The Benefits and Downsides of Living in Houston, Texas
Houston’s popularity stems from its fantastic job market, great outdoor parks, and irresistible cuisine.
There's a reason why Houston is one of the top places people consider when they think of moving to Texas, alongside Dallas and Austin. And for those looking for a break from the expensive cost of living in other major American cities like New York and Los Angeles, Houston can be a welcome break.
If you’re thinking of moving to Houston and possibly buying a property in the Houston area, check out this list of pros and cons to help you make your decision.
The Benefits and Downsides of Living in Houston, Texas
Pros
Affordable Cost of Living
Even if you’re earning a high income, your savings can be depleted by rent and other high monthly expenses. It's great to live in a city with plenty of entertainment and cultural options, but it's no use if you can't afford to participate in these activities. This is less of a problem in Houston. Compared to other big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Houston is truly affordable to live in. In Houston, wages are relatively high and rents are relatively low. This gives residents ample discretionary income to spend on entertainment.Diverse Neighborhood Choices
In Houston, you'll have access to a variety of different neighborhood types, whether you're in the market for luxury homes, mid-level properties, or more affordable options.
If you choose to live close to the downtown area you'll find yourself right in the middle of the action, whereas if you choose a more out-of-the-way neighborhood you'll be able to save on rent
Proximity to the central area means shorter work commutes and less money spent on transportation. These are important factors to consider when you're deciding which Houston neighborhood is best for you.
House Ownership is Feasible
What captures many investors’ attention is the ease of owning a home in Houston. A range of different price points can provide the average person with an option to buy a property. While there are savings to be had, you should ensure a property isn't affordably priced because it's in an undesirable neighborhood, or flawed in some other way. It’s best to get in touch with an experienced realtor who knows Houston's real estate market inside and out so that they can give you in-depth information.Strong Job Market
When it comes to employment opportunities, Houston is ahead of the pack. It’s surrounded by strong industries in medical, tech, and energy. This reinforces the economy and creates a solid job market. No wonder that a lot of people flock to this city for professional opportunities.
When jobs are readily available, it’s easy to plan for investments and even buy second properties to convert into rentals! A thriving economy is an important contributor to a high quality of life and an increased degree of personal satisfaction.
Access to Top Schools
Living in Houston, students have multiple university options in their hands. They can access top schools readily in Houston. The huge number of highly-rated schools in Houston make families happy to settle in this city. One of these is the University of Houston, which is a tier-one research institution that offers more than three hundred different degrees.A Multitude of Entertainment Options
In Houston, you won’t find yourself running out of interesting activities to do. There are endless shopping opportunities, as well as top-tier sporting events and electrifying performances at the theatres.
Are you in the mood for museum hopping? Houston will spoil you with 19 museums located near each other! Aside from that, there are educational destinations for families such as the popular Space Center Houston, Houston Zoo, and Downtown Aquarium.
Check out these interesting spots:
- Underground Tunnel Tour
- The Galleria
- 1940 Air Terminal Museum
- Miller Outdoor Theater
- Museum of Fine Arts
Excellent Local Culinary Scene
As everyone knows, the barbeque, fusion dishes, and diverse food options in Houston make it a go-to place for food connoisseurs. You’ll find a whole range of American, European, and Asian food fare in Houston.
Taco trucks, upscale restaurants, family dining spots—take your pick depending on your budget. Amazing craft beers are also found here, making Houston an incredible all-in-one gastronomic trip!
Check out these dining/drinking destinations:
- Anvil
- 8th Wonder Brewery
- TexMex
- Market Square Historic District
- Bayou Place
It's a Green City
Houston’s green space is a delight to experience! Parks, bike trails, and hiking spots are open to its residents. This promotes a balance of city and nature quality living. For fitness enthusiasts, you can enjoy wonderful outdoor activities and breathe in the healing powers of nature. Check out these parks:- Discovery Green
- Memorial Park
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- Hermann Park
- Hines Waterwall Park
Cons
The Traffic
Residents are plagued with heavy traffic in Houston. Most residents own a personal vehicle due to the limited public transportation options, compared to cities like Seattle that have excellent transit systems.
So if you’re looking to move, it’s best to conduct research in advance with regards to how you'll be getting around. Live closer to your work area to save time on the commute. Rush hour can leave you as much as an hour stuck on the roads.
Bugs
A common complaint that Houston residents have is the mosquitoes in this city. The humidity levels make it a natural breeding spot for these insects. Having mosquito repellent within easy reach can relieve you of this annoying bug problem.Taxes
Even if Houston has zero income tax, it makes up for it with a higher sales tax. But if you’re careful about your spending, it's still an affordable place to live.Humid Weather
If you’re not fond of hot weather then it could be a big adjustment to live in Houston. Prepare for 40-degree Celsius levels during the summer. On the other hand, the winters are mild compared to northern cities.
During the rainy season, there are areas prone to flooding, since it takes a while for the waters to be drained. A good tip is to invest in flood insurance and store emergency essentials.
