Houston 74 Excellent
Houston Livability #144 ranked city in Texas#4,009 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Houston

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

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What's it like Living in Houston?

Located in the state of Texas, Houston is a highly populated city with a population of 2,313,238 residents. Houston has a population density of 3,612 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Houston identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 38% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. With an average age of 33 years old, Houston could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 47% of the Houston population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Houston, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Houston is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Texas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Houston and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Houston to Texas and the national average.

With a livability score of 74 out of 100, Houston is ranked #3,820 in the United States and #143 in Texas. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Houston ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Houston scores poorly for, including: crime (F) and education (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're considering living in Houston, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Houston provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: The Galleria, The Galleria, and Space Center Houston.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Houston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Houston. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Houston are affordable. Median real estate prices in Houston come in at $186,800, which is 30.9% higher than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Houston, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 34.6% higher than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Houston

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Houston?

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Compare Houston, TX Livability

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      Houston transportation information

      Statistic Houston Texas National
      Average one way commute28min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.9%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.0%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.7%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home6.2%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Houston, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).