Photo by Vlad Busuioc on Unsplash
Living in Houston, Texas offers numerous advantages, from a vast range of job opportunities to countless options for recreation. The diverse culture, promising economy, sunny weather, bustling arts and culture scene, and fun outdoor activities – these are just some of the reasons why people love to live in Houston.
If you are considering a move to Houston, TX, here are some living in Houston, Texas pros and cons you should know before you make your decision.
Photo by Trac Vu
The Weather Will Continue to be Hot and Humid, so Pack Your Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent If You're Moving Here
#1: The Weather in Houston will be 1.8°F Warmer by 2036
While most long-time Houston residents are acclimated to its hot and humid summers, the prospect of the weather getting hotter isn’t something to be excited about. However, according to data from the Office of the Texas State Climatologist, the average temperature in Texas in 2036 is projected to be 1.8 °F warmer than the 1991–2020 average.
The City Is Expected to Grow by About 1 Million People in the Next Five Years
#2: By 2030, Houston is Projected to Have 2.8 Million Residents
Houston is currently growing at a rate of 0.83% annually. According to the most recent census, Houston had a population of 2,313,238 in 2020.
Photo by Trace Hudson
There Will Be More Jobs Available in the Coming Years, But Also a Higher Cost of Living
#3: There Will Be More Than 75,000 New Jobs in Houston, Texas in 2023
The Greater Houston Partnership predicts that there will be over 75,000 jobs coming in by 2023. The growth will be visible in every sector of the economy.
#4: Houston Has a Relatively Lower Cost of Living
One of the benefits of living in Houston, Texas is its low cost of living – 8.2% below the nationwide average and 35.5% below the average of the nation’s most populous metropolitan areas. And so, despite the forecasted rise in the cost of living, Houston will still have a lower cost of living compared to other parts of the country.
#5: Salary Increase in Houston is Higher Than the National Average
The average living wage in Houston, Texas, as of December 22, 2022, is $60,002 annually. This rose by 5.2% relative to the previous year. This growth is higher compared to the national average of 4.8%.
#6: Houston Has the Lowest Income Tax in the Nation
There are nine states in the country that operate without an income tax, and Texas is one of them.
The Cost of Living in Houston Will Continue to Rise, So Be Prepared for Higher Rent and Utility Bills
#7: Houston’s Electric Bill is 11% Lower Than the National Average
The monthly average electric bill in Houston, TX is $172, which translates to $2,064 per year. This is 11% lower than the national average electric bill of $2,318.
#8: The Average 2022 Rent in Houston is $1,350
As of December 25, 2022, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Houston, TX is $1,350. This is a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
#9: Rent in Houston Is Still Lower Than Most Cities in Texas
Despite the projected higher rent prices, Houston’s average rent is about 9% lower than the entire state of Texas, which has a monthly average rent of $1,278.
#10: Where to Find the Apartment You’re Looking for:
- The most affordable apartments in Houston can be found in South Park, where the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $724 a month.
- The most expensive apartments in Houston are in Montrose and Downtown, with an average monthly rent of $2,100.
- The most popular neighborhoods for apartments in Houston are Uptown and Eldridge – West Oaks, with average monthly rents of $1,533 and $1,268, respectively.
Photo by Diego Ramirez
Houston Is Known for Its Diverse Neighborhoods
#11: There’s a Home for Everyone in Houston
Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, you can find a perfect place to call home in Houston. Greater Houston boasts everything from quaint suburbs like the Woodlands to exclusive subdivisions in the Inner Loop like River Oaks.
#12: Some of the Best Suburbs in Houston, TX:
- The Woodlands
- Nassau Bay
- Cinco Ranch
- Sugar
#13: Some of the Best Neighborhoods in Houston, TX:
- River Oaks
- Tanglewood
- The Heights
- Museum District
- Spring Branch
You Need Not Go Farther Away to Watch Your Sports Heroes in Action
#14: Houston is Home to 3 Major Stadiums
One of the most fun outdoor activities in Houston, Texas is to watch a game at one of these highly immersive venues: Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park. or NRG Stadium.
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
Houston Promises to Satisfy Even the Most Discerning Palate
#15: Houston’s Food Scene is Unparalleled
Houstonians are treated to gastronomic adventures by award-winning chefs and renowned restaurants. This dining mecca’s reputation has been built by legendary chefs like Chris Shepard and Hugo Ortega. Check out the restaurants in Houston here.
Traffic Congestion Will Worsen, So Be Prepared for Longer Commute Times
#16: Houston’s Infamous Traffic is One of the Worst in the Nation
Below are the average travel times that workers 16 years and older usually take for a one-way trip from home to work:
- Atascocita: 34 minutes
- Baytown: 25 minutes
- Bellaire: 24 minutes
- Conroe: 28 minutes
- Houston: 28 minutes
- Humble: 26 minutes
- Jersey Village: 30 minutes
- Katy: 30 minutes
- Magnolia: 26 minutes
- Montgomery: 44 minutes
- Pasadena: 26 minutes
- Pearland: 35 minutes
- Spring: 33 minutes
- Sugar Land: 31 minutes
- The Woodlands: 29 minutes
- Tomball: 28 minutes
- West University Place: 21 minutes
Photo by Alisa Matthews on Unsplash
The Arts and Culture Scene Is Thriving in Houston, so There's Something for Everyone to Enjoy
#17: Houston is Internationally Recognized as a Performing and Visual Arts Mecca
Houston is one of a few cities in the country that can boast major symphony, ballet, opera, and theater companies of worldwide acclaim:
- Houston Ballet
- Houston Symphony
- Houston Grand Opera
- Da Camera of Houston
- Alley Theatre
- Theatre Under the Stars
- Society for the Performing Arts
#18: Houston Is Home to One of the Largest Museums in the Country
One of the best family activities in Houston, Texas is exploring museums, and this city happens to house one of the largest museums in the country – The Museum of Fine Arts, which features a vast collection of American, European, African, and Far Eastern art spanning some 6,000 years.
#19: You’ll Never Run Out of Museums to Visit in Houston, TX
There’s a vast array of museums in Houston, from those designed for younger art enthusiasts to those who have interests in the medical field:
- The Menil Collection
- The Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Holocaust Museum
- The Art Car Museum
- The National Museum of Funeral History
- The Health Museum
- The Contemporary Arts Museum
#20: Houston is One of the Top Concert Destinations in the Country
Some of the most famous concert venues in Houston include:
- Bayou Music Center
- Toyota Center
- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
- Smart Financial Centre
- White Oak Music Hall
- House of Blues Houston
Houston is a Great Place to Live, and It's Only Going to Get Better in the Years to Come!
Definitely! And I’m here to help you find your dream home in this wonderful city. Feel free to give me a call at 832.273.9995 or email me at sheryl.davis@gmail.com for any real estate-related inquiries about Houston, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 3 neighborhoods in Houston to live in, in 2023?
The top 3 neighborhoods to live in, in 2023 are Downtown Houston, where you’ll find the famous Minute Maid Park, concert venues, bars and restaurants, the city’s theater district, and public parks with events; Midtown, where the bars, museums, shops, and restaurants are highly walkable; and Memorial, which is rated one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family in Houston.
What is the population of Houston in 2023?
If past trends continue, Houston’s population will be around 2,354,083 by 2023.
How much will it cost to buy a house in Houston in 2023?
Home prices are projected to rise by 4.5% in the Houston area in 2023.
