Living in Houston, Texas: 14 Things To Know About Life in Bayou City

Houston is a big city in a big state, so there’s a lot to consider when relocating to this diverse and booming metropolis. From its vibrant food scene to melting-pot neighborhoods, its affordable housing options to mosquito-laden humidity — here are some key things to know about living in Houston, Texas, before making your move.

Houston at a Glance:

• As the largest and most populous city in both Texas and the Southern United States, the Houston metro, officially Houston-The Woodlands-Sugarland, teems with an estimated 6.9 million residents across a sprawling 9,444 square miles.  
• Houston proper is home to 2.3 million residents over a 665-square-mile area.
• The metro makes up the southeast corner of the Texas Triangle, or “Texaplex” — a mega-region that includes the state’s four largest city areas: Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Living in Houston, Texas, means a lower cost of living — and that means more opportunity to enjoy life in this vibrant city.
(Source: Visit Houston via Facebook)

1. The Cost of Living in Houston, Texas, Is Below the National Average

H-Town gives your wallet a bit of a breather since the cost of living in Houston, Texas, is a smidge cheaper than the U.S. average. Houston’s cost of living is 3.1 percent below the U.S. average and 2.9 percent above the state average.

2. Houston Homes Are Affordable

If you’re looking for affordability in the Lone Star State, a safe bet is Houston. Housing costs are about 27 percent below the national average. Compared to major metros of comparable size, Houston housing is remarkably affordable: Chicago homes, for example, are 14.6 percent more expensive on average, and Phoenix homes are a whopping 66.6 percent higher.

• Houston’s average home value: $260,100 — down 3.2 percent in the last year.
• National average home value: $357,300 — up 0.1 percent in the last year.

3. You’ll Find a Diverse Mix of Rental Options in All Price Ranges

The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Houston is around $1,200, which is about $550 lower than the national average. But that doesn’t tell the whole picture. Living in Houston, Texas, means lots of options for housing, from one-bedrooms to luxury rentals. According to RentCafe:

• The most affordable Houston rentals can be found in Golfcrest, where the average rent for a 1-bedroom is about $900 a month.
• The most expensive apartments are in University Place, Museum District, and Neartown-Montrose, with average monthly rents between $2,300 and $2,600.

Map of Houston’s 610 Loop

The day-to-day experience of living in Houston, Texas, differs depending on whether you live inside or outside “the Loop.”
(Source: Google Maps)

4. Looking for the Best Neighborhoods for Living in Houston, Texas? Think Inside and Outside “the Loop.”

The city’s urban center is enclosed by the square-ish Interstate 610 — what locals call “the Loop.” As you explore Houston neighborhoods, you’ll notice distinctions inside and outside this stretch of major highway.

Here’s a quick look at some top Houston neighborhoods inside the Loop, plus one that’s right on the border:

Houston Heights

Located northwest of Downtown, The Heights is one of Houston’s most walkable communities, with a vibrant antique and dining scene unlike anywhere else in the city. Homes in this area have an average value of $599,200. Must visit: James Beard-nominated Casaema for scrumptious pastries, breads, and coffees.

River Oaks

Just three miles west of Downtown and one of Houston’s oldest and most affluent neighborhoods, this historic community is protected by strict architectural standards and building restrictions. Mansions dating from the 1920s line the streets of River Oaks, where the median home sale price is a cool $2.6 million. One property that’s decidedly not for sale is the iconic Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

West University Place

Just a mile from Rice University and 20 minutes from Downtown Houston, West U (as locals call it) is home to a thriving community. The neighborhood’s expansive park system, beautiful homes, and tree-lined streets are major draws, pushing the median home sale price to $1.5 million.

Greater Hobby Area

Though technically outside the Loop, the Hobby area is so close to the action (just 10 miles from Downtown) that the convenience factor is still strong — especially with its proximity to William P. Hobby Airport, a big plus for folks living in Houston, Texas. With a median home sale price of $269,000, this neighborhood is a great place for first-time homebuyers who have the courage needed to survive a home remodel. 

The Woodlands is known as one of the best H-Town suburbs, with all the perks and benefits of living in Houston, Texas.
(Source: The Woodlands Township via Facebook)

Here’s a quick overview of some of the best suburbs for living in Houston, Texas, outside the Loop:

The Woodlands

About 30 miles north of Downtown Houston, The Woodlands is an award-winning master-planned community that balances nature with business, innovation, and neighborhood living. The Woodlands’ nine residential villages and Town Center with over 2,000 businesses sit on 28,500 acres — nearly 8,000 acres of which is still open space. The Woodlands’ median home sale price is $575,000.

Clear Lake

About 21 miles southeast of Downtown Houston, this area is close to major aerospace headquarters — like Boeing and Lockheed Martin — and home to the Johnson Space Center (of “Houston, we have a problem” fame). While the median home sale price is $320,000, there’s a good mix of older single-family homes, luxury townhomes in gated communities, and condos.

Sugar Land

About 20 miles southwest of Downtown Houston, Sugar Land offers small-town hospitality with big-city amenities. The median home sale price here is $443,000, but when you see the collection of master-planned communities with golf courses, lakes, highly-rated schools, and convenient dining and shopping, you’ll wonder why it isn’t more!

Living in Houston often means spending time behind the wheel — but traffic isn’t the worst you’ll find.
(Source: @nano_montoya82 via Instagram)

5. Commuting Here Is No Cakewalk — But It’s Not the Worst

Living in Houston, Texas, means spending more time on the road than most Americans, with some parts of the metro averaging an hour or more each day, based on government traffic studies. Although there’s a light rail system with three lines covering about 22 miles, the car culture runs strong in Houston.

Efforts are underway to improve the city’s transportation infrastructure, including continued expansion of the city’s bus routes, improved sidewalks, and extension of the light rail system. And, like any other major city, some neighborhoods are more commutable than others. The most transit-friendly neighborhoods in Houston tend to be around Downtown and the southern portion of the Loop.

6. Houston’s Diversity May Surprise You

According to WalletHub, Houston is the fifth-most diverse large city in America, with high-diversity scores across multiple metrics, including socioeconomics, culture, economics, and religion. Interestingly, Houston ranks just above New York City, which one might assume would have the top spot.

Houston is home to several international communities and cultural enclaves, including a packed roster of festivals and trade shows. Visitors from all over the world travel annually to attend the city’s large-scale industry and cultural events, including the Bayou City Art Festival, Houston Auto Show, Houston Fashion Week, Houston Pride Parade, and, of course, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Houston is one of the most diverse large cities in the U.S. — No. 5, in fact — with a dynamic arts scene that often nods to its storied space travel history.
(Source: Visit Houston via Facebook)

7. You Can Call it “Space City,” the “Bayou City,” or Choose From a Bunch of Other Nicknames

Houston has so many nicknames that there’s a Wikipedia page just to help you keep them straight. But the two most popular are “Space City,” because it’s home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and “Bayou City,” for the 22 meandering waterways that wind through the area. Living in Houston, Texas, means the best of both worlds — reaching for the stars, and staying grounded in the earthbound beauty of the Lone Star State’s parks, rivers, and open spaces.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston, the largest Hindu temple in Texas, welcomes worshipers and visitors from around the region.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

8. The Bayou City Has a Lot of Superlatives

Maybe it’s the “Don’t Mess with Texas” effect, but Houston is really good at being big and setting records. Here are just a few good things about Houston:

• Texas Medical Center in Houston is the largest medical complex in the world.

• Houston’s Galleria is the biggest mall in Texas and the third-largest in the U.S.
• Houston is home to the Astrodome, the world’s first domed air-conditioned stadium.
• The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the largest Hindu temple in Texas and the first of its kind in North America
• The Houston Grand Opera is the only opera company that has won all three major awards — Grammy, Tony, and Emmy.
• Houston is Beyoncé’s hometown. Consider that a triumph in itself! 

From kindergarten to post-grad research, education and innovation are front and center in Houston.
(Source: Houston Independent School District via Facebook)

9. K-12 Parents Look to the Suburbs, While Higher-Ed Students Love Living in Houston Proper

Is Houston a good place to live for families? Yes, it’s great for those interested in a quality education for their children. Here’s why Houston parents with school-aged children tend to prefer the suburbs, while college students flock to the city:

• Most top-rated public schools in Houston are located in surrounding suburbs outside of Houston’s Loop.
• The greater Houston area has 14 major institutions of higher learning, including the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and Rice University.

Some like it hot — but Houston’s many parks and rivers offer respite from the city’s humid subtropical climate.
(Source: Visit Houston via Facebook)

10. Most Don’t Like the Weather in Houston, But Some Love It

What is Houston like, weather-wise? Let’s just say, if you like heat, you’ll love Houston. The city has a hot and humid subtropical climate, with low temperatures around 40°F in January and highs around 95°F in August. The city experiences plenty of rainfall throughout the year, some dry spells in summer, and occasional bouts of severe weather blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico. Besides the heat and humidity, here are two important factors to keep in mind about living in Houston, Texas:

• The risk of flooding is increasing in Houston, not only from hurricanes like Harvey, which pounded the city in 2017, but also from other weather events. Before choosing a home, check this guide to avoid areas prone to flooding.  
• If you have respiratory issues, you may have trouble with Houston’s air quality. Pollution from heavy chemical industries, high temperatures, and long runs of rain and humidity combine to create difficult conditions for residents with asthma, allergies, and lung problems.

Is Houston safe? H-Town may have a high crime rate, but city leaders and law enforcement agencies are working hard to keep residents protected.
(Source: Houston Police Department via Facebook)

11. The Crime Rate Is High, But There Are Ways to Feel More Secure

Is Houston safe? Depends on where you are in the city. You should be aware that Houston’s crime rate is ranked higher than many U.S. cities. Residents have a 1 in 18 chance of being the victim of violent or property crime. Don’t let this give you too much hesitation about living in Houston, though. Houston’s leaders have undertaken a coordinated effort aimed at reducing crime in the city, focusing on areas including Westside, South Gessner, Southeast Houston, North Belt, South Central, and Midwest. 

A prosperous economy, massive workforce, and inviting business environment make living in Houston, Texas, an easy choice for many young professionals.
(Source: Visit Houston via Facebook)

12. Houston’s Job Market Offers Plenty of Opportunities

Houston’s economy is huge — with an estimated 3.5 million people employed in non-farm jobs across the Houston metro area. In fact, Houston’s city limits contain the third-highest number of Fortune 500 headquarters of any U.S. municipality, after New York City and Chicago. Houston’s top industries include energy (oil and gas extraction), life sciences, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, digital technology, and transportation.

The fact that Texas is one of eight U.S. states without any personal state income tax helps those living in Houston with budgeting and creates growth-driven venture opportunities, but the tradeoff comes in cuts to government-led funding and initiatives.

With James Beard nominations and Michelin Stars in its midst, Houston’s cuisine scene ranks among the finest in the world — move over, Paris.
(Source: Hugo’s via Facebook)

13. The Houston Dining Scene Is a Foodie’s Paradise

Is Houston a good place to live for foodies? You bet — living in Houston, Texas, is deliciously satisfying! With more than 10,000 restaurants representing over 70 countries and American regions to choose from, it’s no wonder Houston’s dining scene has been compared to the likes of NYC. In 2025, the James Beard Foundation honored 13 Houston-area restaurants and chefs in seven categories with nominations, with Thomas Billie of Belly of the Beast winning the Best Chef designation.

Buffalo Bayou Park welcomes those living in Houston, Texas looking for shade and beautiful river views.
(Source: Buffalo Bayou Park via Facebook)

14. These Are the Top 10 Things To Do in Houston

If you’re new to the Bayou City and want to start living in Houston like a local, check off these tried-and-true Houstonian hits:

1. Attend rotating exhibits and performances in the Museum and Theater Districts.
2. Take a dozen or so distillery tours; you won’t run out anytime soon.
3. Wander Houston’s rave-worthy Chinatown.
4. Buy season tickets for the Houston Astros.
5. Check out the year-round exhibitions at Space Center Houston.
6. Escape to Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou for a relaxing time outdoors.
7. Explore nearby parks and nature sites, including Houston Arboretum and Nature Center (10 miles west of Downtown Houston), Big Thicket National Reserve (1.5-hour drive), and Padre Island National Seashore (4-hour drive).
8. Stroll around the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park on hot summer days.
9. Shop Houston’s world-class farmer’s markets for fresh produce on weekends.
10. Test out hundreds of authentic BBQ and seafood spots around the city.

15. Texans Love Texas

Something you’re sure to notice in your first weeks of living in Houston, Texas, is the Lone Star pride coursing through the veins of each and every local. This isn’t just a Houston thing either; you’ll find it throughout the state. The Texas flag flies high beside Ol’ Glory everywhere you look. And, while it may seem odd at first, we’re confident that after tasting enough BBQ, seeing enough Astros games, and dancing enough honky-tonk, you’ll start to experience it for yourself.

What To Know Before Moving to Houston? Key Takeaways

TL;DR? That’s ok. If you want to hit the high notes on what it’s like to live in Houston, TX, here are this article’s main points.

• There's a wide range of rental and home prices: From very affordable areas like Golfcrest to luxury neighborhoods inside "the Loop" like River Oaks.
• Houston is one of the most diverse large cities in the U.S.: With strong international communities, cultural enclaves, and major festivals.
• Living in Houston means needing a car (probably): While a light rail and bus system exist, Houston is largely car-centric, and commutes can be long, though efforts to improve transit are ongoing.
• The weather is hot and humid: With high temperatures in summer and mild winters. Significant factors include a risk of flooding and occasional air quality issues.
• The economy is large and diversified: Featuring lots of opportunities in major industries, like energy, aerospace, and healthcare.
• The city is a foodie paradise: And residents can enjoy over 10,000 restaurants representing global cuisines.
• Top-rated public K-12 schools are typically found in the suburbs: While the city proper is home to 14 major institutions of higher education.
• Houston's crime rate is higher than the national average: And it's important to research specific neighborhoods and flood zones before choosing where to live.

Moving to Houston With PODS

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Amelia England is a content writer and regular contributor to the PODS Blog. Between college, grad school, and seasonal adventures, she has downsized and relocated over 25 times.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}