Living in Houston, TX, often referred to as 'Space City,' offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and cosmopolitan culture. Located in southeastern Texas, Houston is a sprawling city that serves as a major hub for the energy industry. Major nearby cities like Austin and San Antonio add to its significance as a central economic and cultural center in the region. Houston's diverse population and vibrant communities make it a dynamic place to live.
Houston boasts several landmarks that reflect its unique character, including Space Center Houston, which offers an in-depth look at NASA's space exploration efforts, the Houston Zoo, home to a vast array of wildlife, and the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an extensive collection of artworks. The city offers a variety of attractions, including the vibrant Theater District, which features numerous performing arts venues, and the scenic Buffalo Bayou Park, perfect for outdoor activities. Houston's dining scene is equally impressive, offering a diverse array of culinary options that range from Tex-Mex to international cuisine.
Annual events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Art Car Parade highlight the city's lively cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors alike. These events celebrate Houston's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Major universities such as Rice University and the University of Houston enhance the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, contributing to a thriving intellectual community and offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
The arts and culture scene in Houston is thriving, with institutions like the Houston Grand Opera and the Contemporary Arts Museum providing residents with access to world-class performances and exhibitions. The city's numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries offer endless opportunities for cultural engagement. Living in Houston means being part of a community that values creativity and cultural expression.
Houston’s community is diverse and welcoming, with professional sports teams like the Texans (NFL), Rockets (NBA), and Astros (MLB) providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Key industries in Houston include energy, healthcare, and aerospace, with major employers like ExxonMobil and Texas Medical Center driving economic growth and innovation. The city has extensive public transit options, including METRO buses and light rail, making it easier for residents to navigate the expansive urban landscape. Houston experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, allowing for a comfortable year-round outdoor lifestyle.
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.
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.
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.
| Statistic | Houston | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 28min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.9% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.7% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.2% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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