MOVING TO HOUSTON IN 2023? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you’re considering moving to another location, there’s no place better than Houston to call your next home. It’s a bustling metropolis with vibrant energy and a rich cultural heritage. Home to the world’s first domed stadium and the nation’s oldest Hindu temple, you might know Baghdad on the Bayou as the location of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Its population is already on the rise since COVID-19. Statistics show that Houston saw the second-largest population increase between 2021 and 2022. And the largest surge was observed in Dallas, another Texan metropolis. So, is there anything you must know before moving to Houston? Yes, here’s what you need to bear in mind.
- Stable housing market
Houston’s housing market remains stable, with just a 0.3% increase observed in home prices between 2022 and 2023. So, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a spacious residence affordably. Just make sure you rent or buy a house in a safe neighborhood since Houston is notorious for its high crime rate (50.4), which is more than double the national average (22.7).
But there’s a simple solution to this problem, i.e., placing your valuables in external storage. Renting a self-storage facility can help to keep your possessions safe from violent crime or natural accidents. Finding reliable, affordable storage in Houston, Texas, to safeguard your belongings is easy. Look around the internet and find 24/7 monitored, climate-controlled units in Houston.
Just check online reviews before actually renting out a storage facility, though!
- A lot of diversity
People from different ethnic and religious backgrounds inhabit Houston, making it one of the leading hubs of diversity and inclusion in the whole country. It is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, and this diversity is one of its greatest strengths. You will find people from all over the world living in Houston, and this diversity is reflected in the city’s culture, food, and entertainment.
As a melting pot of cultures and traditions, Houston is the perfect place to start a family. Its welcoming atmosphere and friendly residents create a sense of belonging for newcomers!
- A low cost of living
Many Americans have been switching homes after the pandemic and relocating to Texas to avoid heavy taxes. In Houston, the cost of living is 8% less than the national average, making it an ideal location for your next family home. You shall easily afford utilities and groceries living in Houston.
Living in an affordable new location means spending more on your family’s welfare. Houston gives people another chance to upgrade their standard of living without budget issues.
- Delicious Texan cuisine
Living in Houston means exploring the diverse dining options available here every night. Houston’s food scene is an unmatched combination of flavors, offering everything from Tex-Mex and barbecue to international cuisine. The city’s diverse culinary concepts and award-winning dining establishments have led to Houston’s ranking as the fifth-best epicurean center in the United States.
- The City is Huge
Covering around 627 square miles, Houston is one of the tenth-largest U.S. cities and the largest town in Texas. Getting around this huge metropolis can be difficult, even via public transportation. So, many residents in Houston own cars. The city’s car-centric infrastructure also makes navigation easier when driving around in your vehicle. But the downsides of living in a huge city still won’t budge.
To avoid hour-long commutes, ensure your house is closer to your workplace.
- Lots of park space
Space City has almost 50,000 acres of park space where you can enjoy the outdoors and live a healthy life close to nature. Along with its 366 parks, the city offers 125 miles of hiking and biking trails.
This abundance of parks, nature reserves, and green spaces makes Houston an ideal place to engage in different adventures. Since the Gulf Coast, you can go for beach outings and water activities. Bring your family to Galveston Island and enjoy watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Weather is brutal
Because it’s situated on a low-lying coastal plain, it’s prone to excessive flooding, which causes a lot of property damage. The city’s poorly-maintained infrastructure doesn’t help prevent deluges either. But some Houston neighborhoods are immune from the effects of flooding, so you should look into buying a house in these areas. Moreover, hurricanes can also pose a serious threat to your safety.
The hurricane season in Texas runs from June to November, so keeping your family safe in the summer is important. Be prepared for long, warm, humid summers in this Texan town.
- Economy is booming
While many American cities suffer from a lack of proper job growth, the unemployment rate in Space City continues to plummet. The Texan economy was already growing steadily as of December 2022. A survey shows that Houston’s unemployment dropped by almost 1% between 2021 and 2022.
Even before the pandemic, reports show Houston is the best Texan city for people without a college education. So, a person can easily find a modest-paying job in this amazing city’s booming economy.
- Learn about taxes
Sure, there aren’t any income taxes in Houston. Many billionaires like to relocate to Texas, especially from states like California, notorious for their high-income taxation laws. However, the “no income tax” dream isn’t nothing but a fool’s paradise. You’ll still have to pay your dues to the government in other forms, such as Texas’s incredibly high property taxes.
It’s estimated that the combined sales tax rate for Houston homeowners lies at a modest 8.25% as of 2023. So, when relocating, you must carefully budget your move to Houston, Texas!
Conclusion
Trying to relocate to Houston? Good for you! Just do some research on the city to make your move a stress-free experience for your family. Houston is a welcoming community with a booming economy and a pretty low cost of living. It’s filled with cultural centers and fine-dining options but extreme weather conditions.
But soon, you shall find yourself falling in love with everything this thriving Texan metropolis offers.
