You may have already heard that people are moving away from the coasts in droves, looking for more affordable, livable, and culturally diverse areas of the country. Texas is big on the list for those who want to move to a state that affords them a better quality of life, and the Houston area is one of the most popular places to live in the state right now. What you may not know is that Houston is the fourth-largest city in the nation, and it’s a big draw for those looking to relocate from other states in the east and west.
What makes Houston so popular? Here are the top 10 reasons to move to Houston today!
1. Texas Culture Abounds!
From the area’s rich history to its legendary Southern hospitality, you can find all sorts of uniquely Texas culture in and around Houston. From some incredible live country music to Texas bluebonnets to cowboy culture everywhere you look, Houston is a vibrantly modern city that is nonetheless tightly connected to its historical roots.
2. Booming Jobs
Many people are moving to Texas in general—and Houston in particular—to take advantage of the state’s incredible job market. Houston has attracted a wide array of employers in a variety of STEM fields, including healthcare, aerospace, biotechnology, life sciences, information tech, and many more. We’re also home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the perfect place for those who have their eyes on the stars.
3. Great Colleges and Universities
With more than 20 colleges, universities, and technical schools, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for higher education in the Houston area, and there’s likely to be a program offering exactly what you’re looking for. Notable campuses in the area include the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University. Houston is also just a short drive away from Texas A&M, Baylor, and the University of Texas, to name a few.
4. Sports and Entertainment
Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find plenty of it in Houston. From the Houston Space Center to a world-class zoo, you’ll find something for every taste. Live entertainment venues host an incredible array of local and international music and other performances, as well as sporting events, of course. It wouldn’t be Texas without some of your favorite hometown teams, from baseball’s Astros and basketball’s Rockets to the NFL’s Texans and professional men’s and women’s soccer teams.
5. Arts and Culture
Besides sporting events and world-class entertainment venues, Houston is also home to an array of museums, art galleries, and more. Houston’s Museum District alone has 19 museums, galleries, cultural centers and community organizations. You’ll find the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Grand Opera, not to mention a plethora of theater companies and local artists. Because Houston is one of the largest cities in the country, it’s a regular stop for traveling exhibitions, touring companies, musical acts, and others.
6. The Great Outdoors
We couldn’t write a list of the top 10 reasons to move to Houston without mentioning all the great outdoor activities that Houston residents enjoy. Texas has phenomenal weather pretty much year-round, and the Houston area is home to a wide variety of dedicated outdoor spaces, from city parks to the nearby countryside. In fact, the Houston Parks and Recreation system includes everything from public green spaces to skate parks. You don’t have to go far to enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and much more!
7. BBQ, Tex-Mex, and More!
Of course, a city as vibrant and culturally diverse as Houston is going to have an incredible food scene. Sure, we have the expected staples such as downhome country cooking, unbeatable Texas barbecue, and Tex-Mex food, but Houston is also host to some of the most exciting chefs and restaurants of all types to be found anywhere, not to mention local breweries, pubs, and even vineyards within a short drive.
8. The Beach is Always Calling
The Gulf of Mexico is known for its emerald waters and sparkling white sand beaches, and all of that is never far away when you’re living in Houston. In fact, of the top 10 reasons to move to Houston, the beach is pretty high on our list. We think it’ll be high on yours, too!
9. The Weather is Fine
If you can’t stand the cold, you will love Houston. As we mentioned when discussing all the things to do in the great outdoors, Texas enjoys some truly fantastic weather, and Houston is no exception. We may get our fair share of rain and a good deal of summer heat, but there are plenty of compensations, too, like being able to spend a comfortable evening in January wearing nothing more than a light jacket. If things do get too warm in the summer, that’s a perfect excuse to hit the beach!
10. Affordable Homes!
Cost of living is a big factor driving people to Texas from the coasts, and the price of a home in Houston is considerably lower than in some of the state’s other metro areas. Houston also benefits from its non-existent state income tax as well as the high salaries driven by its booming job market, meaning that it’s a great place to find affordable, incredible homes. They aren’t all in the Houston city limits, either. The Highlands, which is located in Porter, TX, a short drive from the city of Houston, is one of the newest master-planned communities in Montgomery County, and it is considered one of the best places to live in Houston or the surrounding area. Why is that? For starters, it features quality homes from some of the nation’s leading homebuilders starting in the $300s, nestled in a park-like setting with endless resident amenities and activities, all within an easy commute to Houston.
Ultimately, we couldn’t be more proud of our city, and Houston is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a more affordable way of life and want to experience all the best that Texas has to offer.
If you’re considering moving to Houston, why not come find your dream home at The Highlands?