Moving to the Space City
Home to great professional sports teams and the world’s largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions, Houston is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth most populated city in the United States. What makes the H-Town more desirable than Boston and one of the best places to live in the US? We say its rapid job growth, affordable cost of living, robust economy, and delicious cuisine.
Located in Southeast Texas, Houston is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities. In 2012, it even managed to surpass New York City and Los Angeles for its high percentage of inhabitants coming from different backgrounds. Houston is often nicknamed the “Space City” as it is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Moving from the capital of Massachusetts to a global city like Houston will definitely change your lifestyle.
Compared to Boston’s humid continental climate, Houston has a humid subtropical climate that is typical for the Southern part of the US. Get ready to experience a totally different climate with mild winters and long summers that are very hot and humid. The city also receives about 53 inches of rainfall per year and is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding.
Economy and Job Growth
Houston’s economy is mainly based on energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation industries, as well as healthcare and biomedical research. The Port of Houston is also responsible for the growth of Houston’s economy. It is the 10th largest port in the world and ranks first in international commerce in the United States. During the last decade, Houston’s job market has expanded significantly. With many Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city.
Housing and Living Costs
With great job growth and affordable housing and living costs, it is no wonder why hundreds of people move to Houston every day. Compared to Boston, the housing and living costs in Houston are lower. In general, living costs in Houston are 40% cheaper than in Boston, while the median home cost is 70% less expensive.
Things to do in Houston
From visiting attractions like the Museum District, Theater District, the Galleria, Underground Tunnel Tour, Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, and Houston Zoo, to attending various cultural events that bring together millions of visitors from all over the world every year, your life in Houston will be radiant and full of surprises.
Houston has over 50,000 acres of park space so you will have plenty of opportunities to visit parks like the Hermann Park, Memorial Park, Discovery Green, and Buffalo Bayou Park and explore the outdoors whenever you get the chance.
Moving to Houston with a car
Even though Houston is one of the greenest cities in the southern part of the United States, it is not a very walk-friendly city and its public transit system is still underdeveloped. That is why owning a car in Houston is almost a necessity for the majority of the population.
Once you establish your move in the H-Town, you will have 30 days to register your vehicle with the TX DMV. Keep in mind, that besides all the other documents you need to submit at your local County Tax Office, you also need to have valid auto insurance and get your car inspected in advance.