Moving to Houston in 2024?
Complete Moving Guide

Planning to move to Houston?

Moving is a big change in anyone’s life, and if you are planning to move to some place new then you must be prepared. You need to be prepared financially, emotionally and physically for the big change in life. If you decide to move to Houston, then you must know that Houston is a large and diverse city with numerous opportunities for its residents. The cost of living in Houston is relatively low and has affordable housing. You must know that the property taxes are higher in the city. The job market is strong and the city is culturally diverse. If you are moving to Houston then be prepared to experience extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, thunderstorms and more. However, this much information is not enough to decide whether the city will be a perfect fit for you and your family. 

We have prepared a city guide that will help you learn all the details about the city. Let us explore Houston together. 

• Quick Facts of Houston
• Top reasons to move to Houston
• Pros & Cons of Living in Houston
• Best Neighborhoods in the Houston
• Cost of living in Houston
• Houston job market
• Major industries in Houston
• Top Career Options in Houston
• Best things to do in Houston
• Education System in Houston
• Type of insurance required in Houston
• Taxes in Houston

Quick Facts of Houston

Let us check out some quick and interesting facts about Houston

Top reasons to move to Houston

Before moving to Houston, you must get some strong reasons that encourage you to move there. 

Source: Houston Chronicles

Pros & Cons of Living in Houston

A new city means new challenges and struggles to find better solutions. But if you know about all the pros and cons of the city then you can easily find the way to a new city. Let’s check out the pros and cons of living in Houston 

Sources: Houston Chronicle: https://www.chron.com/

Best Neighborhoods in the Houston

When you move to a new city, you want to find a perfect neighborhood to make your home there. In this section of our guide, we have listed the best neighborhoods in the city-

Source: Niche

Cost of living in Houston

The cost of living in Houston is relatively low compared to other cities in the US. The cost of living in Houston is 4.7% below the national average. The cost of living is influenced by several parameters like lifestyle, mode of transportation, type of house, and personal expenses.

The cost of living in Houston is affordable and the cost can be managed easily if the budget is created efficiently. Before moving to Houston, you must know about all the expenses that will be added to your budget. In this section, we have compiled the data about the cost of living in Houston-

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research: https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/tx/houston/

Housing Market in Houston 

The housing market in Houston is currently in the cooldown phase. The home prices and sales of houses are declining due to several factors including inflation, economic uncertainty and increasing interest rates. In October 2023, the median home price in Houston was #314,889 which is 6% lower than the last year.

Source: Houston Association of Realtors (HAR)

Average rental cost in Houston

The average rental cost in Houston ranges between $1,299 and $2,022. The rental value can depend on the amenities, neighborhood and other factors. It has been reported that the average rental price has decreased by 2% since last year.

Source: RentCafe

Houston job market

If you are moving for a better job to Houston, then you have made the right decision. Currently, the job market of Houston I strong with high demand for workers.

It is estimated that the job market in Houston will continue to grow in coming years where several industries like energy, technology and healthcare will flourish.

The unemployment rate in Houston is below the national average and it was 3.9% in October 2023.

Source: Texas Workforce Commission

Top Career Options in Houston

As you are moving to Houston to find a better career opportunity, then you should about the top opportunities available in the city. In this section, we have compiled a list of top career options for everyone-

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Median Salary in Houston

The median salary in Houston is $71,520 which is higher than the national median salary of $53,490. The reason for such a high median salary is the strong economy of the city.

Source: Salary.com: https://www.salary.com/

Major industries in Houston

The economy of Houston is strong with several industries that offer high-paying jobs to the residents and newcomers. Let us check out the major industries in Houston-

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Best things to do in Houston

There are plenty of options for everyone to do something in Houston-

Source: Visit Houston: https://www.visithoustontexas.com/

Education System in Houston

Moving to a new city means you have to secure a place for your child in a good school, college or university. But which school or educational institution is best in the neighborhood you choose is difficult to find.

So, Van Lines Move have simplified your search by listing the top elementary, middle and high schools and also the best universities and colleges in Houston

Source: Niche

Transportation & Navigation in Houston

Moving to a new city and getting around can be challenging. But with some guidance, you can find a way to your destination without spending too much money and wasting your valuable time. Check out this section to find transportation and navigation systems in Houston as the city has multiple options like public transportation, private vehicles, bicycle and more-

Public Transportation- In Houston, public transportation is provided by METRO. Though the METRO system is not extensive like other major cities it provides buses and light rail trains in the city.

Driving- The most common way to get around the city in Houston is driving. So, if you are moving to Houston, you can ride your car. The city has great connectivity with freeways, highways and toll roads. Parking can be a problem in Downtown but you can find plenty of parking garages available.

Cycling- This is one of the growing modes of transportation in Houston. There are several bike lanes and trails in the city. Various companies in Houston are promoting cycling as a healthier option for getting around.

Navigation- Houston is a large city and it is challenging to understand the complex road system. However, you can use GPS and mapping apps to get around.

Source: METRO: http://www.ridemetro.org/

Type of insurance required in Houston

Insurance provides assurance and financial support at the time of loss or damage to your valuables. There are different types of insurance that you need in Houston-

Property Insurance- This type of insurance will protect your home or business from any damage or loss caused by fire, theft, or any other event. This insurance is required by lenders for homeowners and business owners.

Health Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law in Texas but you can buy it for your benefit. This insurance will help you pay for medical expenses including medication, doctor visits and hospital stays.

Life Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law but can provide you with financial support in the event of your death

Auto Insurance- This type of insurance is required by law in Texas and all the drivers are required to have this insurance. This provides liability coverage to pay for any damages caused to other people’s property by an accident.

Worker’s compensation insurance- This is required by law in Texas for all employers with one or more than one employee. This will provide financial support to the employees who get injured or ill on the job.

Cyber Insurance- This type of insurance protects businesses from any loss caused by cyberattacks and data breaches.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/

Taxes in Houston

Taxes are a major part of the cost of living and you must be aware of all types of taxes you have to pay in Houston-

Income Tax- The city does not have any city income tax, but there is a state income tax in Texas. So, you have to pay state income tax that ranges between 0%-5.4%.

Property Tax- The property tax in Houston is high and the value of the tax depends on the assessed value of the property. Currently, the property tax rate in Houston is 2.58%.

Vehicle Registration Feed- This is the tax on the registration of a vehicle. The vehicle registration fee is based on the weight of the vehicle.

Sales Tax- There is a sales tax on most services and goods in Houston. The sales tax rate in Houston is 8.25%.

Hotel Occupancy Tax- This tax is a tax on the hotel rooms and the rate of this tax is 7%.

Source: City of Houston: https://www.houstontx.gov/

FAQs

• 1. How can I get a quote for moving services from Van Lines Move?

  Ans: Getting a moving quote from Van Lines Move is easy, and there are multiple ways to request a moving estimate-

  You can visit the website and click the "Get Quote" button. There will be a series of questions. At the end, you will get move quotations.

  You can call 833 408 0606 and ask our customer support representative to provide you moving estimates as per the moving details.

• 2. How can Van Lines Move assist with moving to Houston?

  Ans: Van Lines Move provides a wide range of moving services for cross-country relocation needs. If you are planning a long-distance move then we can help you find-

  A professional and experienced moving company.

  The moving crew will handle packing, loading-unloading, and transportation.

  Take care of junk after the move is completed.

  Assist you throughout the move and help in settling into a new house.

  Ensure the safety of belongings with Moving Insurance

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.