What It’s Really Like to Live in Houston, TX

Navigation Quick Links:

• Houston at-a-glance
• What it’s like to live in Houston
• Economy and job outlook in Houston
• Real estate, cost of living in Houston
• The top neighborhoods in Houston
• How to get around in Houston
• School and education snapshot
• Weather and climate in Houston
• 10 Can’t miss things to do in Houston

Houston At-A-Glance

We now know that “Houston” wasn’t really the first word said when men landed on the Moon, but it was one of the first. Houston, of course, is famously known as home to the NASA Johnson Space Center, which launched NASA’s most famous missions and still directs the International Space Station mission.

But Space City (as Houston is fondly known) isn’t all about, well, space.  

As the fourth largest city in the U.S., Houston has made quite a mark for itself. Combining southern charm with global cultures, Houston is a city rich in diverse communities, world-class museums, and great eats. Oh, and it’s also the hometown of the queen herself: Beyoncé. No wonder this Texas treasure sees a consistent growth in population each year.

Thankfully, if you’re moving to Houston you’ll have plenty of chances to get to know your neighbors. The city has no shortage of festivals and events, including the biannual Bayou City Art Festival, the Renaissance Festival, Worldfest Houston International Film Festival, Tour de Houston and, of course, the 20-day Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the biggest rodeo in the world.

The Most Diverse City in the U.S.

It may surprise many people to know that New York isn’t the most diverse city in the U.S.—that title belongs to Houston! The city has no ethnic majority, with nearly a quarter of its residents having been born outside the U.S. (most from Hispanic and Asian countries), and over 145 languages spoken by residents.

This global influence could be what led to GQ naming Houston the new capital of Southern Cool just a few years ago. With the city’s population continuing to grow and diversify further, cultures aren’t just cohabitating—they’re coming together to offer unique cuisines, fun happenings, artistic expressions, and various establishments that are all about community.

Not every major city in the U.S. can brag about world-renowned symphony, ballet, opera, and theater companies, but Houston sure can. With hundreds of cultural and arts organizations, Houstonians enjoy some of the best artistic talent in the world.

And the food! The Bayou City has over 10,000 restaurants and more than 1,000 food trucks and stands, representing cuisine from over 70 countries and American regions. Houston has been consistently ranked high for its food, and while there are plenty of those barbeque and steak joints to enjoy, it also happens to be one of the best cities for vegans and vegetarians. Whether you’re looking for traditional homestyle southern cooking or contemporary fine dining, you’ll find it in Houston.

A City for Entrepreneurs in a State with No Income Tax

Texas is one of only nine states that boasts no income tax, making its big cities a draw for young professionals looking for plenty of job opportunities and a lower cost of living. 

Houston happens to have the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in Texas, including Phillips 66, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Sysco Corp, and more. And, as the so-called “Energy Capital of the World,” Houston is also home to over 4,600 energy-related firms. Other major industries include aerospace, healthcare, and government.

Apart from the big names present in Houston, the city is considered a great place for entrepreneurs and is largely oriented toward small businesses. It tied for third place in The Zebra’s 10 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs due to Texas’ lenient taxes on corporate incomes and to startups receiving over $750 million in venture capital and other financing in 2020. Zebra also noted that 97 percent of the businesses in the city have under 100 employees, driving a culture that’s oriented around supporting small business.

Following the global economic impacts of the pandemic, Houston recovered well with most of its 18 major industries having fully recuperated. By the end of September 2022, the metro area had added 108,600 jobs in 2022, making it the fifth best year on record for job growth.

As of October 2022, the unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.

Big City Living at an Affordable Price

While there’s no denying that Houston, like the rest of the U.S., is seeing a rise in housing costs, it’s still affordable compared to other major metro areas. According to Redfin, the median cost of a home in Houston in October 2022 was $315,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,323, and the average for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,725.

Although the median annual household income in Houston—$53,600 per the 2020 U.S. Census—is lower than the national average, Texas residents are not subject to a state income tax. Not only do Houstonians keep more of their wages, but with the cost of living in Houston being 6 percent lower than the U.S. average, they can also expect to spend less on general expenses and entertainment.

Welcoming, Diverse Neighborhoods for Every Scenario

Houston’s diversity and mixed cultures extend to its neighborhoods as well. Whether you’re looking to relocate your family or you’re a young professional making a career move, you’ll find plenty of great neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle. 

Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Houston:

MIDTOWN

Full of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses, this central Houston neighborhood is highly walkable and provides a trendy, upscale atmosphere that young professionals love. Despite its proximity to Downtown, Midtown is an affordable, sought-after area. 

MONTROSE

Montrose has been nicknamed “Houston’s Austin” due to its hipster vibe and its LGBTQI+-friendly community. Located near the Museum District, there are plenty of popular cultural spots nearby. Residents also enjoy cool restaurants and bars, live music, and eclectic architecture.

HOUSTON MUSEUM DISTRICT

If you love culturally driven neighborhoods, the Houston Museum District is home to 19 museums and attracts artists, historians, and scientists from around the world. The neighborhood is also known to be safe and walkable, making it one of the more expensive areas if you’re looking to buy.

THE HEIGHTS

Houston Heights is a historic city landmark full of diverse architectural styles. It’s also one of the top neighborhoods for walkability. Residents are known to throw block parties and street fairs and are very committed to supporting local businesses. With great bars, a restored theater, and other hot spots, it’s a fun place to live.

WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE

This neighborhood promises a small-town feel in the big city. With tree-lined streets, nice homes, expansive parks, and one of the lowest crime rates in the country, West U boasts a high quality of life that’s perfect for families. It also happens to have some of Houston’s top-rated schools.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Houston home search:

• Downtown
• Greater Uptown
• East End
• Washington Ave/Memorial Park
• Katy

Houston, We’ve Got Another Congested Metro Area

Major metros are known for heavy traffic and Houston is no different. Due to its consistent growth in population, it’s one of the most congested cities in the U.S. and ranks in the top 10 of metro areas nationwide.

To help alleviate the traffic, the city is serviced by the METRO bus and METRORail, which can be ridden for $1.25 one-way, or using a $3 day pass. Houston is also part of the B-Cycle program, providing 635 bikes for short-term rentals available at 90 stations throughout central Houston. Thankfully, for those who like a stroll this city is also very walkable.

Looking to get out of town or welcome visitors? Houston has two international airports which service 193 nonstop domestic and international destinations.

Distinguished School Districts Serving a Diverse Population

Families will find a variety of educational options in Houston, with over 60 public school districts in the greater metropolitan area, as well as dozens of state-approved charter schools and over 250 private schools. The largest independent school district, Houston ISD, serves over 200,000 students.

In addition to 50 trade, vocational, and business schools, the Houston area has over 40 colleges and universities, including big names like Rice University, University of Houston, and nearby Texas A&M University.

Heat, Humidity, and Precipitation Dominate Houston Weather

Although the winters are moderate, Houston has a humid subtropical climate influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, so expect the summers to be hot and sticky. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures hanging around the mid-90s. Residents make it work with air conditioning and plenty of time by the pool.

Luckily, because of the heat and humidity, Houston rarely sees snow—the city has had only 14 measurable snowfalls in the last 80 or so years, making it perfect for those escaping harsh northern winters. In fact, the temperature rarely drops below freezing. The coldest month of the year, January, sees temperatures around the mid-40s, so residents can enjoy more time outdoors.

Of course, rain will be a major factor in Houston. The city receives up to 53 inches of rain annually, more than the national average, and is susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding.

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Houston

You’ll have no problem finding things to do in Houston. Whether you’re fascinated with NASA’s space missions, love the outdoors, or want to check out one of the city’s many museums, there is plenty for everyone. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in Houston: 

• Explore the Houston Museum District, which features the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and 17 other museums. The best part? Ten of the 19 museums in the district are free to visit year-round!
• Visit the Johnson Space Center, NASA’s center for human spaceflight training, as well as its official visitor center and science museum, Space Center Houston.
• Rent a kayak and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the Buffalo Bayou or take a walk or a bike ride through Buffalo Bayou Park.
• Check out a baseball game at the air conditioned Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros.
• If you enjoy street art, you’ll love the Houston murals found adorning buildings throughout the city. We recommend starting with the collection of murals around the Houston Graffiti Building—make sure you grab a shot of the Houston is Inspired mural at 520 Travis Street.
• Venture to uptown Houston to have a picnic at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Make sure to get a photo in front of the park’s main feature: a multi-story sculptural fountain featuring a 64-foot waterfall that’s perfect for that selfie or family photo.
• Spend the day in nature at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, featuring specialty gardens such as the Hummingbird and Butterfly Island, Sensory Garden, and Wildlife Garden.
• Visit world-class art galleries or get that tattoo you’ve always wanted in the eccentric Montrose neighborhood.
• Grab some delicious Mexican food at the original Ninfa’s restaurant on Navigation Boulevard, where Mama Ninfa Laurenzo created the first fajita.
• Enjoy James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace sunset light sequence at Rice University, a Houstonite favorite since it first opened in 2012.