4% compared to last year’s average. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $900 a month, $1,070 for a two-bedroom.
If you’re thinking of buying a home, real-estate prices are dropping, with a median price of $249,000 for a single-family home.
Transportation in Houston?
There is no doubt about it - Houston is a car town. Once you’ve moved to Houston, it is necessary to have your vehicle inspected prior to registration which has to be completed within 30 days of arrival. Moreover, residents can legally drive with a valid unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas. Before the 90 days are up, new residents must apply in person for a Texas license to drive legally.
That being said, The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, known as the Metro, is based in Houston. It provides transportation throughout the city proper in the form of buses and the METRORail.
School Systems
If you’re looking for just the right school, check out the Texas School Guide. It’s a great resource for learning about the different types of schools in the city as well as how to search for good schools in your area.
If you’re looking to move to Houston, you don’t have to make the transition alone. Contact me today for more information. We have a strong program to help residents settle in and thrive in Houston, Texas.