Houston's alluring charm, good economy, and diverse culture are not secret anymore. From affordable housing and rising job options to world-class medical facilities and great home energy plans, Houston seems like the ideal place to live. But is it truly the perfect fit? Let's dive into our blog to find out more about this amazing city and its offers.
Is it a good idea to move to Houston, Texas?
Houston is a vibrant city that has much to offer, from charming neighborhoods to vast green spaces. However, you still might wonder, "Is it expensive to live in Houston?" or "Does it have a good school system?" Let's see what we found out.
Housing Costs
Living in Houston offers the advantage of affordable housing options. The city has some of the lowest home prices among major urban centers. With an average home value of $264,540 and a median rent of $1,279 for a one-bedroom apartment, Houston provides attractive opportunities for homeowners and renters. If you are wondering what’s the best place to live in Houston, Texas, first you need to consider various factors, including budget, closeness to schools, and your lifestyle. For sure, River Oaks and the Museum District are the most expensive neighborhoods to live in. But other places, such as Hearthwood Condominiums, North Houston, and East Houston, offer more affordable housing options.
Costs of living
Houston has a cost of living that is 8% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable option compared to many other cities. But, what salary is needed to live comfortably in Houston? The average salary is $78,000 a year, meaning that you can easily cover rent and other living costs in Houston and enjoy the quality of life.
Deregulated electricity market
One of the main benefits of moving to Houston is more affordable electrical bills. In case you've missed it, Texas boasts a deregulated electricity market, meaning that consumers can choose among the best electricity plans in Texas. Rhythm Energy plans are designed with the idea to take care of your budget and take care of the planet.
Job market
Houston is a Mecca for job seekers, offering a growing job market in diverse industries, like oil and gas, technology, healthcare, and medical research. The city hosts dozens of Fortune 500 companies, such as United Airlines, Walmart, Kroger, Memorial Hermann, Shell Oil, and Houston Methodist, so finding a job is a breeze.
Weather
Among the most important things to know about Houston before moving is the weather. Houston experiences a humid climate with hot summers and mild winters. So, if you don't like high temperatures, better choose some other place to move to. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to the 90s°F. The good thing about these is that you can benefit a lot from solar energy. Rhythm Energy has the best solar energy plans in Texas, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term savings.
Utility costs
As we mentioned, consumers can choose different pricing schemes. Time of use pricing scheme allows residents to take advantage of lower energy costs during off-peak and ultra off-peak hours. By adjusting your habits and controlling the usage of high-energy-consuming appliances during off-peak hours, you can save a lot on your electricity bills.
Transportation
If you are thinking of moving to Houston, Texas, consider buying a car. Houston, like Texas, is incredibly large. It covers an area of 640.4 square miles (1,659 km2), making it the ninth-largest city in the United States. With such vast dimensions, Houston offers plenty of space to explore, live, and experience, but for all of that, you would need a car.
Healthcare system
When considering the pros and cons of moving to Houston, the healthcare system is a significant factor. Houston offers world-class medical services and renowned research institutions. Moreover, the cost of healthcare in Houston is 3.6 percent cheaper than the national average. Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital are just some of the reputable healthcare facilities.
Schools
If you have children, moving to Houston might be a good idea because the city offers families strong school systems and quality education. For example, HISD, the public school system, is praised for its excellent AP program offering rich resources for its students. There are more than 300 private schools and 14 colleges, including Rice University and Houston University. So, if you are wondering: “Is Houston a good place to raise a family?”, the answer is yes. With affordable living costs, a reputable schooling system, and professional healthcare centers, Houston is certainly on top of the list of cities to raise a family.
Beaches
If you love beach getaways, there's something to be aware of before moving to Houston. The city is not located directly on the coast, but the good news is that beautiful Gulf Coast beaches are still within a reasonable driving distance. However, for many people who used to have access to the beach at any moment, the distance to the nearest beach becomes a significant factor when considering a move to Houston. If you are moving from California to Houston, Texas, it's good to include other factors, beyond beach nearness.
Green places
Although it is one of the biggest cities in the United States, Houston is well-known for its green open spaces. When hot summer days come, you would be more than happy to know that the city has 50,000 acres of parks. Residents can enjoy different activities, like walking, running, making a picnic, or just relaxing.
What to do before moving to Houston?
Moving to another city always requires careful planning and organization, but here are three crucial things you should prioritize before making the final move to Houston:
Research the cost of living: With affordable living costs, Houston is one of the most desirable cities to move in. However, compare the expenses with your current place first, so you can make the best decision.
Explore neighborhoods: Houston is a big city with different neighborhoods. Search to find the best fit for your lifestyle and taste.
Find the best electricity plans: If you decide to move to Houston, don't forget to choose a renewable energy plan. In addition, Rhythm Energy moving plans offer protection for your electrical devices from unexpected power surges.
Why are so many people moving to Houston, Texas?
Many people move to Houston because of a strong job market, affordable housing, and some of the best solar energy plans in Texas. The city also has renowned medical facilities, strong schools, and green outdoor spaces. However, hot weather, occasional hurricanes, and the lack of a sea coast are some factors that might not be a preferred choice by everyone. Moving to Houston, Texas has pros and cons that you should be aware of before making the final decision.
Is Dallas or Houston better to live in?
First and foremost, don’t ask a native of either city which one prevails–you’ll start an argument. But, really, it depends on your needs. While Both cities offer unique advantages, Houston is smaller than Dallas but has a lower cost of living. You should carefully consider your priorities and lifestyle to determine which city better fits your lifestyle.
