Relocation Guide, Houston, TX

Moving to Houston, Texas? Here's everything you need to know.

A no-fluff, locally-written guide to relocating to Houston: cost of living, neighborhoods, schools, taxes, climate, and what most people wish they'd known before the move.

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Houston at a glance

Population
2.3 million (metro: 7.3M)
Median home price
$335,000
Median rent
$1,450 / month
Cost of living index
96 (below US average)
Property tax
2.30% effective
Sales tax
8.25%
Summer avg high
94°F (July)
Winter avg low
45°F (January)

Why people move to Houston

Fourth-largest US city — most jobs, most industries, most everything

Energy, medical, aerospace, and shipping capital

Texas Medical Center is the world's largest medical complex

Housing is more affordable than Dallas or Austin

Massive dining scene, arguably the most diverse in the US

Where to live in Houston

A short guide to the neighborhoods newcomers actually consider.

River Oaks

Estate homes, old-money, top private schools

The Heights

Historic bungalows, walkable, family-friendly

Montrose

Eclectic, walkable, arts and dining

West University

Top schools, mid-century homes, tight-knit

Memorial

Estate homes, parks, top public schools

Galleria

High-rises, shopping, corporate corridor

Major employers

  • · ExxonMobil
  • · Shell
  • · Chevron
  • · Texas Medical Center
  • · United Airlines
  • · Sysco

Schools

Houston ISD plus top districts (Katy, Cy-Fair, Spring Branch, Memorial).

Airports

  • · George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
  • · Hobby (HOU)

What most newcomers wish they'd known

Traffic and sprawl are real, commutes vary wildly

Property taxes are the highest of major TX metros

Flood zones matter, check maps before you buy

Summers are hot and humid, worse than Dallas

Who thrives in Houston

Energy sectorMedical professionalsInternational transfereesFoodies

Moving to Houston from out of state?

Boxed Movers runs dedicated interstate lanes to Houston from all over the country. Common origins we handle every week:

Los Angeles to HoustonNew York to HoustonChicago to HoustonDenver to HoustonMiami to Houston

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